French film legend Alain Delon, known for his tough-guy persona on screen in hits such as The Samurai and Borsalino, has passed away at the age of 88. Delon, who was once described as the most beautiful man in the movies, starred in over 90 films during his career, including classics like The Leopard and Rocco and his Brothers.
In recent years, Delon had been in poor health and had become a virtual recluse. The breakdown of his family had also been making headlines in France, with his three children airing their grievances in public.
Delon’s last major public appearance was at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, where he received an honorary Palme d’or. In an emotional speech at the event, he appeared to bid farewell to cinema.
However, Delon’s personal life had been marred by controversy, with a judge placing him under “reinforced curatorship” in April of this year, limiting his ability to manage his assets. In February, French police seized 72 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition from his home, as he did not have a gun license.
Despite his personal struggles, Delon was hailed as a legend of the cinema by Le Parisian newspaper and described as a symbol of shadowy masculinity by Liberation. His passing marks the end of an era in French cinema, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a lasting impact on the industry.
