Alain Delon, the iconic French film star, has passed away at the age of 88. Renowned for his tough-guy roles in classics like The Samurai and Borsalino, Delon was a prominent figure during the golden age of French cinema. In recent years, his health had declined, leading to his reclusive lifestyle, and he faced family turmoil that garnered media attention in France. Notably, actress Brigitte Bardot expressed her sorrow over his death, stating it leaves a profound void that cannot be filled.
Lauded as one of the most beautiful men of his era, Delon captivated audiences with performances in films like The Leopard and Rocco and His Brothers throughout the 1960s. Despite appearing less frequently in films after the 1990s, he maintained a presence in celebrity news. Over his illustrious career, he appeared in nearly 90 films. French President Emmanuel Macron honored Delon, remarking that he “played legendary roles and made the world dream,” and described him as “more than a star: he was a French monument.”
In a statement, Delon’s family announced his peaceful passing at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his children. His family included Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, and his dog Loubo. The French media paid tribute, with Le Parisien calling him “a legend of cinema” and Liberation praising him as a symbol of masculinity and charisma. Bardot further commented that Delon embodied the finest qualities of France’s “prestige cinema” as an “ambassador of elegance, talent, and beauty.”
Delon’s last significant public appearance was in May 2019 at the Cannes film festival, where he received an honorary Palme d’Or. During that event, he delivered an emotional farewell to cinema, hinting at a closure with the statement, “I am going to leave, but I won’t leave without thanking you.”
For many years, Delon’s life, both personal and professional, captured the attention of the French public. He was known for his romantic escapades and relationships, which often made headlines. However, his support for far-right political figures and controversies surrounding his treatment of women also drew criticism.
In recent times, Delon faced challenges within his family, marked by public disputes among his children over issues like his medical care following a stroke in 2019 and claims involving his former housekeeper. These disputes culminated in a series of media revelations that highlighted tensions among his family members.