Legendary French Actor Alain Delon, Star of New Wave Cinema, Passes Away at 88

Alain Delon, the iconic French actor renowned for his collaborations with New Wave director Jean-Pierre Melville, has passed away at the age of 88, Variety repots, citing the AFP news agency.

“He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family,” a statement released to AFP by his relatives read.

Delon was celebrated for his role in Melville’s classic film “Le Samourai,” as well as in the acclaimed heist thriller “Le Cercle Rouge” and the noir film “Un Flic.”

His illustrious career also included significant performances in notable works such as René Clément’s “Purple Noon,” Luchino Visconti’s “Rocco and His Brothers” and “The Leopard,” Michelangelo Antonioni’s “L’Eclisse,” José Giovanni’s “Two Men in Town,” and Joseph Losey’s “Mr. Klein.”

Despite facing criticism in his later years for controversial remarks regarding same-sex adoption and his associations with far-right politicians, Delon’s legacy as a cinematic icon remains influential.

Figures from both France and abroad, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, and French actress Brigitte Bardot, have paid their respects, acknowledging his significant impact on film and popular culture.