French film icon Alain Delon has passed away at the age of 88. Renowned for his tough-guy roles during the golden era of French cinema, Delon gained fame from films such as The Samurai and Borsalino. In recent years, he had been in declining health and led a reclusive lifestyle, with news of his family troubles making headlines in France. Fellow actor Brigitte Bardot was among those paying tribute, expressing that Delon’s death has left an “enormous void that nothing and no one can fill.”
Often hailed as one of the most stunning actors of his time, Delon’s career boomed in the 1960s with films like The Leopard and Rocco and His Brothers. He captivated audiences with his diverse portrayals, ranging from a cold-blooded killer to a charming swindler. Although he appeared in fewer films from the 1990s onward, he remained a prominent figure in celebrity culture. Throughout his career, Delon starred in nearly 90 films. French President Emmanuel Macron commemorated the actor on Sunday, stating that Delon “played legendary roles and made the world dream.” He further remarked that Delon was more than a star; he was a “French monument.”
A statement from Delon’s family conveyed their deep sadness over his passing, noting that he died peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and family. Le Parisian referred to him as “a cinema legend,” while Liberation described him as “an emblematic character of cinema, representing shadowy masculinity with extraordinary charisma.” Bardot added that Delon embodied the finest elements of France’s “prestige cinema,” calling him an “ambassador of elegance, talent, and beauty.”
In May 2019, Delon’s last major public appearance was to receive an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, during which he gave a touching speech seemingly bidding farewell to the film industry. Former Cannes festival president Gilles Jacob depicted Delon as “a lion” with a “steely gaze,” while Venice film festival director Alberto Barbera referred to him as an “icon” who achieved “the Olympus of the immortals.”
Following Delon’s death, emotional reactions emerged from fans in Paris, with one expressing disbelief that he could ever die. The public was captivated by Delon’s illustrious career and complex personal life, which was often covered by sensationalist media. Despite moments of glamour, Delon faced backlash for his political affiliations and controversies regarding his relationships with women.
Recently, headlines focused on the public disputes among his children regarding their father’s care following a stroke in 2019. These disputes included legal battles and disagreements over Delon’s medical treatment, as well as conflicts with his former housekeeper.