Brigitte Bardot unrecognizable on 89th birthday as she's seen for first time since health scare

Sex symbol Brigitte Bardot looked unrecognizable on her 89th birthday, which came as the Hollywood icon was seen for the first time since her worrying health scare back in July.

Making an extremely rare appearance in public on September 28, the And God Created Woman actress was spotted out and about while she went for a drive in the south of France on her birthday. Brigitte was seen behind the wheel of an old white minivan on the day she turned 89 years of age.

The iconic sex symbol, who was famous in the 60s and 70s, didn’t appear to be having a lavish birthday celebration on her big day, with her instead opting for a low-key drive. She was seen departing her luxury villa La Madrague in Saint-Tropez to her property in La Garigue, which is where she keeps many of her animals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, goats, and birds.

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In July the four-times married Paris-born starlet was reported to be suffering from health issues. The French actress’s husband, Bernard d’Ormale, confirmed she had been suffering from breathing difficulties, and an ambulance was called to their Saint-Tropez residence.

After the world was left fearing the worst following Brigitte's health scare, her husband spoke out again. He told a French outlet: "It was around 9 o’clock when Brigitte had trouble breathing. It was stronger than usual but she didn’t lose consciousness… the fireman came and gave her oxygen and then stayed to monitor her."

He then spoke of the hot climate in Saint Tropez and added: "Like all people of a certain age, she can no longer stand the heat."

Brigitte began her acting career in 1952 after appearing on the cover of Elle Magazine. The cover ended up landing her an offer for a small part in the comedy film Crazy for Love, with her reported to have been paid 200,000 francs (about $219,807 / £179,581) for the small role. Her second film role was in Manina, the Girl in the Bikini before she starred in The Long Teeth and His Father's Portrait.