By PARIS — Alain Delon, a towering figure in French cinema known for his roles in “The Samurai” and “Borsalino,” died Sunday at his home in Douchy, France. He was 88.
The actor’s family announced his passing in a statement, saying he “died peacefully” surrounded by his three children and family members.
Delon, often described as “the most beautiful man in movies,” starred in nearly 90 films throughout his career, becoming a symbol of French cinema’s golden age in the 1960s and 1970s.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Delon on social media, calling him “more than a star: he was a French monument” who “played legendary roles and made the world dream.”
Born in 1935, Delon rose to international fame with roles in films such as “The Leopard” (1963) and “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960). His last major public appearance was at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where he received an honorary Palme d’Or.
Delon’s career spanned decades, with the actor portraying a range of characters from murderers to charismatic conmen. His film appearances became rare from the 1990s onward, but he remained a fixture in celebrity columns.
Fellow French film icon Brigitte Bardot led tributes, stating Delon’s death left a “huge void that nothing and no-one will be able to fill.” She described him as an “ambassador of elegance, talent, beauty” and “a partner.”
Despite his acclaimed career, Delon faced controversies in his personal life. He drew criticism for his support of far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen and faced accusations of misogyny.
In recent years, Delon’s family disputes made headlines in France. His three children – two sons and a daughter by two different women – have publicly aired grievances, including disagreements over his medical treatment following a 2019 stroke.
Legal issues also marked Delon’s later years. In April, a judge placed him under “reinforced curatorship,” limiting his control over his assets. In February, French police seized 72 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition from his home, as prosecutors stated he lacked proper licensing.
Delon’s passing marks the end of an era in French cinema. Gilles Jacob, former president of the Cannes Film Festival, described him as “a lion… an actor with a steely gaze,” while Alberto Barbera, director of the Venice Film Festival, called him an “icon” who had climbed “to the Olympus of the immortals.”
As news of his death spread, a fan in Paris told Reuters, “I thought he could never die,” reflecting the enduring impact Delon had on generations of moviegoers.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
