Alain Delon, the iconic French actor, has passed away at the age of 88. Recognized as a star of the golden age of French cinema, Delon was known for his tough-guy roles in classic films such as The Samurai and Borsalino. In recent years, he had been in declining health and largely withdrawn from public life. His family issues had also been a topic of discussion in the media. Brigitte Bardot led the tributes following his death, expressing that his absence creates a “huge void” that can’t be filled.
Often hailed as one of the most handsome men on screen, Delon garnered fame in the 1960s through notable films like The Leopard and Rocco and His Brothers. He captivated audiences with a range of characters, from dangerous criminals to charming rogues. Though his film appearances became scarce from the 1990s onward, he continued to be a prominent figure in celebrity news. Over his career, Delon starred in nearly 90 films. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Delon’s contribution to cinema, stating that he “played legendary roles and made the world dream,” and described him as a cultural monument.
His family released a statement announcing his peaceful passing at home in Douchy, surrounded by his children. Media outlets hailed Delon as a cinema legend, with Liberation referring to him as a symbol of shadowy masculinity and a figure of remarkable charisma. Bardot emphasized Delon’s embodiment of the best of French cinema, calling him an “ambassador of elegance, talent, and beauty.”
Delon’s last major public moment was at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, where he received an honorary Palme d’Or and delivered an emotional speech hinting at his farewell to cinema. Former Cannes festival president Gilles Jacob described Delon as “a lion” with a “steely gaze,” while Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera called him an “icon” who reached “the Olympus of the immortals.”
Throughout his career, Delon’s personal life was equally scrutinized, with his romances and controversial views generating media attention. He faced backlash for his support of far-right politics and contentious relationships. Recent family disputes have further dominated headlines, with public disagreements among his surviving children that included concerns over his medical care post-stroke, alongside legal actions from his former housekeeper.
Tributes have begun to appear outside Delon’s home in Douchy, commemorating the lasting impact he made on French cinema.