French cinema legend Alain Delon has passed away at the age of 88. Known for his iconic roles and tough-guy persona, Delon died peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and family, according to a statement released to AFP news agency.
Delon, who became a defining figure of French cinema during its golden era, was renowned for his roles in classic films such as The Samurai and Borsalino. The actor’s career spanned over five decades, with standout performances in films from the 1960s like The Leopard and Rocco and His Brothers.
Described once as the most beautiful man in the movies, Delon captivated audiences with his compelling portrayals of both villains and charismatic heroes. Despite his declining health and reclusive lifestyle in recent years, he remained a significant presence in the media.
The statement from his family read, “Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as (his dog) Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father. He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.”
French media have praised Delon as a “legend of the cinema,” with Le Parisien calling him a cinematic icon and Liberation describing him as “a leading figure of cinema, symbol of shadowy masculinity, the actor with crazy charisma.”
Delon’s last major public appearance was in May 2019 at the Cannes Film Festival, where he received an honorary Palme d’Or. During the event, he gave an emotional farewell speech, saying, “It’s a bit of a posthumous tribute, but from my lifetime. I am going to leave, but I won’t leave without thanking you.”
His personal life, often a topic of public fascination, was marked by a series of high-profile relationships and controversies, including his support for far-right politics and disputes with family members. Recent years saw him involved in legal battles, including disagreements over his medical treatment and issues related to his firearms collection.
In April 2024, a judge placed Delon under “reinforced curatorship,” limiting his ability to manage his assets. His home was also raided by French police earlier this year, leading to the seizure of 72 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
BBC News has reached out to Delon’s representatives for further comments.
