Alain Delon, a prominent actor known for his roles in several classic European films from the 1960s and 1970s, has passed away at 88. On Sunday, August 19, 2024, his family announced his death to the AFP news agency, stating that Delon died peacefully at his home in Douchy, France, surrounded by his three children and his family, according to the statement.
In recent years, Delon’s health had been deteriorating, including a significant stroke in 2019. His death signifies the end of an era for European cinema, where he was one of the last surviving stars of his generation.
Delon was born on November 8, 1935, in Sceaux, a suburb south of Paris. His early life was marked by instability; his parents divorced when he was just four years old, and he was raised by foster families and attended a Catholic boarding school. These experiences likely played a part in shaping the intense on-screen presence that defined his career.
After serving in the French Navy, Delon returned to Paris where he worked various jobs. He was introduced to the film industry by actor Jean-Claude Brialy, who brought Delon to the Cannes Film Festival in 1956. There, Hollywood producer David O. Selznick noticed his good looks and offered him a contract. However, Delon decided to stay in France.
Delon’s breakthrough role was in René Clément’s “Purple Noon” in 1960, where he played Tom Ripley, a morally ambiguous character. His performance was well-received, and it launched his international career. His role in Luchino Visconti’s “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960) further cemented his status in European cinema.
Throughout the next two decades, Delon starred in a series of critically acclaimed films that are now considered classics. His collaborations with director Jean-Pierre Melville, specifically in “Le Samouraï” (1967) and “The Red Circle’ (1970), are among his most notable works. His performance as Jef Costello, the cool and enigmatic assassin in “Le Samouraï,” is still regarded as one of the most iconic in film history.
Despite his success in Europe, Delon did not achieve the same level of recognition in Hollywood. After moving to the United States in 1964, he appeared in several films, including “Once a Thief” (1965) and ‘The Yellow Rolls-Royce” (1964), but none matched his success back in France. Delon eventually returned to Europe and continued his film career with roles in “The Leopard” (1963), “The Sicilian Clan” (1969), and “Borsalino” (1970).
Delon’s private life was marked by high-profile relationships and controversies. He had relationships with several actresses, including Romy Schneider, whom he referred to as the love of his life. Delon faced allegations of racism, homophobia, and misogyny throughout his life. In a 2019 interview with Reuters, he defended himself, stating, “I’m not against gay marriage, but I don’t approve of adoption by two people of the same sex.” He also said, “I never harassed a woman in my life. They, however, harassed me a lot.”
Despite these controversies, Delon’s contributions to cinema were significant. He received a César Award for Best Actor for his role in Bertrand Blier’s “Our Story” (1984). In 2019, he was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, a prestigious recognition that was both celebrated and protested due to his controversial comments.
In his later years, Delon became more private, seldom making public appearances. His final years were marred by a legal battle among his children over his medical care and finances. In February 2024, police found 72 firearms and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition at his home in Douchy-Montcorbon, none of which were registered.
The world is now mourning the loss of Alain Delon, but his impact on cinema will be remembered. His performances, characterized by a mix of intensity, charisma, and vulnerability, have left a lasting mark on film history. Delon once said, “Being a thespian is a vocation. I’m an actor … A thespian performs, spends years learning his craft, while an actor lives. I always lived my roles and never performed them.” This dedication to “living” his roles is what made Alain Delon a legend in cinema.
