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Alain Fabien Maurice Marcel Delon (; 8 November 1935 – 18 August 2024) was a French actor, film producer, screenwriter, singer, and businessman. Acknowledged as a cultural and cinematic leading man of the 20th century, Delon emerged as one of the foremost European actors of the late 1950s to the 1980s, and became an international
sex symbol A sex symbol or icon is a person or character widely considered sexually attractive and often synonymous with sexuality. Pam Cook, "The trouble with sex: Diana Dors and the Blonde bombshell phenomenon", In: Bruce Babinigton (ed.), ''British St ...
. He is regarded as one of the most well-known figures of the French cultural landscape. His style, looks, and
roles A role (also rôle or social role) is a set of connected behaviors, rights, obligations, beliefs, and norms as conceptualized by people in a social situation. It is an expected or free or continuously changing behavior and may have a given indi ...
, which made him an international icon, earned him enduring popularity. Delon achieved critical acclaim for his roles in films such as '' Women Are Weak'' (1959), ''
Purple Noon ''Purple Noon'' (; ; also known as ''Full Sun'', ''Blazing Sun'', ''Lust for Evil'', and ''Talented Mr. Ripley'') is a 1960 crime thriller film starring Alain Delon (in his first major role), alongside Marie Laforêt and Maurice Ronet; Romy Schn ...
'' (1960), ''
Rocco and His Brothers ''Rocco and His Brothers'' () is a 1960 drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, Renato Salvatori, Katina Paxinou, Roger Hanin, Paolo Stoppa, and Claudia Cardinale in one of her early roles. Set in 1 ...
'' (1960), ''
L'Eclisse ''L'Eclisse'' () is a 1962 romantic drama film co-written and directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and starring Alain Delon and Monica Vitti, with Francisco Rabal, Lilla Brignone, and Louis Seigner. Filmed on location in Rome and Verona, the story ...
'' (1962), '' The Leopard'' (1963), '' Any Number Can Win'' (1963), '' The Black Tulip'' (1964), '' The Last Adventure'' (1967), ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
'' (1967), ''
The Girl on a Motorcycle ''The Girl on a Motorcycle'' () is a 1968 erotic romantic drama film directed by Jack Cardiff, starring Alain Delon and Marianne Faithfull. It is based on the 1963 novel ''La Motocyclette'' by André Pieyre de Mandiargues. Released as ''Naked ...
'' (1968), '' La Piscine'' (1969), ''
Le Cercle Rouge ''Le Cercle Rouge'' (, "The Red Circle") is a 1970 crime film set mostly in Paris. It was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon, Bourvil, Gian Maria Volonté, François Périer and Yves Montand. It is known for its climactic ...
'' (1970), ''
Un flic ''Un flic'' ('A Cop'), also known as ''Dirty Money'', is a 1972 crime thriller film, the last directed by Jean-Pierre Melville before his death the following year. It stars Alain Delon, Richard Crenna and Catherine Deneuve. Delon had previously ...
'' (1972), and ''
Monsieur Klein ''Monsieur Klein'' () is a 1976 mystery drama film directed by Joseph Losey, produced by and starring Alain Delon in the title role. Set in occupied France, the Kafkaesque narrative follows an apparently Gentile Parisian art dealer who is seemi ...
'' (1976). Over the course of his career, Delon worked with many directors, including
Luchino Visconti Luchino Visconti di Modrone, Count of Lonate Pozzolo (; 2 November 1906 – 17 March 1976) was an Italian filmmaker, theatre and opera director, and screenwriter. He was one of the fathers of Italian neorealism, cinematic neorealism, but later ...
,
Jean-Luc Godard Jean-Luc Godard ( , ; ; 3 December 193013 September 2022) was a French and Swiss film director, screenwriter, and film critic. He rose to prominence as a pioneer of the French New Wave film movement of the 1960s, alongside such filmmakers as ...
,
Jean-Pierre Melville Jean-Pierre Grumbach (20 October 1917 – 2 August 1973), known professionally as Jean-Pierre Melville (), was a French filmmaker. Considered a spiritual godfather of the French New Wave, he was one of the first fully-independent French filmmake ...
,
Michelangelo Antonioni Michelangelo Antonioni ( ; ; 29 September 1912 – 30 July 2007) was an Italian film director, screenwriter, and editor. He is best known for his "trilogy on modernity and its discontents", ''L'Avventura'' (1960), ''La Notte'' (1961), and '' ...
, and
Louis Malle Louis Marie Malle (; 30 October 1932 – 23 November 1995) was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer who worked in both French cinema and Hollywood. Described as "eclectic" and "a filmmaker difficult to pin down", Malle made document ...
. Delon received many film and entertainment awards throughout his career. In 1985, he won the
César Award for Best Actor This is the list of winners and nominees of the César Award for Best Actor (). History Superlatives Winners 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Multiple wins and nominations The following individuals received two or more Best ...
for his performance in '' Notre histoire'' (1984). In 1991, he became a member of France's
Legion of Honour The National Order of the Legion of Honour ( ), formerly the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honour (), is the highest and most prestigious French national order of merit, both military and Civil society, civil. Currently consisting of five cl ...
. At the 45th Berlin International Film Festival, he won the Honorary Golden Bear. At the
2019 Cannes Film Festival The 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival took place from 14 to 25 May 2019. Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu served as jury president for the main competition. South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho won the , the festival's top prize, fo ...
