The death of Alain Delon at 88 marks the end of an era for French and international cinema.
The announcement of Alain Delon’s death sent shockwaves through the film world. This iconic actor, who both captivated and divided audiences, passed away at the age of 88, surrounded by his three children at his home in Douchy. Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony and even Loubo, his faithful dog, expressed their immense grief in a joint statement, noting that Alain Delon passed away peacefully, “very early in the middle of the night.”
A towering figure in French cinema, Delon left an indelible mark with unforgettable roles in masterpieces such as Plein soleil (1960), Le Samouraï (1967), Rocco et ses frères (1960), and Le Guépard (1963). These films granted him international acclaim, and his intense and enigmatic performances fascinated generations of moviegoers.
However, since the late 1990s, Alain Delon had become increasingly rare on screen, choosing to step away from the public eye. In 2019, he made a brief return during the Cannes Film Festival, where he was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or. This accolade was charged with emotion, as the actor candidly remarked, “It’s a bit of a posthumous tribute, but while I’m still alive.”
In the summer of 2023, his name reappeared in the headlines following a complaint filed by his children against his caregiver, Hiromi Rollin, whom they accused of exploitation. This case sadly brought to light the familial tensions that had troubled the Delon family.
Alain Delon has now joined the pantheon of cinema’s stars, leaving behind an extraordinary career and an indelible legacy in the history of the silver screen. His passing marks the end of an era, one in which French cinema shone brightly through charismatic and timeless figures like him.
With AFP
