Alain Delon, the iconic French actor renowned for his roles as both villain and hero, has died at the age of 88, according to French media reports. Known for his striking looks and a blend of toughness with vulnerability, Delon was celebrated for his memorable performances in French cinema.
Delon’s career spanned decades, with his breakthrough coming in 1960 in René Clément’s “Plein Soleil,” where he played a murderer assuming the identities of his victims. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he worked with some of the world’s top directors, including Luchino Visconti and Joseph Losey. Notable films include “Rocco and His Brothers,” which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, and “Le Guepard” (The Leopard), which earned the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
In addition to acting, Delon was a producer and appeared in television movies. He also ventured into producing, creating 26 films by 1990. Despite growing disillusioned with the film industry in his later years, citing that “money, commerce and television have wrecked the dream machine,” he continued to work, making several TV movies in his 70s and returning to the stage in 2011.
Delon’s impact extended beyond his film career. He briefly presided over the Miss France jury but resigned in 2013 following controversy over his comments on women, LGBTQIA+ rights, and migrants. Despite these controversies, he was honored with a Palme d’Honneur at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
Born on November 8, 1935, in Sceaux, just south of Paris, Delon was placed with a foster family after his parents’ separation and attended a Roman Catholic boarding school. At 17, he joined the navy and served in Indochina before working various jobs in France. He began acting in the late 1950s, eventually establishing a storied career.
Delon had three children: Anthony, with his former wife Nathalie Canovas; and Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, with a later partner, Rosalie van Breemen. He was also believed to be the father of Ari Boulogne, though he never publicly confirmed this.
Throughout his life, Delon was involved in various ventures beyond acting, including setting up a stable of trotting horses, developing colognes, and collecting art. Although he announced his retirement in 1999, he continued to appear in films and television until his final role in 2022’s “The Empty House.”
Delon’s legacy is marked by his commanding presence and charisma, which he maintained throughout his career. Reflecting on his life, Delon once said that his career was his greatest source of pride.
