Renowned European actor Alain Delon, known for his roles in some of the most significant European films of the 1960s and 1970s, has passed away at the age of 88. A statement released by his family to AFP news agency on August 19, 2024, confirmed that he died at home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and other family members.
Delon’s health had been declining in recent years, with a 2019 stroke causing significant health challenges. His death signifies the end of an era in European cinema, as Delon was one of the final renowned stars of his generation.
Delon was born on November 8, 1935, in Sceaux, a suburb south of Paris. After his parents divorced when he was four, he lived with foster families and attended a Catholic boarding school. His challenging early years may have influenced the intense and stoic screen presence that later defined his career.
Delon’s path to acting began after his discharge from the French Navy for stealing and crashing a jeep during the First Indochina War. After returning to Paris and working various jobs, he was introduced to cinema by actor Jean-Claude Brialy. At the Cannes Film Festival in 1956, Delon caught the eye of Hollywood producer David O. Selznick, who offered him a contract. Delon, however, opted to remain in France.
His career took off in 1960 with his role in René Clément’s “Purple Noon,” in which he played the charismatic Tom Ripley. The film’s success launched him into international stardom. His subsequent role as Rocco Parondi in Luchino Visconti’s “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960) further solidified his place in European cinema.
Delon’s work in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly his collaborations with director Jean-Pierre Melville in “Le Samouraï” (1967) and “The Red Circle’ (1970), are considered some of his best. His portrayal of the cool and enigmatic assassin Jef Costello in “Le Samouraï” is among the most memorable performances in cinema history.
Despite his European success, Delon didn’t achieve the same recognition in Hollywood. After moving to the U.S. in 1964, he appeared in a few films, including “Once a Thief” (1965) and ‘The Yellow Rolls-Royce” (1964), but these did not match his success in France. Delon returned to Europe and continued to build his legacy with roles in films like “The Leopard” (1963), “The Sicilian Clan” (1969), and “Borsalino” (1970).
Delon’s personal life was as eventful as his career, marked by relationships with numerous actresses, including Romy Schneider, who he referred to as the love of his life. Delon also faced several controversies, including accusations of racism, homophobia, and misogyny. In a 2019 interview with Reuters, Delon 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.”
Regardless of the controversies, Delon’s impact on cinema was significant. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including a César Award for Best Actor for “Our Story” (1984). In 2019, he was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, however, the award sparked both celebration and protest due to his controversial remarks.
In his last years, Delon became more private, making few public appearances. His final years were marked by a legal dispute among his children over his medical care and finances. In February 2024, police discovered 72 firearms and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition at his home in Douchy-Montcorbon, none of which were registered, adding another layer of intrigue to the actor’s story.
Alain Delon’s death has deeply affected the world of cinema. His unique blend of intensity, charisma, and vulnerability left a lasting impact on film history. Delon once stated that a thespian is a calling, and he identified as an actor, one who engages in performance and dedicates years to mastering their art. According to him, he always lived his roles and never just performed them. “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.” Delon’s approach to “living” his roles has cemented his status as a legend in cinema.