The tragic news of the passing of Alain Delon was reported by his children to French news outlets early on Sunday morning.
In a statement released by his children—Alain Fabien, Anouchka, and Anthony— the family expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our father. He departed peacefully at his residence in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.”
Alain Delon was born on November 8, 1935 in Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France.
His full name was Alain Fabien Maurice Marcel Delon.
Alain Delon had a life dedicated to cinema
The young Frenchman became famous to wider audiences in the 1960s, having become a leading figure in French cinema in his 20’s.
Delon’s career was exceptionally successful and long. It spanned six decades, during which he appeared in more than 80 films. During his time in the world of cinema, he worked with renowned directors such as Luchino Visconti, Jean-Pierre Melville, and Michelangelo Antonioni.
Delon’s breakthrough role came in 1960 when he was only 25 years old.
It was a role in René Clément’s “Purple Noon” (Plein Soleil), where he played the charming and manipulative Tom Ripley. This exceptional performance established Delon as a major cinematic star and was the beginning of a successful career that would make him a cultural icon for many decades around the world.
Throughout his successful career, Alain Delon offered the world numerous memorable performances that shaped his character for good.
Some of his most notable films include “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960), “The Leopard” (1963), “Le Samouraï” (1967), and “The Swimming Pool” (La Piscine) (1969).
His physical beauty along with his brilliant talent made him a global favourite among audiences and critics alike.
Delon won the César Award for Best Actor in 1985 for his performance in “Notre Histoire” (Our History) and received an Honorary César in 2005 for his lifetime achievement in cinema.
Five years ago, in 2019, he was awarded the Honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, although this decision sparked some controversy due to his past comments on women, LGBTQIA+ rights, and migrants.
Delon’s personal life was often in the spotlight of global media for various reasons. He had relationships with actresses Romy Schneider and Mireille Darc.
He eventually married Nathalie Canovas in 1964, with whom he had a son, Anthony, before their separation in 1968. Delon later had two more children, Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, with Dutch model Rosalie van Breemen.
In recent years, Delon faced serious health issues, including a stroke that he suffered in 2019. His final years were marked by a public feud among his children concerning his health and the eviction of his former companion, Hiromi Rollin, whom they accused of abusing their father.
