Alain Delon: President Macron leads tributes to ‘French monument’ who has died aged 88

Alain Delon’s family said that he passed away peacefully while surrounded by his children

Tributes have poured in for French film star Alain Delon who died peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family, at the age of 88.

Regarded as the “male Brigitte Bardot”, Delon was often cast as the romantic heartthrob and starred in classics such as Plein Soleil, Le Samouraï, and Rocco and His Brothers.

Leading the tributes, French president Emmanuel Macron said the actor “played legendary roles and made the world dream”, which cemented him as a national icon.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he added: “Melancholy, popular, secretive, he was more than a star: he was a French monument.”

The country’s culture minister Rachida Dati wrote: “We believe he was immortal… his talent, his charisma, his aura made him destined for a Hollywood career at a young age, but he chose France.”

Earlier this year, his son Anthony had said Delon had been diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer.

“His children, Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as [his dog] Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father,” his family said in a statement.

Delon was regarded as one of French cinema’s finest stars (Getty)

The actor had been in poor health in recent years, and had suffered a stroke in 2019.

Over the past year, Delon’s fragile health condition had been at the heart of a family dispute over his care that gave rise to bitter exchanges through the media among his three children.

In April 2024 a judge placed Delon under “reinforced curatorship”, meaning he no longer had full freedom to manage his assets. He was already under legal protection due to concerns about his health and wellbeing.

He was often compared to Frank Sinatra or the ‘male Brigitte Bardot’ (AFP via Getty)

Le Parisian newspaper called Delon “a legend of the cinema”, while Liberation described him as “a leading figure of cinema, symbol of shadowy masculinity, the actor with crazy charisma”.

Following news of his death, French writer and film director Philippe Labro wrote: “Goodbye friend. A wonderful collection of films, an incredible and fascinating personality. Beauty is not enough to explain the exceptional evolution of his talent. He was the ultimate star. The Samurai.”

With striking blue eyes, Delon was sometimes referred to as the “French Frank Sinatra” for his handsome looks, and courted controversy for his connections with crime underworld.

He was also known for his prolific love life with fellow actor Romy Schneider among his former partners.