French Film Legend Alain Delon has Died at 88

In a statement to AFP, the family confirmed that Delon "passed away peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and loved ones," requesting privacy during this time.

In recent years, Delon had struggled with health issues and had largely withdrawn from public life.

After a long and storied career that won him both devoted fans and critics, French actor Alain Delon leaves behind a significant legacy in cinema, marked by classic films and a complex public image. Known for his enigmatic "angel-faced" look and dark acting style, Delon's work is celebrated, even though his personal life was often tumultuous.

Delon quickly rose to fame in European cinema, collaborating with renowned directors like Luchino Visconti and Michelangelo Antonioni. His role in Visconti's Rocco and His Brothers (1960) and Antonioni's Eclipse (1962) solidified his place in cinema history, both films winning prestigious awards at international film festivals. In 1963, Delon starred in The Leopard, another Visconti masterpiece, further elevating his status. The same year, he teamed up with Jean Gabin in the successful Any Number Can Win, though his attempts to break into Hollywood were less fruitful.

Returning to Europe, Delon rekindled old connections, notably with Romy Schneider in The Swimming Pool (1969) and with Jean-Pierre Melville, under whose direction he starred in The Samurai, a role that defined his career. Delon's collaboration with Melville continued with The Red Circle and A Cop, both contributing to his reputation for playing brooding, solitary characters. In addition to acting, Delon ventured into film production, eventually producing forty films. He...