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One of the most popular actors in French cinema, Alain Delon, who starred in films like Notre Histoire, Le Samourai, Plein Soleil, Women are Weak, and La Piscine, passed away on August 18, 2024. The actor died peacefully in his home. He was 88.
His family announced his death in a statement released to the French national news agency Agence France-Presse, which 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.”
Reports from earlier this year indicated that Delon was in poor health. The French actor suffered a stroke in 2019 and was in treatment for B-cell lymphoma in 2022.
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Delon was popular not just in France but worldwide through his incredible range of films. He rose to fame in the early '60s and was one of the most popular names in world cinema by the end of the decade.
The actor later tried his hand behind the camera. He wrote many screenplays, directed films, and produced several of his films. Being handsome, charismatic, and controversial, he was often compared with James Dean. Many people, including the French President, paid tribute to the legend.
Alain Delon is considered one of the greatest stars of French cinema
Alain Delon served in the military in French Indochina and was doing odd jobs in Paris when he met actor Jean Claude Brialy. This meeting changed the history of French cinema, as one of its biggest stars was about to be born.
The actor made his debut in 1957 in Yves Allegret's first film Send a Woman When the Devil Fails. His small role in the film was enough to pave the way for films like Le Samourai, Plein Soleil, and La Piscine to come his way.
These films made him a heartthrob and cultural icon. Throughout the 60s, he was the leading man in some of France's most watched and successful films. Film scholar David Thomson once called him “the enigmatic angel of French film.”
In the 80s, he moved towards writing, directing, and film production as well. He was also entangled in many scandals, and his romantic life was of great intrigue to the media.
Delon received many honors and awards in his career including a prestigious Ceaser Award for Best Actor for his work in Bertrand Blier's Notre Historie. Other accolades include an Honorary Golden Bear at the 45th Berlin International Film Festival, France's Legion of Honor, and the Honorary Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
French President paid tribute to Alain Delon through X
Mourning the death of the legend, French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to pay his tribute. He mentioned several of his films and said that Alain Delon made the world dream through his legendary characters. He also called him a "French monument" and described Delon as melancholic, popular, and secretive.
Many other celebrities, media outlets, and personalities offered their tribute online. Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas wrote "Au revoir," which in French means 'Good Bye.'
Not just politicians and celebrities, but many fans also gathered in front of his house to pay their respects. Their heartfelt and emotional farewell to him shows the deep impact that he had on people's lives. Alain Delon's legacy lives on through his cinema.
