The legendary French actor Alain Delon, one of the most emblematic figures of European cinema, passed away this Sunday at the age of 88 at his residence in Douchy, according to a statement issued by his three children.
Delon, who suffered a stroke in 2019 that left him seriously ill, died surrounded by his family and his dog Loubo, as his descendants stated in the announcement made to the France Presse agency. The family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.
"Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, and (their dog) Loubo are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father. He died peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and family," reads the family statement.
An unforgettable star
Alain Delon burst onto the film scene in the 1960s and quickly became an icon of cinema, not only in France but throughout Europe. His name is undeniably associated with classics such as 'Rocco and His Brothers' (1960) and 'The Leopard' (1963), both directed by Luchino Visconti.
With more than eighty films to his credit, Delon left an indelible mark on the film industry, collaborating with some of the most prominent directors of his time, such as Jean-Pierre Melville, René Clément, Jacques Deray, Louis Malle, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Jean-Luc Godard.
Delon's talent and his power of seduction made him one of the most admired figures in cinema. His presence on screen was magnetic, and his acting method, which he described as "not acting, but being himself," allowed him to connect deeply with the audience.
Delon considered the camera as a woman looking at him, a relationship that allowed him to convey a unique authenticity in his performances, reported the newspaper El País.
Remembered in Cuba as one of the most seductive heartthrobs of French and world cinema, Alain Delon captivated generations of women who saw in his face and figure an unparalleled beauty.
Considered the enfant terrible of European cinema, his role in 'A pleno sol', the adventures of 'El tulipán negro', or his performance in 'El Zorro' left an indelible mark on the audience, which identified him as one of the sex symbols of his time.
The controversial side of a legend
Despite his professional success, Alain Delon's life was marked by controversy. In 2019, during the Cannes Film Festival, he received the honorary Palme d'Or in recognition of his career, a decision that generated considerable uproar.
Several voices were raised against the awarding of the prize, citing comments from the actor that were perceived as racist, homophobic, and misogynistic. Delon never shied away from controversy and, on several occasions, defended his views, stating that he was not afraid to be who he was, even if it meant confronting public opinion.
Over the years, his friendship with Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the far-right party National Front, and his support of the death penalty also sparked criticism. However, Alain Delon always maintained his stance, defending his beliefs with the same passion with which he portrayed his roles in film.
A twilight full of pain and family conflicts
The last years of Delon were marked by the deterioration of his health and family conflicts.
In 2023, his three children filed a complaint against his companion, Hiromi Rollin, accusing her of exploiting the actor's vulnerability. This family dispute became public, generating significant media coverage and highlighting the tension among Delon's children.
The actor, who had expressed his support for euthanasia after the death of his first wife, Nathalie Delon, although not explicitly stating that he planned to resort to it, made it clear in an interview that he did not fear death, but rather suffering. "I don't want to end up in a hospital bed," he said in an interview in 2022. His eldest son, Anthony, promised to be by his side when the time came to depart.
Immortal legacy
The death of Alain Delon has generated a wave of reactions throughout France. President Emmanuel Macron described him as an actor who made the world "dream" and as a "French monument."
Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right party National Rally, commented that "a small part of the France we love is leaving with him." Gilles Jacob, former president of the Cannes Film Festival, emphasized his class and liveliness, characteristics that made him unique on screen.
Alain Delon leaves a cinematic legacy that will endure beyond controversies, establishing himself as one of the most influential actors of the second half of the 20th century. His face, presence, and talent will remain an undeniable reference in the history of cinema.
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