“He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family,” a family statement released to the AFP news agency said.
Renowned French actor, producer, and writer Alain Delon, celebrated for his captivating on-screen presence and timeless charm, passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as a global icon of elegance and sophistication.
“He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family,” a family statement released to the AFP news agency said.
Delon, a legendary figure in French and European cinema, passed away after struggling with health issues in recent years, including a stroke in 2019.
While he will be remembered for his iconic roles in films like "Plein Soleil," "Rocco and his Brothers," and "Le Samouraï," his legacy is complex.
Delon's controversial political views and treatment of women have been widely criticised, sparking outrage among feminists when he received an honorary Palme d'Or later in life.
Born in Sceaux, a suburb of Paris, Delon's tumultuous childhood was marked by his parents' divorce and frequent expulsions from school. He served in the French Navy and worked odd jobs in Paris before making his film debut in 1957 as a hitman in "Quand la femme s'en mêle."
This role launched his career as a prominent anti-hero in European cinema, with collaborations with renowned directors like René Clément, Luchino Visconti, and Jean-Pierre Melville.
In 1968, Alain Delon became embroiled in a high-profile scandal known as the Markovic affair, which involved allegations of sex, drug use, and murder within French high society.
Although Delon was interrogated by authorities, he was ultimately not charged in connection with the scandal.