, he received the Honorary Palme d'Or. In addition to his acting career, Delon also recorded the spoken part in the popular 1973 song " Paroles, paroles", a duet with
Dalida Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti (; 17 January 1933 – 3 May 1987), professionally known as Dalida (, ; ), was an Italian naturalized French singer and actress. Leading an international career, Dalida has sold over 140 million records worldwide. Some ...
as the main singing voice. He acquired Swiss citizenship in 1999.


Family

The Delons are originally from Saint-Vincent-Lespinasse, in
Tarn-et-Garonne Tarn-et-Garonne (; ) is a Departments of France, department in the Occitania (administrative region), Occitania Regions of France, region in Southern France. It is traversed by the rivers Tarn (river), Tarn and Garonne, from which it takes its n ...
. Their known
genealogy Genealogy () is the study of families, family history, and the tracing of their lineages. Genealogists use oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kin ...
goes back to Jean Delon, born in the fifteenth century. Delon's paternal great-grandfather, Fabien Delon (Saint-Vincent-Lespinasse, 28 December 1829 -
Figeac Figeac (; ) is a Communes of France, commune in the southwestern French Departments of France, department of Lot (department), Lot. Figeac is a Subprefectures in France, sub-prefecture of the department. Geography Figeac is on the via Podiensis ...
(Lot), 12 December 1909), a
civil engineer A civil engineer is a person who practices civil engineering – the application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructure while protecting the public and environmental health, as well as improving existing i ...
, was decorated with the Legion of Honour in 1892. His paternal grandmother, Marie-Antoinette Evangelista (born in 1867 in Prunelli-di-Fiumorbo), was Corsican. On 3 December 1888 she married Delon's paternal grandfather, Jean-Marcel Delon (
Figeac Figeac (; ) is a Communes of France, commune in the southwestern French Departments of France, department of Lot (department), Lot. Figeac is a Subprefectures in France, sub-prefecture of the department. Geography Figeac is on the via Podiensis ...
, 4 November 1856 –
L'Haÿ-les-Roses L'Haÿ-les-Roses () is a Communes of France, commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the Kilometre Zero, centre of Paris. L'Haÿ-les-Roses is a Subprefectures in France, subprefecture of the Val-de-Marne ''Département ...
1926), then a tax collector in Gap, who was appointed in
Corsica Corsica ( , , ; ; ) is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the Regions of France, 18 regions of France. It is the List of islands in the Mediterranean#By area, fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean and lies southeast of the Metro ...
in 1886. The couple had two children together, a son François Fabien Delon and a daughter Jeanne Lucidora Adele Delon. Delon's maternal grandfather, Alfred Louis Arnold (1876–1959), was born in Paris and was a rider of the French army, gendarme. His parents were Just Arnold, born in 1847 in
Bürglen, Uri Bürglen is a Municipalities of Switzerland, municipality in the Cantons of Switzerland, canton of Canton of Uri, Uri in Switzerland. History Bürglen is first mentioned in 857 as ''Burgilla''. In 1240 it was mentioned as ''Burgelon''. Geograp ...
, a shoemaker by trade, and Marie-Adéle Lienemann, born in 1849, a cook. He married Maria Minard (1881–1913), a model for Jeanne Lanvin. The couple had two children: a daughter, Édith Marie Suzanne Arnold, and a son, Henri Arnold.


Early life


Childhood and education: 1935–1952

Alain Fabien Maurice Marcel Delon was born in a house located at 99 Houdan Street on 8 November 1935 in Sceaux, a wealthy suburb of
Paris Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, largest city of France. With an estimated population of 2,048,472 residents in January 2025 in an area of more than , Paris is the List of ci ...
in the department of Seine (now
Hauts-de-Seine Hauts-de-Seine (; ) is a department in the Île-de-France region of France. It covers Paris's western inner suburbs. It is bordered by Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne to the east, Val-d'Oise to the north, Yvelines to the west and ...
). His father François Fabien Delon ( Craponne-sur-Arzon, 12 March 1904 –
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Le Kremlin-Bicêtre () is a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is from the center of Paris. It is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Europe. Le Kremlin-Bicêtre is most famous as the location of the Bicêtre ...
, 17 September 1977), was a projectionist and later the director of the cinema ''Le Régina'' in
Bourg-la-Reine Bourg-la-Reine () is a Communes of France, commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the Kilometre Zero, center of Paris. History In 1792, during the French Revolution, Bourg-la-Reine (meaning "Town of the Queen") w ...
, his mother Édith Marie Suzanne Arnold (19 April 1911 – Jouy-en-Josas, 20 June 1995), was an assistant employed in a pharmacy and a theater usher at the cinema where both his parents met, he was born into a petit-bourgeois family. When Delon was four years old his parents divorced in 1939. Both of his parents remarried, as a result he had two half brothers and an adopted sister on his father's side, and two half siblings on his mother's side. He was then entrusted to a foster family called Nero, who lived on Rue de la Terasse. This would remain for him a childhood wound that never healed. The father of the family was a prison guard in Fresnes Prison,
Val-de-Marne Val-de-Marne (, "Vale of the Marne") is a department of France located in the Île-de-France region. Named after the river Marne, it is situated in the Grand Paris metropolis to the southeast of the City of Paris. In 2019, Val-de-Marne had a ...
. Delon, who lived next door, heard the salvo that executed the wartime collaborator
Pierre Laval Pierre Jean Marie Laval (; 28 June 1883 – 15 October 1945) was a French politician. He served as Prime Minister of France three times: 1931–1932 and 1935–1936 during the Third Republic (France), Third Republic, and 1942–1944 during Vich ...
in the prison courtyard in 1945, the details of which he was told. While living with the foster family, Delon became passionate about bicycle racing and hoped to become a bicycle racer like
Fausto Coppi Angelo Fausto Coppi (; 15 September 1919 – 2 January 1960) was an Italian cyclist, the dominant international cyclist of the years after the World War II, Second World War. His successes earned him the title ''Il Campionissimo'' ("Champio ...
