August 18th 2024.
The world is mourning the loss of Alain Delon, the renowned French actor who captivated audiences with his charm and talent. He passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Delon was known for his versatility, able to play both the villain and the hero with equal skill. But it was his handsome looks and gentle demeanor that truly made him stand out as one of France's most beloved leading men.
Although he was primarily known for his acting career, Delon was also a talented producer and even dabbled in stage and television work in his later years. His talents were recognized not only by his fans, but also by French President Emmanuel Macron who called him "a French monument." Macron praised Delon for his ability to bring legendary characters to life and make audiences dream. He described the actor as melancholic, popular, and secretive, and more than just a star.
Delon's death was announced by his children in a statement to the French national news agency Agence France-Presse. This is a common practice in France, and it was followed by an outpouring of tributes and remembrances on social media. His passing has also prompted leading French media outlets to dedicate full coverage to his illustrious career.
The actor's health had been a concern in recent years, as he battled B-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer. His condition sparked a family dispute over his care, leading to public disagreements among his three children. But despite these challenges, Delon continued to work and captivate audiences through his performances, even in his 70s.
Throughout his career, Delon worked with some of the world's most renowned directors, including Luchino Visconti and Joseph Losey. He first gained recognition in 1960 for his role in "Plein Soleil," a film that showcased his talent for portraying complex characters. He continued to work on Italian films, including Visconti's "Rocco and His Brothers," which won a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. In 1963, he won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in Visconti's "Le Guepard."
Delon's presence on screen was unforgettable, whether he was playing a morally corrupt hero or a romantic leading man. He also ventured into producing, with a total of 26 films under his belt by 1990. His confidence and charisma were evident in his statement to Femme magazine in 1996, where he boldly declared, "I like to be loved the way I love myself!"
Despite his success, Delon faced criticism for some of his outdated views. In 2010, he appeared in "Un mari de trop" and returned to the stage in 2011 with "An Ordinary Day," alongside his daughter Anouchka. He also briefly presided over the Miss France jury but stepped down in 2013 due to controversial statements about women, LGBTQIA+ rights, and migrants. However, these controversies did not overshadow his talent, and he was honored with a Palme d'Honneur at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
The Cannes Film Festival expressed their sadness at Delon's passing, stating that he embodied French cinema and was admired beyond its borders. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, dedicated to animal protection, also paid tribute to Delon, describing him as an exceptional man, unforgettable artist, and a great friend to animals. The foundation highlighted his close friendship with French film legend Brigitte Bardot, who was deeply saddened by his death.
French film producer Alain Terzian described Delon as "the last of the giants," and said that his passing marked the end of an era in French cinema. Terzian, who produced several films directed by Delon, recalled the actor's magnetic presence and how he was revered wherever he went. Delon's journey to stardom began in 1935 when he was born in Sceaux, just south of Paris. After his parents' separation, he was placed with a foster family and later attended a Roman Catholic boarding school. He joined the navy at 17 and was sent to Indochina before returning to France in 1956 and pursuing a career in acting.
Delon's personal life was just as colorful as his career. He had a son, Anthony, with his first wife Nathalie Canovas, who also acted alongside him in "The Samurai" in 1967. He later had two more children, Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, with his partner Rosalie van Breemen. Although he never publicly acknowledged paternity, he was also believed to be the father of Ari Boulogne, son of German model and singer Nico.
In a 1995 interview, Delon stated that he was good at three things: his job, foolishness, and children. He also pursued various other interests, including owning a stable of trotting horses and developing cologne, watches, and other accessories. He was also an avid art collector.
Delon announced his retirement from acting in 1999, but he continued to appear in films and television shows, including Bertrand Blier's "Les Acteurs" in the same year. In his later years, he also made appearances in several television police dramas. His good looks and charisma remained with him throughout his life, and in a 2002 interview, he confidently stated that he would never be seen old and ugly because he would either leave the business or die first.
But it was at a gala event in honor of him at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival that Delon truly encapsulated his feelings about his life's meaning. He expressed his pride in his career, saying that it was the only thing he was truly proud of. In the wake of his passing, the world mourns the loss of a talented and charismatic actor who left an indelible mark on French cinema.
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