Brigitte Bardot turns 75...

Brigitte Bardot, the screen goddess who became a symbol of feminism and sexual liberation, turns 75 on Monday with her native France again honouring her with a first exhibition on her life.

Now a virtual recluse who walks on crutches because of arthritis, Bardot will neither attend the Tuesday launch of "Brigitte Bardot: The Carefree Years" -- nor appear on camera.

But in a voiced comment on French television she said: "I am proud to have an exhibition, to be recognised for what I've done with my life."

An icon of the 20th century, the little girl who loved stuffed animals and ballet dancing grew up to become icon of freedom. More...