PARIS: Alain Delon, France’s legendary actor and iconic screen seducer, passed away at 88 on Sunday. Renowned for his roles as impeccably tailored, ice-cold killers in 1960s New Wave films, Delon was often hailed as one of the sexiest men of the 20th century.
To his millions of fans from France to Japan, where he was adored as an idol of male beauty, Delon’s allure was irresistible. However, his life was not without controversy. Often referring to himself in the third person, Delon admitted to slapping a woman, which drew criticism from feminists who were appalled when he received a lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Delon’s rise to fame began in 1960 with his roles in films like “Purple Noon” and “The Leopard,” where he played pretty boy killers and mysterious schemers. His performance as a silent hitman in Jean-Pierre Melville’s “Le Samouraï” set the standard for one of Hollywood’s favorite archetypes: the cerebral assassin. Directors like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and John Woo have all acknowledged Delon’s influence on their work.
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His personal life was equally dramatic, with many of his relationships ending in heartbreak and tragedy. His stormy romance with German actress Romy Schneider, whom he called “the love of my life,” ended in despair after her son’s death and her subsequent passing.
Despite his turbulent personal life, Delon remained a captivating figure, with his striking looks and undeniable talent leaving an indelible mark on cinema. However, his support for France’s far-right National Front and controversial statements in later years polarized opinions about the actor.
Delon suffered a debilitating stroke in 2019, spending his final years in seclusion at his estate in France. As his health declined, his three children became embroiled in legal disputes over his estate, highlighting the ongoing drama that surrounded Delon until his death.
