One of the 20th century’s most important actors, and the pretty boy of French cinema, Alain Delon, has passed away at the age of 88.
Alain Delon was in over 90 films during his lifetime, and is best known for the films he made in the 1960s (largely of the French New Wave): The Samurai, Borsalino, The Leopard, Rocco and His Brothers, Eclipse, and many others.
Delon cultivated a new type of sensual, elegant cop and hitman in his films.
Born in 1935 in Parisian suburb Sceaux, Delon was expelled from several schools before leaving at 14 to work in a butcher’s shop. He was spotted by David O. Selznick and became an immediate hit, hailed as a serious and natural talent despite his lack of formal education.
He was also known for his tumultuous personal life and iconic relationship with actress Romy Schneider.
In a note to Delon on his 80th birthday, one of his oldest friends, fellow 1960s icon Brigitte Bardot, called the legendary bad boy “an eagle with two heads… the best and the worst.”
A statement from his family reads: “Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as (his dog) Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father.
He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.”
