Alain Delon, a renowned actor from 1960s and 1970s French cinema, passed away at the age of 88.
Delon’s children confirmed that he passed away early on Sunday, August 18, at his estate in Loiret, France, surrounded by family and his Belgian Shepherd Loubo, as reported by Deadline.
The actor was famous for his roles in movies like 1963’s The Leopard and 1967’s Le Samouraï, particularly earning attention in the US with a Golden Globes nomination for Most Promising Newcomer – Male for the former.
In a post on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Delon “portrayed legendary characters and made the world dream” and that the “melancholic, popular, secretive” actor was not just a star but “a French monument.”
Delon’s entry into show business followed a period serving in the First Indochina War in the 1950s. He was introduced to filmmakers through his relationships with actors Brigitte Auber and Michèle Cordoue. Over the years, he was romantically involved with Christine costar Romy Schneider, singer Nico, and model Nathalie BarthĂ©lĂ©my, whom he was briefly married to.
Delon’s film credits include appearances in 1960’s Plein Soleil and Rocco and His Brothers, 1962’s L’Eclisse, 1968’s The Girl on a Motorcycle, and 1976’s Monsieur Klein. He was honored with the 1985 CĂ©sar Award for Best Actor (for 1984’s Notre Histoire) and the 2019 Cannes Honorary Palme d’Or.
Rachida Dati, France’s culture minister, praised Delon as one of the greatest actors in global cinema. “His talent, charisma, and presence marked him from a young age for a career in Hollywood, but he chose France,” Dati added in a statement. “Although he remained loyal to auteur cinema, he was unafraid to take on different roles. … He embodied, like no one else, the essence of French cinema. A true child of the seventh art, his passing leaves France bereaved of its most beautiful representation on screen.”
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