Alain Delon, French Screen Icon, Dies Aged 88

Early Life and Career

Alain Delon, the French actor who became a screen icon in Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samourai, has died aged 88. Delon died “peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family”, according to a statement released to the AFP news agency by his family.

Delon’s career began after he was spotted at Cannes Film Festival in 1957 by US talent agent Henry Willson, recruiting on behalf of David O. Selznick. After training at Italy’s Cinecitta studios in the late 1950s, he played the lead in 1959 French-Italian comedy Weak Women; then broke out to international audiences playing the conniving Tom Ripley in Rene Clement’s Plein Soleil, an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr Ripley.

Collaborations and Filmography

Delon regularly worked with Italian filmmakers, including Luchino Visconti in 1960’s Rocco and His Brothers and 1963 historical drama The Leopard. After working in Hollywood for two years in the mid-1960s, he returned to Europe for Le Samourai and films such as Jacques Deray’s The Swimming Pool, starring alongside his former partner Romy Schneider.

His films in the 1970s included playing the title role in Italian-French feature Zorro. While his rich filmography includes some 100 features, including several that he also produced, Delon won only one French Cesar, for Bertrand Blier’s 1984 romance Our Story.

Personal Life and Legacy

The actor’s personal life was the subject of regular interest and speculation. He was married once, to French actress Nathalie Barthelemy from 1964 to 1969; and had several high-profile relationships, including to model and actress Mireille Darc from 1968 to 1983. Delon had three children: Anthony, with Barthelemy; and Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, with Dutch model Rosalie van Breemen.

Reactions from senior figures in French society have been coming in today. French president Emmanuel Macron called the actor ‘a French monument’ in a statement on X [former Twitter] on Sunday, writing, “From Monsieur Klein to Rocco, Le Guepard to Le Samourai, Alain Delon has played legendary roles and made the world dream. Lending his unforgettable face to turn our lives upside down.”

Conclusion

Alain Delon’s passing marks the end of an era in French cinema. His iconic performances and collaborations with renowned directors have left an indelible mark on the industry. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of actors and filmmakers to come.

FAQs

Q: What was Alain Delon’s most famous role?
A: Alain Delon’s most famous role was as professional hitman Jef Costello in Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samourai.

Q: How many films did Alain Delon make?
A: Alain Delon made over 100 films throughout his career.

Q: Who was Alain Delon’s partner?
A: Alain Delon was married once, to French actress Nathalie Barthelemy, and had several high-profile relationships, including to model and actress Mireille Darc.