Alain Delon, Smoldering French Film Star, Dies at 88

The renowned actor, a defining figure of French cinema's golden era, was celebrated for his tough-guy roles in classics such as Le Samouraï and Borsalino.

A statement released to AFP confirmed, "He passed away peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and loved ones."

In recent years, Delon's health had declined, leading to his reclusive lifestyle. Adding to the public interest, the disintegration of his family relationships had frequently made headlines in France.

Once hailed as the "most beautiful man in film," Delon captured hearts in iconic films of the 1960s, including The Leopard and Rocco and His Brothers. Whether portraying a murderer or a charming conman, Delon captivated audiences with his performances.

Though his film appearances became rare from the 1990s onwards, Delon remained a staple in celebrity news columns. Over his career, he starred in more than 90 films.

His family expressed their grief in a statement: "Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, along with [his dog] Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father."

Tributes poured in, with Le Parisien referring to Delon as "a legend of cinema," and Libération describing him as "a leading figure of cinema, symbolizing shadowy masculinity with unmatched charisma."

Delon's last major public appearance was in May 2019, when he received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. During the event, he delivered an emotional speech that seemed to signal his farewell to cinema, stating, "It's a bit of a posthumous tribute, but from my lifetime. I am going to leave, but I won't leave without thanking you."

For decades, the French public avidly followed both Delon’s prolific career and his equally eventful personal life, chronicled by magazines like Paris-Match. His love life, marked by numerous high-profile romances, often dominated the headlines during the height of his fame.

However, Delon also faced criticism throughout his life, particularly for his political stances, such as his support for Jean-Marie Le Pen, the far-right National Front leader, and his controversial views on issues like the death penalty and same-sex marriage. His relationships with women also sparked controversy and accusations of misogyny.

In recent years, Delon’s family disputes became highly publicized, with his children openly airing grievances through the media, involving lawsuits and allegations related to his medical treatment following a 2019 stroke. A notable dispute also arose with Hiromi Rollin, Delon's former housekeeper, who was removed from his home by his children. Rollin later sued them, alleging they had endangered Delon’s life by withholding medication.

Earlier this year, Delon was placed under "reinforced curatorship," restricting his ability to manage his own assets. In February, he made headlines once more when police confiscated 72 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition from his home, along with discovering a shooting range on his property. Authorities noted that Delon did not have a valid gun license.