Emilie Dequenne, a renowned Belgian actress known for her role in “Rosetta,” passed away on Sunday, March 16 at a hospital near Paris, France. She was 43. Her family and agent reported that she died from adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer diagnosed in 2023.
Dequenne publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis in October 2023. After treatment, she entered remission in April 2024 but unfortunately experienced a relapse by December, according to various reports.
Her acting career began with her lead role in the Dardenne brothers’ film “Rosetta” at age 18. Her performance, portraying a young woman striving for employment and dignity, received critical acclaim and led to her Best Actress award at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival. The film also won the Palme d’Or.
Throughout her two-decade career, Dequenne appeared in over 60 films, primarily in French. Her notable works include “The Girl on the Train” (2009) and “Our Children” (2012), with the latter earning her the Un Certain Regard actress prize at Cannes.
Dequenne’s talent earned her several César Award nominations. She won Best Supporting Actress in 2021 for “Love Affair(s),” also known as “The Things We Say, The Things We Do,” solidifying her reputation in European cinema.
Despite offers from Hollywood, Dequenne chose to focus on European cinema, citing greater fulfillment in France, Belgium, and England.
Dequenne occasionally worked in English-language films, including “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” and “Survive,” released in 2024. She returned to Cannes in 2024 for the 25th anniversary of her “Rosetta” success and to promote “Survive,” her last film before illness halted her work.
Her filmography includes “The Brotherhood of the Wolf” (2001), “Not My Type,” and the Oscar-nominated “Close.” Her versatility allowed her to engage in diverse roles across genres.
Dequenne was known for a diligent and intuitive approach to acting. Director Luc Dardenne remarked on her untimely passing, saying she had “so many things to do.”
In addition to films, Dequenne appeared in television productions like the BBC’s “The Missing,” demonstrating her adaptability across entertainment mediums.
Her passing prompted tributes from colleagues and industry figures who respected her talent and warmth. Her press representative called her death at a young age a “terrible injustice.”
Dequenne was in a relationship with Belgian DJ Alexandre Savarese from 1999 to 2005. She is survived by her husband, director and producer Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla Savarese, aged 22.
Throughout her illness, Dequenne showed resilience, continuing to work and appear publicly. Her career, extending over two decades, included significant roles that established her as a key figure in European cinema.
In her career, Emilie Dequenne gained respect within the international film community. Her extensive body of work, encompassing over 60 film and television credits, highlights her artistic contributions and influence on European cinema.
