French Film Icon Alain Delon, Star of ‘Le Samouraï,’ Dies at 88

Alain Delon, the renowned actor and heartthrob who dominated French cinema in the 1960s with films like “Le Samouraï” and “Purple Noon,” has passed away at the age of 88. The announcement was made through a statement to AFP, noting that Delon died peacefully at his longtime residence in Douchy, France.

“He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family,” the statement read. French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute, stating, “Mr. Klein or Rocco, the Leopard or the Samurai, Alain Delon has played legendary roles and made the world dream. Lending his unforgettable face to shake up our lives. Melancholic, popular, secretive, he was more than a star: a French monument.”

Delon gained initial recognition in the 1959 comedy “Women Are Weak,” a major hit in France that found its way to American screens. His reputation as a serious actor was solidified the following year with “Purple Noon,” directed by René Clément and based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Soon after, he starred in “Rocco and His Brothers,” a Luchino Visconti film that was initially poorly received but later hailed as a classic of the Italian neorealism movement.

Throughout the 1960s, Delon’s career skyrocketed. His acting prowess, combined with his charm and striking looks, secured him roles with some of Europe’s most esteemed directors. He worked again with Visconti in “The Leopard” and Clément in “Is Paris Burning?” and collaborated with Michelangelo Antonioni in “L’Eclisse” and Jean-Pierre Melville in “Le Samouraï.” These films cemented his brooding, modernist screen presence.

Delon epitomized the 1960s French movie star. During a period when filmmakers infused Hollywood conventions with European arthouse sensibilities, Delon stood out. He was as handsome as Hollywood’s leading men but possessed the acting skills to rival the best French actors.

However, his status as a sex symbol and his accent often led to typecasting. In the United States, Delon was frequently cast in womanizing roles as an “exotic foreign lover,” which limited his success. Frustrated, he eventually abandoned his quest for American stardom and spent the 1970s focusing on crime and swashbuckler films in France.

Delon experienced a late-career resurgence, earning a César Award for his role in the 1984 film “Notre Histoire.” In 1990, he finally collaborated with Jean-Luc Godard in “Nouvelle Vague.” He remained active in acting until the early 2010s, mainly appearing in French television projects. In 2019, Delon received an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrating his extensive career.

While enduring works like “Rocco and His Brothers” and “Le Samouraï” define his legacy, Delon’s impact transcends individual films. He was a true movie star, whose name graced everything from clothing to cigarettes. As one of the most iconic actors from a golden era of European cinema, Alain Delon remains a monumental figure in film history.

Source: AFP, Deadline