. When his foster parents died in 1946, Delon was sent back to his birth parents, who took shared custody of him. Growing up, he spent time living with his father and his second family in
L'Haÿ-les-Roses L'Haÿ-les-Roses () is a Communes of France, commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the Kilometre Zero, centre of Paris. L'Haÿ-les-Roses is a Subprefectures in France, subprefecture of the Val-de-Marne ''Département ...
and with his mother and her second family in Bourg-la-Reine. However his parents not wanting to take care of him decided to place him in the Catholic boarding school of Saint-Nicolas d'Igny (
Essonne Essonne () is a department in the southern part of the Île-de-France region in Northern France. It is named after the river Essonne. In 2019, it had a population of 1,301,659, across 194 communes.Pope John XXIII Pope John XXIII (born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli; 25 November 18813 June 1963) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 28 October 1958 until his death on 3 June 1963. He is the most recent pope to take ...
. Due to the lack of attention from his parents, Delon became unruly, constantly misbehaving in the classroom and getting into fights with other children. He was expelled from the school after he beat up one of his classmates. The priests recommended he be sent to Saint Gabriel de Bagneaux. During his four years there, Delon constantly misbehaved and was disrespectful to his teachers. He then stole the director's motorcycle which resulted in him being expelled once more. Delon was expelled from a few more schools which were
Jesuit The Society of Jesus (; abbreviation: S.J. or SJ), also known as the Jesuit Order or the Jesuits ( ; ), is a religious order (Catholic), religious order of clerics regular of pontifical right for men in the Catholic Church headquartered in Rom ...
,
Benedictine The Benedictines, officially the Order of Saint Benedict (, abbreviated as O.S.B. or OSB), are a mainly contemplative monastic order of the Catholic Church for men and for women who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict. Initiated in 529, th ...
,
Franciscan The Franciscans are a group of related organizations in the Catholic Church, founded or inspired by the Italian saint Francis of Assisi. They include three independent Religious institute, religious orders for men (the Order of Friars Minor bei ...
and lay schools, until the age of 13, when he entered Saint Nicolas d'Igny Institute. There he had the opportunity to perform the role of a thug in ''Le Rapt'', a 22-second silent short film directed by Olivier Bourguignon, a friend of his father. At age 14, Delon decided he did not want to stay in the school and wished to leave France. He decided to run away to
Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
with his friend Daniel Salwadet who had an uncle living there. They left the school, determined to hitchhike to
Bordeaux Bordeaux ( ; ; Gascon language, Gascon ; ) is a city on the river Garonne in the Gironde Departments of France, department, southwestern France. A port city, it is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, as well as the Prefectures in F ...
. When they arrived in
Châtellerault Châtellerault (; Poitevin-Saintongeais: ''Châteulrô/Chateleràud''; ) is a commune in the Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in France. It is located in the northeast of the former province Poitou, and the residents are cal ...
, a passerby took them to the local police station. Due to Delon's temper, he and his friend were put in jail and were sent back to their families. Because of his actions, Delon was expelled from the school. His parents then decided that studies were not for him and made Delon abandon them. His mother took him into her home and decided to make him join the business of her husband, Paul Boulogne, a butcher and delicatessen owner from Bourg-la-Reine. He later said he never really found a place in that family and never felt safe there. Delon took courses at the Au Jambon de Paris, while working part time as his stepfather's delicatessen where he would go the central markets in the morning to buy 40 kilograms of sausages. He eventually obtained a Certificate of Professional Aptitude (''Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle'' or CAP) in
charcuterie Charcuterie (, , also , ; ; from , and ) is a branch of French cuisine devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, Terrine (food), terrines, ''galantines'', ''ballotines'', ''pâtés'', and ''confit'', primarily from pork. Ch ...
. For three years he worked at his stepfather's delicatessen, which had sixteen employees, he also worked at other delicatessens as well. His family had plans for him to take over the delicatessen in the future. However during those three years, Delon developed a very bad reputation in the community. He partied constantly, got into bar fights, and was at one point a member of a gang.


Military service and Indochina War: 1952–1956

Anticipating the call up for
military service Military service is service by an individual or group in an army or other militia, air forces, and naval forces, whether as a chosen job (volunteer military, volunteer) or as a result of an involuntary draft (conscription). Few nations, such ...
, he joined the
French Navy The French Navy (, , ), informally (, ), is the Navy, maritime arm of the French Armed Forces and one of the four military service branches of History of France, France. It is among the largest and most powerful List of navies, naval forces i ...
at age 17. After a stint at the Pont-Réan Maritime Training Centre, he continued his service in 1953 at the Bormette Signals School. After he was caught stealing equipment,. the Navy gave him a choice of leaving it or extending his commitment from three to five years. As a first-class seaman, he was then assigned to the protection company of the
Saigon Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) ('','' TP.HCM; ), commonly known as Saigon (; ), is the most populous city in Vietnam with a population of around 14 million in 2025. The city's geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the largest is Saigo ...
arsenal, in what was still
French Indochina French Indochina (previously spelled as French Indo-China), officially known as the Indochinese Union and after 1941 as the Indochinese Federation, was a group of French dependent territories in Southeast Asia from 1887 to 1954. It was initial ...
