Alain Delon, a legendary actor of 1960s and 1970s French cinema, has passed away at the age of 88.
Delon’s children announced that he passed away early in the morning on Sunday, August 18, at his château in Loiret, France, surrounded by his family and his Belgian Shepherd Loubo, as reported by Deadline.
The actor was best known for his roles in films such as 1963’s The Leopard and 1967’s Le Samouraï, the former of which earned him a Golden Globes nomination for Most Promising Newcomer – Male.
In a post on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Delon “played legendary roles and made the world dream,” and described him as not just a star but “a French monument.”
After serving in the First Indochina War in the 1950s, Delon entered the entertainment industry through his connections with actors Brigitte Auber and Michèle Cordoue, who introduced him to filmmakers and helped him secure roles. Delon also had relationships with other notable figures like Christine co-star Romy Schneider, singer Nico, and model Nathalie Barthélémy.
Delon’s filmography includes appearances in films like 1960’s Plein Soleil, 1962’s Rocco and His Brothers, 1968’s The Girl on a Motorcycle, and 1976’s Monsieur Klein. He received the César Award for Best Actor in 1985 for his performance in 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 of world cinema, emphasizing his talent, charisma, and impact on French cinema. She expressed that Delon embodied the essence of French cinema and left a lasting legacy on the screen.
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