Celebrated French actor Alain Delon, a heart-stealer in his golden years of cinema, is no more. His passing was confirmed by his three children. The 88-year-old actor had been in a declining health state following a stroke in 2019, and preferred to stay at his Douchy estate, in the Val de Loire region of France.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Delon, recognizing him as a towering figure in French cultural life. In his statement, Macron said, ‘Alain Delon, through his iconic roles, enchanted audiences across the globe. His captivating persona added an unforgettable dimension to our lives. At once enigmatic, popular, and deeply private, Delon transcended stardom to become a symbol of France.’
Delon, with his mesmerising blue eyes, was often likened to the ‘French Frank Sinatra’ due to his good looks, which was a comparison Delon wasn’t fond of. Contrary to Sinatra, who persistently denied any mafia affiliations, Delon candidly recognized his connections within the underworld.
‘Many of the gangsters I know were my friends before my acting career took off,’ Delon expressed candidly. He philosophically added, ‘I do not concern myself with my friend’s actions. Each person has to bear the responsibility of their own deeds. I remain unconcerned about their choices.’
The Franco-Italian affiliation between Delon and director Luchino Visconti created two defining films in Delon’s career— ‘Rocco and His Brothers’ in 1960 and ‘The Leopard’ in 1963. It was during this time that Delon worked with Jean Gabin in the 1963 film ‘Melodie en Sous-Sol’ and achieved tremendous acclaim in Jean-Pierre Melville’s 1967 movie ‘Le Samourai’. The minimal dialogues and Delon’s powerful solos in ‘Le Samourai’ established him as a formidable actor.
Delon reigned supreme as a star in France and won the hearts of both men and women in Japan. However, he wasn’t able to replicate the same level of fame in Hollywood, despite sharing screen space with some of American cinema’s luminaries, including a memorable appearance as an apprentice-hitman alongside Burt Lancaster in the 1973 film ‘Scorpio’.
In the classic 1970s film ‘Borsalino’, Delon starred alongside iconic French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo. As gangsters, their impressive fight scene over a woman remains an iconic moment in French cinema. Meanwhile, his chemistry with real-life lover Romy Schneider in the 1969 erotic thriller ‘La Piscine’ stands as a sensuous testament of jealousy and attraction, set against the backdrop of the French Riviera.
‘Monsieur Klein’, directed by Joseph Losey in 1976, was a standout film for Delon in the 70s. Playing the role of an art dealer mistaken for a Jewish fugitive during Nazi-occupied Paris, proved to be a defining moment in his career. The film further solidified the actor’s place in French cinema, alongside heavyweights such as Jean-Paul Belmondo.
Delon was born on 8th November 1935 in the outskirts of Paris. After his parents divorced when he was four, he was placed in foster care and had a bit of a troubled childhood. He was expelled from boarding schools on multiple occasions and left home at least once before joining the Marines at 17. His tenure at the military saw him posted in then French-ruled Indochina, where he once again landed in hot water over a stolen jeep.
Upon his return to France in the mid-50s, Delon worked as a porter at Les Halles, Paris’ wholesale food market. He spent time in the notorious Pigalle district before finding his haven in the bohemian St. Germain des Pres. It was through his meeting with actor Jean-Claude Brialy that he found his way to the Cannes Film Festival. There, he caught an American talent scout’s eye, leading to his first screen test.
His cinematic journey began in 1957 with the film ‘Quand la femme s’en mele’. As a man of various talents, he later ventured into the business sector, leveraging his good looks and charm, for endorsements in the cosmetics industry. He also indulged in racehorse investments and owned a stable with Jacky ‘Le Mat’ Imbert, a known member from the crime-ridden scene in Marseille.
Off-camera, Delon was known for his outspoken nature and, at times, sparked controversy. He publicly expressed regret over the abolition of the death penalty and was critical of the legalisation of gay marriage, which became law in France in 2013. Additionally, he extended his support to France’s far-right National Front and called its founder Jean-Marie Le Pen to praise him after their success in the 2014 local elections.
In his personal life, Delon had a series of notable relationships. These included German model-turned-singer Nico, with whom he had a son. In 1964, he wed Nathalie Barthelemy and had another son before ending the marriage. He then entered into a long-term relationship with Mireille Darc, after which he had two more children with Dutch model Rosalie van Breemen.
His final prominent public showing was during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, where he was honoured with a Palme d’Or. His final years became the focus of public attention due to a family disagreement over his healthcare. In April 2024, a court-appointed custodian to manage his affairs, as Delon had been under legal protection due to concerns over his health.