. Towards the end of the
Indochina War The First Indochina War (generally known as the Indochina War in France, and as the Anti-French Resistance War in Vietnam, and alternatively internationally as the French-Indochina War) was fought between France and Việt Minh ( Democratic Rep ...
, he was arrested for stealing a jeep and going on a trip during which the vehicle fell into a stream. His radio licence was revoked and he was given a
dishonorable discharge A military discharge is given when a member of the armed forces is released from their obligation to serve. Each country's military has different types of discharge. They are generally based on whether the persons completed their training and the ...
, from the Navy. He celebrated his 20th birthday in a prison cell. This period made a deep impression on him: he discovered military discipline, a sense of honour and respect for the values represented by the flag of France. He developed a passion for weapons and was captivated by the performance of French actor
Jean Gabin Jean Gabin Alexis Moncorgé (born Jean-Alexis Moncorgé), known as Jean Gabin (; 17 May 190415 November 1976), was a French actor and singer. Considered a key figure in French cinema, he starred in several classic films, including '' Pépé le ...
in '' Touchez pas au grisbi'', a film he saw in the Indochinese capital. After his naval service, Delon returned to France in 1956. He resented his parents for letting him go to Indochina (he was a volunteer but their permission was necessary) and did not get back in touch with them, deciding to fend for himself and having no idea what he would do for a living. His younger brother Jean-François Delon would later be the first in his family to reconnect with him in 1961 after he and his father saw Alain's name on a ''
Rocco and His Brothers ''Rocco and His Brothers'' () is a 1960 drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, Renato Salvatori, Katina Paxinou, Roger Hanin, Paolo Stoppa, and Claudia Cardinale in one of her early roles. Set in 1 ...
'' poster. Delon settled in at the Regina Hotel and did a few odd jobs, including produce handler at the Paris market Les Halles and waiter in a café near the
Champs-Élysées The Avenue des Champs-Élysées (, ; ) is an Avenue (landscape), avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France, long and wide, running between the Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west, where the Arc ...
. He met the future singer
Dalida Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti (; 17 January 1933 – 3 May 1987), professionally known as Dalida (, ; ), was an Italian naturalized French singer and actress. Leading an international career, Dalida has sold over 140 million records worldwide. Some ...
, with whom he would have an affair later in life. In Pigalle and
Montmartre Montmartre ( , , ) is a large hill in Paris's northern 18th arrondissement of Paris, 18th arrondissement. It is high and gives its name to the surrounding district, part of the Rive Droite, Right Bank. Montmartre is primarily known for its a ...
, he met members of the French underworld, thugs and gigolos, one of whom, a homosexual named Carlos, ensured his protection. Delon was fascinated by the values of this environment, in particular the sense of honour, friendship, respect and the law of silence. His slim physique and his pleasant face attracted women and allowed him to be housed and fed by several prostitutes, which was not to his displeasure. His future at that point seemed to be heading towards a career as a
pimp Procuring, pimping, or pandering is the facilitation or provision of a prostitute or other sex worker in the arrangement of a sex act with a customer. A procurer, colloquially called a pimp (if male) or a madam (if female, though the term "pimp" ...
.


Acting career


Early career: 1957–1958

Delon discovered the bustling
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain-des-Prés () is one of the four administrative quarters of the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France, located around the church of the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Its official borders are the River Seine on the nor ...
district and at the '' Club Saint-Germain'' met the actress Brigitte Auber, who had recently acted for the director
Alfred Hitchcock Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock (13 August 1899 – 29 April 1980) was an English film director. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. In a career spanning six decades, he directed over 50 featu ...
in '' To Catch a Thief''. They lived together on rue du Pré-aux-Clercs, in the
7th arrondissement of Paris The 7th arrondissement of Paris (''VIIe arrondissement'') is one of the 20 Arrondissements of Paris, arrondissements of the capital city of France. It is known for being, along with the 16th arrondissement and the ''commune'' of Neuilly-sur-Sein ...
, which distanced Alain Delon from the underworld and changed his career path. On the occasion of the 1957
Cannes Film Festival The Cannes Film Festival (; ), until 2003 called the International Film Festival ('), is the most prestigious film festival in the world. Held in Cannes, France, it previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around ...
, he went down with her to the
Côte d'Azur The French Riviera, known in French as the (; , ; ), is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France. There is no official boundary, but it is considered to be the coastal area of the Alpes-Maritimes department, extending fr ...
and moved into the house she owned in
Saint-Paul-de-Vence Saint-Paul-de-Vence (, literally ''Saint-Paul of Vence''; ; ) is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, Saint-Pau ...
. It was during this festival that he became friends with
Jean-Claude Brialy Jean-Claude Brialy (30 March 1933 – 30 May 2007) was a French actor and film director. Early life Brialy was born in Aumale (now Sour El-Ghozlane), French Algeria, where his father was stationed with the French Army. Brialy moved to mainland ...
and came into contact with the film industry, where he met his future agent George Beaume. He was "spotted" by Henry Willson, who was in charge of recruiting new talent on behalf of the American film producer
David O. Selznick David O. Selznick (born David Selznick; May 10, 1902June 22, 1965) was an American film producer, screenwriter and film studio executive who produced ''Gone with the Wind (film), Gone with the Wind'' (1939) and ''Rebecca (1940 film), Rebecca'' (1 ...
