Renowned European film actor, Alain Delon, known for his striking good looks and pivotal roles in iconic cinema of the 1960s and 1970s, has died at 88. His family announced his passing on Sunday, August 18, 2024, through a statement to the AFP news agency, stating Delon died peacefully at his home in Douchy, France, accompanied by his three children and family.
Delon had been grappling with deteriorating health in recent years, including a stroke in 2019. His death signifies a significant loss for European cinema, where Delon was considered among the final iconic actors of his generation.
Born on November 8, 1935, in Sceaux, a suburb south of Paris, Delon’s early life was marked by instability. Following his parents’ divorce when he was four, he lived with foster families and studied at a Catholic boarding school. These challenging experiences likely contributed to the intense screen persona that defined his acting career.
Delon’s path to film stardom began unexpectedly. After serving in the French Navy and being discharged for stealing a jeep during the First Indochina War, he returned to Paris and took on various odd jobs. Actor Jean-Claude Brialy introduced him to cinema and took him to the Cannes Film Festival in 1956. Here, Hollywood producer David O. Selznick was captivated by Delon’s unique looks and offered him a contract, but Delon chose to stay in France.
His career breakthrough happened in 1960, with his role in René Clément’s “Purple Noon,” playing the enigmatic Tom Ripley. The success of the film and Delon’s performance propelled him to international fame. His subsequent portrayal of Rocco Parondi in Luchino Visconti’s “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960) further cemented his status in European cinema.
Delon starred in numerous critically acclaimed films during the 1960s and 1970s, many of which are now considered classics. His collaborations with director Jean-Pierre Melville, particularly “Le Samouraï” (1967) and “The Red Circle’ (1970), are among his most significant works. His portrayal of the aloof assassin Jef Costello in “Le Samouraï” is one of the most memorable performances in film history.
Despite European success, Delon could not replicate the same recognition in Hollywood. He moved to the United States in 1964 and appeared in a few films, but none achieved the success he had in France. Delon returned to Europe, continuing to grow 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 on-screen roles. He had notable relationships with several actresses, including Romy Schneider, whom he referred to as the love of his life. Their relationship and eventual separation in 1963 garnered significant media attention. 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.”
Despite controversies, Delon’s contributions to cinema were significant. He received various accolades, including a César Award for Best Actor for his performance in Bertrand Blier’s “Our Story” (1984). In 2019, he received an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, a recognition that was both celebrated and protested due to his controversial remarks.
In his later years, Delon became increasingly private, seldom appearing in public. His final years were marked by a legal dispute among his children over his medical care and assets. In February 2024, police found 72 firearms and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition at his Douchy-Montcorbon residence, none of which were registered, further adding to the enigma surrounding the acting legend.
With the passing of Alain Delon, his impact on cinema is undeniable. His performances, marked by a mix of intensity, charisma, and vulnerability, have left a lasting imprint on film history. Delon once remarked that being an actor is a calling. He identified as an actor, rather than a thespian, citing that he always embraced his roles rather than merely playing 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.” Alain Delon’s commitment to “living” his roles established him as a film legend.
