On Monday, France mourned the passing of Alain Delon, one of its most iconic film stars, who died at the age of 88. Delon’s influence on French cinema is immeasurable, yet his life was not without its share of controversy.
Although Delon had expressed his desire to forgo a national tribute, opting instead for a simple burial near his beloved dogs on his estate in Douchy, central France, his passing has nonetheless sparked a wave of tributes. Local authorities had already given their consent for his final wishes, as confirmed by Christophe Hurault, a regional official.
Delon’s three children—Anthony, Anouchka, and Alain-Fabien—who had previously been embroiled in disputes over his medical care, came together in unity to announce their father’s death. They now face the difficult task of organizing his funeral, weighing whether to keep it a private family affair or open it to the broader film community.
France’s newspapers prominently featured Delon on their front pages on Monday, with many publications showcasing striking images of the actor in his prime. Le Figaro fittingly titled its tribute “The Last Samurai,” alluding to one of Delon’s most famous roles as the brooding hitman in Jean-Pierre Melville’s 1967 classic Le Samourai.
The end of Delon’s life marks the close of an era for French cinema, where his magnetic screen presence in the 1960s and 70s captivated audiences worldwide. Fellow film legend Brigitte Bardot, 89, remarked that Delon “leaves a huge void that nothing, nobody, can fill.” Nathalie Baye, who starred with him in Our Story, described Delon as “not a fun guy” but nonetheless “very endearing.”
French President Emmanuel Macron paid his respects, calling Delon a “French monument” who “played legendary roles and made the world dream.”
News of Delon’s death reverberated globally, with major newspapers such as The New York Times, Washington Post, and New York Post dedicating extensive obituaries to the actor. The Washington Post dubbed him the “angel-faced tough guy of international cinema,” while The Hollywood Reporter referred to him as the “seductive star of European cinema.”
Germany’s Spiegel likened him to “Europe’s James Dean,” and in Italy, where Delon had a substantial career, Il Corriere della Sera asserted that “there will never be another actor like Delon, unique and immortal.”
Delon’s appeal was not confined to Europe. In Japan, where he had a dedicated fanbase, many mourned the passing of the “handsome” French actor. Seta, a 74-year-old fan, observed, “My friends in their 70s and 80s are still all madly in love with him. Even at 88, he looked great.”
Despite his widespread appeal, Delon’s personal life and political views sparked significant debate. His relationships with women, allegations of domestic violence, and support for far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen all attracted criticism. Delon’s endorsement of Le Pen, who advocated for the death penalty and opposed same-sex relationships, further alienated some of his audience.
In 2019, the Cannes Film Festival faced backlash from feminists after awarding Delon a lifetime achievement award. Even as Delon retreated from the public eye in his later years, his personal life remained a topic of public interest. In 2023, his children accused his live-in assistant, Hiromi Rollin, of harassment and threatening behavior, adding to the turmoil surrounding the final chapter of his life.
Delon spent his final years in seclusion, residing in the small village of Douchy, behind high walls that shielded him from the outside world. Outside his home, fans have gathered to lay flowers in tribute to the late actor. “In our minds, we believe that these icons are eternal,” said Marie Arnold, who placed white flowers at the entrance alongside her sister Michele.