, who offered him a trial run in Rome. He thus entered the world of cinema without any particular training as an actor. In Rome, he lived with Gian Paolo Barbieri, who would become a famous photographer. In the
Cinecittà studios Cinecittà Studios (; Italian for Cinema City) is a large film studio in Rome, Italy. With an area of 400,000 square metres (99 acres), it is the largest film studio in Europe, and is considered the hub of Italian cinema. The studios were constru ...
, on the sidelines of the filming of
Charles Vidor Charles Vidor (born Károly Vidor; July 27, 1899June 4, 1959) was a Hungary, Hungarian film director. Among his film successes are ''The Bridge'' (1929), ''Double_Door_(film), Double Door ''(1934), ''The Tuttles of Tahiti'' (1942), ''The Desper ...
's ''
A Farewell to Arms ''A Farewell to Arms'' is a novel by American writer Ernest Hemingway, set during the Italian campaign of World War I. First published in 1929, it is a first-person account of an American, Frederic Henry, serving as a lieutenant () in the a ...
'', he underwent conclusive auditions and Selznick offered him a seven-year contract in the United States on the condition that he learn English. Delon returned to Paris and began to study English, but the actress Michèle Cordoue, whose lover he had become, convinced her husband, the director
Yves Allégret Yves Allégret (13 October 1905 – 31 January 1987) was a French film director, often working in the film noir genre. He was born in Asnières-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine and died in Paris. He was an assistant to film directors such as his brothe ...
, to hire him to shoot his first film'', Quand la femme s'en mêle''. Delon initially rejected the offer from Allégret but eventually accepted, and Selznick allowed him to cancel the contract. he played a small role alongside the star
Edwige Feuillère Edwige Feuillère (born Edwige Louise Caroline Cunatti; 29 October 1907 – 13 November 1998) was a French stage and film actress. Biography She was born Edwige Louise Caroline Cunatti to an Italian architect father and an Alsace-born moth ...
. Delon recounted: "I didn't know how to do anything. Allégret looked at me like that and he said: 'Listen to me, Alain. Speak as you speak to me. Look at how you look at me. Listen as you listen to me. Don't play, live.' It changed everything. If Yves Allégret hadn't told me that, I wouldn't have had this career." He then appeared in the comedy '' Be Beautiful But Shut Up'' by
Marc Allégret Marc Allégret (22 December 1900 – 3 November 1973) was a French screenwriter, photographer and film director. Biography Born in Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland, he was the elder brother of Yves Allégret. Marc was educated to be a lawyer in ...
(Yves' brother), alongside
Mylène Demongeot Mylène Demongeot (; born Marie-Hélène Demongeot ; 29 September 1935 – 1 December 2022) was a French film, television and theatre actress and author with a career spanning seven decades and more than 100 credits in French language, French, ...
and
Henri Vidal Henri Vidal (26 November 1919 – 10 December 1959) was a French film actor. Film career Henri Lucien Raymond VidalSource Les Gens du cinéma/ref> was first noticed after he won the "Apollo of 1939" contest in Paris. He was spotted by Édith ...
, as well as another fledglingactor,
Jean-Paul Belmondo Jean-Paul Charles Belmondo (; 9 April 19336 September 2021) was a French actor. Initially associated with the New Wave of the 1960s, he was a major French film star for several decades from the 1960s onward, frequently portraying police officer ...
. During the shooting, he borrowed the Renault 4CV belonging to
Pascal Jardin Pascal Jardin (14 May 1934 in Paris – 30 July 1980 in Villejuif) was a French screenwriter. Works *1957: ''Les Petits Malins'', novel, *1971: ''La Guerre à neuf ans'', Grasset 1971, preface by Emmanuel Berl *1972: ''Toupie la rage'', nove ...
, the director's second assistant, against Jardin's advice. In the Saint-Cloud tunnel, the borrowed car rolled over five times. The vehicle was destroyed and Delon escaped, suffering only a minor injury that left a scar under his chin which became characteristic of his image. In 1958, he became a leading man when he was chosen by the German actress
Romy Schneider Rosemarie Magdalena Albach (23 September 1938 – 29 May 1982), known professionally as Romy Schneider (), was a German and French actress. She is regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time and became a cult figure due to ...
, who had become a world celebrity following the success of the ''Sissi'' film trilogy, to play her male partner in ''Christine'' by Pierre Gaspard-Huit. The producers arranged an interview with the press at
Orly airport Paris Orly Airport (, ) is one of two international airports serving Paris, France, the other one being Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). It is located partially in Orly and partially in Villeneuve-le-Roi, south of Paris. It serves as a sec ...
in Paris on 10 April 1958: the two young actors met for the first time when Romy got off the plane. Their relationship was initially stormy: Schneider didn't speak French, Delon didn't speak German, and while she found him uninteresting and in bad taste, he found her unattractive. Filming began two months later and the two actors did not get along at all. However, they ended up falling in love and the "fiancés of Europe" celebrated their official engagement, organized by Romy's mother and stepfather in Morcote, Switzerland, on the shores of
Lake Lugano Lake Lugano ( or , from ; ) is a glacial lake which is situated on the border between southern Switzerland and northern Italy. The lake, named after the city of Lugano, is situated between Lake Como and Lago Maggiore. It was cited for the first t ...
, in front of the international press, without planning a date for a possible wedding. They embodied beauty, youth, success and became a couple celebrated by showbusiness and the public. After ''Christine'', where he played his first important role, Delon had his first success in
Michel Boisrond Michel Jacques Boisrond (9 October 1921 – 10 November 2002) was a French film director and screenwriter. His work spanned five decades, from the 1950s to the 1990s. Career A former apprentice of Jean Delannoy, Jean Cocteau, and René Clair ...
