Alain Delon, the French actor known for his cool and enigmatic beauty, has passed away at the age of 88. He died peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his family. French President Emmanuel Macron praised Delon as more than just a star, calling him a French monument.
Delon’s career in French and European cinema was iconic, working with celebrated directors such as René Clément, Luchino Visconti, and Jean-Pierre Melville. Despite his success on screen, Delon faced criticism for his controversial political views and treatment of women. He received an honorary Palme d’Or late in his life, which sparked backlash from feminists.
Born in Sceaux, Delon had a turbulent childhood before entering the French Navy and eventually pursuing acting in Paris. He starred in numerous films, including “Plein Soleil,” “Rocco and his Brothers,” and “Le Samouraï.” Delon also appeared in English-language productions but did not achieve the same level of success.
In 1985, Delon won a César Award for his role in “Our Story” and received a Golden Globe nomination for “The Leopard.” He continued to work in television miniseries in the early 2000s. Delon’s contributions to world cinema were recognized when he was made an Officer in the French Legion of Honor in 2005.
Delon’s personal life was marked by controversy, including his relationships with women and his political affiliations. He had a son with singer and actress Nico and two children with Dutch actress Rosalie van Breemen. Delon’s close friendship with far-right figure Jean-Marie Le Pen and his controversial statements on various social issues stirred public debate.
In his later years, Delon’s health declined, leading to a public dispute among his children over his care. Accusations of manipulation and abuse were exchanged, resulting in legal battles that were eventually dismissed. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Alain Delon will be remembered as a cinematic legend whose impact on French and European cinema is undeniable.