18 August 2024 , 09:39
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Alain Delon, the French film legend who became an international icon, has died at the age of 88.
His death was confirmed by his children on Sunday, who expressed their sadness in a joint statement sent to AFP and reported by French press.
Their statement, which has been translated, read: ‘Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as (his dog) Loubo, have the immense sadness to announce the departure of their father.
‘He passed away peacefully in his house in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.
‘His family asks you to please respect his privacy, in this extremely painful time of mourning.’
Born on November 8 1935, Delon became one of the most recognisable European actors of the 20th century, gaining prominence from the 1960s.
Some of his most celebrated roles included performances in films such as Women Are Weak, Purple Noon and Monsier Klein.
In 1985, he won the César Award for Best Actor for his performance in Notre histoire, and he received the Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Described as having an ‘angel-face’ when he was first spotted in the 1950s as a budding talent, Delon went on to appear in more than 90 films throughout his career.
He had several significant relationships in his life, including with actress Romy Schneider, who he was with from 1958 until 1964 and who he admitted he regretted not marrying.
From 1964 until 1969, he was married to French actress Nathalie Barthélémy, and he also had a relationship with actress Mireille Darc from 1968 to 1983.
Delon’s children include actors Anthony Delon, Anouchka Delon and Alain-Fabien Delon.
The cinema legend was in poor health in the later years of his life, having suffered from a stroke in 2019.
Fans of Delon have been paying tribute to him on social media, with one post reading: ‘Farewell to one of the greatest film stars of all time, the icon of French cinema, Alain Delon, who passed away at 88.
‘Thank you for sharing your breathtaking talent and beauty with us. R.I.P.’
X user @DannyDrinksWine wrote: ‘RIP Alain Delon (1935-2024).
‘He was one of the coolest & most handsome actors ever, but sometimes I feel that his acting ability is underappreciated. His presence on screen alone is enough to make people watch a film.
‘You all know how much I adore him. He will be sorely missed.’