's ''Weak Women'', where he reunited with
Mylène Demongeot Mylène Demongeot (; born Marie-Hélène Demongeot ; 29 September 1935 – 1 December 2022) was a French film, television and theatre actress and author with a career spanning seven decades and more than 100 credits in French language, French, ...
and also shared the bill with other young leads, Pascale Petit and Jacqueline Sassard. In '' Le Chemin des écoliers'', based on
Marcel Aymé Marcel Aymé (; 29 March 1902 – 14 October 1967) was a French novelist and playwright, who also wrote screenplays and works for children. Biography Marcel André Aymé was born in Joigny, in the Burgundy region of France, the youngest ...
, he played the son of the character played by
Bourvil André Robert Raimbourg (; 27 July 1917 – 23 September 1970), better known as André Bourvil (), and mononymously as Bourvil, was a French actor and singer best known for his roles in comedy films, most notably in his collaboration with Loui ...
. His model was Jean Gabin.


French stardom and international fame: 1959–1964

Delon was given the lead in the comedy '' Women Are Weak'' (1959). This was a big hit in France and was the first of Delon's films to be seen in America. Delon made some personal appearances in New York to promote the movie. In a 1959 interview first aired on the French television program ''Cinépanorama'', conducted during the filming of ''
Rocco and His Brothers ''Rocco and His Brothers'' () is a 1960 drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, Renato Salvatori, Katina Paxinou, Roger Hanin, Paolo Stoppa, and Claudia Cardinale in one of her early roles. Set in 1 ...
'', Alain Delon expressed his admiration for Jean Marais, stating that he idolized the actor. "Everything is happening very quickly for you, you must be caught in a whirlwind, do you manage to find yourself?" He answered: "I try to not let myself be overwhelmed. To remain what I was before, to remain as simple. I took as a model an actor that I love and that is Jean Marais, who always remained the same." Delon next made two films that ensured his international reputation. In 1960, he appeared in
René Clément René Clément (; 18 March 1913 – 17 March 1996) was a French film director and screenwriter. He is known for directing the films ''The Battle of the Rails'' (1946), ''Forbidden Games'' (1952), ''Gervaise (film), Gervaise'' (1956), ''Purple No ...
's '' Plein Soleil'', released in the US as ''Purple Noon'', which was based on the
Patricia Highsmith Patricia Highsmith (born Mary Patricia Plangman; January 19, 1921 – February 4, 1995) was an American novelist and short story writer widely known for her psychological thrillers, including her series of five novels featuring the character T ...
novel ''
The Talented Mr. Ripley ''The Talented Mr. Ripley'' is a 1955 psychological thriller novel by Patricia Highsmith. The novel introduced the character of con man Tom Ripley, whom Highsmith wrote about in four subsequent books. Its numerous film and television adaptation ...
''. Delon played protagonist
Tom Ripley Tom Ripley is a fictional character in the ''Ripley'' series of crime novels by American novelist Patricia Highsmith, as well as several film adaptations. He is a psychopathic career criminal, con artist, and serial killer. The five novels in ...
to critical acclaim; Highsmith was a fan of his portrayal. The movie was a hit in France and on the art house circuit in English-speaking countries. He then played the title role in
Luchino Visconti Luchino Visconti di Modrone, Count of Lonate Pozzolo (; 2 November 1906 – 17 March 1976) was an Italian filmmaker, theatre and opera director, and screenwriter. He was one of the fathers of Italian neorealism, cinematic neorealism, but later ...
's ''
Rocco and His Brothers ''Rocco and His Brothers'' () is a 1960 drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, Renato Salvatori, Katina Paxinou, Roger Hanin, Paolo Stoppa, and Claudia Cardinale in one of her early roles. Set in 1 ...
'' (1960). Critic
Bosley Crowther Francis Bosley Crowther Jr. (July 13, 1905 – March 7, 1981) was an American journalist, writer, and film critic for ''The New York Times'' for 27 years. His work helped shape the careers of many actors, directors and screenwriters, though some ...
of ''
The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''NYT'') is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. ''The New York Times'' covers domestic, national, and international news, and publishes opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of ...
'' wrote that Delon's work was "touchingly pliant and expressive". Delon made his stage debut in 1961 in the
John Ford John Martin Feeney (February 1, 1894 – August 31, 1973), better known as John Ford, was an American film director and producer. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and w ...
play ''
'Tis Pity She's a Whore ''Tis Pity She's a Whore'' (original spelling: ''Tis Pitty Shee's a Who'' 'o'''re'') is a tragedy written by John Ford (dramatist), John Ford. It was first performed or between 1629 and 1633, by Queen Henrietta's Men at the Cockpit Theatre. ...
'' alongside
Romy Schneider Rosemarie Magdalena Albach (23 September 1938 – 29 May 1982), known professionally as Romy Schneider (), was a German and French actress. She is regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time and became a cult figure due to ...
in Paris. Visconti directed the production which broke box office records. He was reunited with René Clément in the Italian comedy film about fascism, '' The Joy of Living'' (1961). It was a minor success. More popular was an all-star anthology film '' Famous Love Affairs'' (1961); Delon's segment cast him as Albert III, Duke of Bavaria, opposite
Brigitte Bardot Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot ( ; ; born 28 September 1934), often referred to by her initials B.B., is a French former actress, singer, and model as well as an animal rights activist. Famous for portraying characters with Hedonism, hedonistic life ...
. Around this time Delon was mentioned as a possibility for the lead in '' Lawrence of Arabia''.
