Legendary French actor Alain Delon passes away at 88: Tributes, career highlights and controversies

Delon expressed disillusionment with the film industry sharing how commercialization had tainted his cinematic dreams.

Alain Delon, the renowned French and European cinema icon, has passed away at the age of 88. Known for his striking looks and the ability to blend strength with a captivating vulnerability, Delon became one of France's most memorable leading men.

French President Emmanuel Macron honored Delon on X, calling him “a French monument.” Macron praised Delon's ability to play legendary roles and evoke dreams, describing him as melancholic, popular, and more than just a star.

In a joint statement on Sunday, Delon's children—Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, and his dog Loubo—announced his passing. They revealed that Delon died peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his loved ones. They requested privacy during this difficult time.

Born on November 8, 1935, in Sceaux near Paris, Delon gained international acclaim in the 1960s with notable films such as "Purple Noon" (1960), "The Leopard" (1963), and "Le Samouraï" (1969). During the peak of his career in the 1960s and 1970s, he worked with acclaimed directors like Luchino Visconti and Joseph Losey.

Delon starred in several Italian films, including Visconti's "Rocco and His Brothers" (1961), which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. His diverse filmography also includes "Is Paris Burning?" (1966), "The Sinners" (1966), and "The Assassination of Trotsky" (1972).

In his later years, Delon expressed disillusionment with the film industry, lamenting how commercialization had tainted his cinematic dreams. Despite this, he remained active, appearing in numerous TV movies and briefly serving as a judge for the Miss France pageant before resigning in 2013 due to controversial statements.

Despite the controversies, Delon was awarded the Palme d’Honneur at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, a decision that generated debate. At the gala, he reflected on his life, stating that his career was his greatest source of pride.