Peter O'Toole Peter Seamus O'Toole (; 2 August 1932 – 14 December 2013) was an English actor known for his leading roles on stage and screen. His numerous accolades include the Academy Honorary Award, a BAFTA Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and four Golde ...
was cast instead, but then Delon was signed by Seven Arts to a four-picture deal, including a big budget international movie of the
Marco Polo Marco Polo (; ; ; 8 January 1324) was a Republic of Venice, Venetian merchant, explorer and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in ''The Travels of Marco Polo'' (also known a ...
story and ''The King of Paris'', about
Alexandre Dumas Alexandre Dumas (born Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, 24 July 1802 – 5 December 1870), also known as Alexandre Dumas , was a French novelist and playwright. His works have been translated into many languages and he is one of the mos ...
. Neither project came to fruition. Instead he was cast by
Michelangelo Antonioni Michelangelo Antonioni ( ; ; 29 September 1912 – 30 July 2007) was an Italian film director, screenwriter, and editor. He is best known for his "trilogy on modernity and its discontents", ''L'Avventura'' (1960), ''La Notte'' (1961), and '' ...
opposite
Monica Vitti Maria Luisa Ceciarelli (3 November 1931 – 2 February 2022), known professionally as Monica Vitti, was an Italian actress who starred in several award-winning films directed by Michelangelo Antonioni during the 1960s. She appeared with Marcel ...
in ''
L'Eclisse ''L'Eclisse'' () is a 1962 romantic drama film co-written and directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and starring Alain Delon and Monica Vitti, with Francisco Rabal, Lilla Brignone, and Louis Seigner. Filmed on location in Rome and Verona, the story ...
'' (1962), a major critical success, although audiences were small. More popular was another all-star anthology film, ''
The Devil and the Ten Commandments ''Le Diable et les Dix Commandements'' () is a French film from 1962 directed by Julien Duvivier that consists of seven sketches (eight in the versions shown in Germany and Japan) played by an ensemble cast that includes Michel Simon, Micheline ...
'' (1963); Delon's segment cast him with
Danielle Darrieux Danielle Yvonne Marie Antoinette Darrieux (; 1 May 1917 – 17 October 2017) was a French actress of stage, television and film, as well as a singer and dancer. Beginning in 1931, she appeared in more than 110 films. She was one of France's g ...
. Producer Jacques Bar was making a heist film starring
Jean Gabin Jean Gabin Alexis Moncorgé (born Jean-Alexis Moncorgé), known as Jean Gabin (; 17 May 190415 November 1976), was a French actor and singer. Considered a key figure in French cinema, he starred in several classic films, including '' Pépé le ...
with backing from
MGM Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (also known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, commonly shortened to MGM or MGM Studios) is an American Film production, film and television production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered ...
, titled '' Any Number Can Win'' (1963). Gabin's co-star was going to be
Jean-Louis Trintignant Jean-Louis Xavier Trintignant (; 11 December 1930 – 17 June 2022) was a French actor. He made his theatrical debut in 1951, and went on to be regarded as one of the best French dramatic actors of the post-World War II, war era. He starred in m ...
until Delon lobbied Bar for the role. He took the film's distribution rights in certain countries instead of a straight salary. Because such an arrangement had never previously been made in France, it became known as "Delon's method". Delon's gamble paid off handsomely, with Jean Gabin later claiming that Delon earned 10 times more money than he did as a result. However, in 1965, Delon claimed "no one else has tried it since and made money". The experience gave Delon a taste for producing. He signed a five-picture deal with MGM, of which ''Any Number Can Win'' was the first. His reputation was further enhanced when he worked with Visconti again in '' Il Gattopardo'' (''The Leopard'') with
Burt Lancaster Burton Stephen Lancaster (November 2, 1913 – October 20, 1994) was an American actor. Initially known for playing tough characters with tender hearts, he went on to achieve success with more complex and challenging roles over a 45-year caree ...
and
Claudia Cardinale Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale (; born 15 April 1938), known as Claudia Cardinale (), is an Italian actress. Born and raised in La Goulette, a neighbourhood of Tunis, Cardinale won the "Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia" competition ...
. It was the seventh biggest hit of the year in France. ''Any Number Can Win'' was the sixth. ''The Leopard'' was widely screened in the U.S. through
20th Century Fox 20th Century Studios, Inc., formerly 20th Century Fox, is an American film studio, film production and Film distributor, distribution company owned by the Walt Disney Studios (division), Walt Disney Studios, the film studios division of the ...
. Delon was now one of the most popular stars in France. He starred in a swashbuckler, '' The Black Tulip'' (1964), another hit. '' Les Félins'' (1964), which reunited him with Clement and co-starred
Jane Fonda Jane Seymour Fonda (born December 21, 1937) is an American actress and activist. Recognized as a film icon, Jane Fonda filmography, Fonda's work spans several genres and over six decades of film and television. She is the recipient of List of a ...
, was filmed in French and English versions. The latter was distributed by
MGM Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (also known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, commonly shortened to MGM or MGM Studios) is an American Film production, film and television production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered ...
, but it was not a success. In 1964, the
Cinémathèque Française A cinematheque is an archive of films and film-related objects with an exhibition venue. Similarly to a book library (bibliothèque in French), a cinematheque is responsible for preserving and making available to the public film heritage. Typically ...
held a showcase of Delon's films and Delon started a production company, Delbeau Production, with Georges Beaume. They produced a film called '' The Unvanquished'' (''L'insoumis'') in 1964, in which Delon played a terrorist OAS assassin. It had to be re-edited because of legal issues. Despite being distributed by MGM, audiences were small. After finishing the film, Delon left the French cinema to pursue a career in Hollywood.


Hollywood star: 1964–1966

Delon with his wife Nathalie (left) in Buenos Aires in 1965. Typecast as a " Latin lover", Delon spent the next few years focused on Hollywood. In 1965 he said that he wanted to make a picture in America and one in Europe each year. He also said that his accent prevented him from playing certain roles: "Because of my accent, I would not attempt to play Americans. I am working on removing the distinctly French inflections from my speech so that I can play all continental nationalities." He made his debut in the British film industry starring in an all-star anthology for
MGM Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (also known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, commonly shortened to MGM or MGM Studios) is an American Film production, film and television production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered ...
titled '' The Yellow Rolls-Royce'' (1964), opposite
Shirley MacLaine Shirley MacLaine (born Shirley MacLean Beaty; April 24, 1934) is an American actress and author. With a career spanning over 70 years, she has received List of awards and nominations received by Shirley MacLaine, numerous accolades, including a ...
. It was popular but Delon did not have a big role in the film. He made his Hollywood debut as the lead role in the film '' Once a Thief'' (1965), where he co-starred with
Ann-Margret Ann-Margret Olsson (born 28 April 1941), credited as Ann-Margret, is a Swedish-American actress and singer with a career spanning seven decades. Her many screen roles include '' Pocketful of Miracles'' (1961), ''State Fair'' (1962), '' Bye Bye B ...
. It was based on a novel by Zekial Marko who had written ''Any Number Can Win'', but it was not as successful. It was financed by
MGM Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (also known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, commonly shortened to MGM or MGM Studios) is an American Film production, film and television production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered ...
, which announced Delon would appear in a Western to be titled ''Ready for the Tiger'' and directed by
Sam Peckinpah David Samuel Peckinpah (; February 21, 1925 – December 28, 1984) was an American film director and screenwriter. His 1969 Western epic '' The Wild Bunch'' received two Academy Award nominations and was ranked No. 80 on the American Film Instit ...
, but the film was never made. Instead, Delon signed a three-picture deal with Columbia, for whom he appeared in the big budget action film ''
Lost Command ''Lost Command'' (aka ''Les Centurions'') is a 1966 American war film directed and produced by Mark Robson (film director), Mark Robson and starring Anthony Quinn, Alain Delon, George Segal, Michèle Morgan, Maurice Ronet and Claudia Cardinale. I ...
'' (1966), playing a member of the French Foreign Legion, alongside
Anthony Quinn Manuel Antonio Rodolfo Quinn Oaxaca (April 21, 1915 – June 3, 2001), known as Anthony Quinn, was an American actor. He was known for his portrayal of earthy, passionate characters "marked by a brutal and elemental virility" in over 100 ...
and
Claudia Cardinale Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale (; born 15 April 1938), known as Claudia Cardinale (), is an Italian actress. Born and raised in La Goulette, a neighbourhood of Tunis, Cardinale won the "Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia" competition ...
. The movie performed modestly in the box office but it was not a huge success. The studio announced that he would appear in the biopic ''Cervantes'', but this was never made.
Universal Studios Universal Studios may refer to: * Universal Studios, Inc., an American media and entertainment conglomerate ** Universal Pictures, an American film studio ** Universal Studios Lot, a film and television studio complex * Various theme parks operat ...
used Delon in a Western, ''
Texas Across the River Texas Across The River is a 1966 American Techniscope comedy western film directed by Michael Gordon and starring Dean Martin, Alain Delon, Rosemary Forsyth and Joey Bishop. Plot Phoebe Ann Naylor is about to be wed to Don Andrea Baldazar, El ...
'' (1966), opposite Dean Martin.
Ray Stark Raymond Otto Stark (October 3, 1915 – January 17, 2004) was an American film producer and talent agent. Stark's background as a literary and theatrical agent prepared him to produce some of the most profitable films of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, ...
wanted to use him in ''
The Night of the Iguana ''The Night of the Iguana'' is a stage play written by American author Tennessee Williams. It is based on his 1948 short story. In 1959, Williams staged it as a one-act play, and over the next two years he developed it into a full-length play, p ...
'' and ''
This Property Is Condemned ''This Property Is Condemned'' is a 1966 American drama film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Natalie Wood, Robert Redford, Kate Reid, Charles Bronson, Robert Blake and Mary Badham. The screenplay, inspired by the 1946 one-act play of ...
''. He did not appear in either film but acted in that producer's '' Is Paris Burning?'' (1966), directed by René Clément, playing
Jacques Chaban-Delmas Jacques Chaban-Delmas (; 7 March 1915 – 10 November 2000) was a French Gaullist politician. He served as Prime Minister under Georges Pompidou from 1969 to 1972. He was the Mayor of Bordeaux from 1947 to 1995 and a deputy for the Gironde ''d ...
. This was a massive hit in France but performed disappointingly at the US box office – as did all of Delon's Hollywood-financed films. Delon remained a massive star in France, along with
Steve McQueen Terrence Stephen McQueen (March 24, 1930November 7, 1980) was an American actor. His antihero persona, emphasized during the height of counterculture of the 1960s, 1960s counterculture, made him a top box office draw for his films of the late ...
and
Sean Connery Sir Thomas Sean Connery (25 August 1930 – 31 October 2020) was a Scottish actor. He was the first actor to Portrayal of James Bond in film, portray the fictional British secret agent James Bond (literary character), James Bond in motion pic ...
, and was one of the biggest foreign stars in Japan. However, he could not make headway in the US market.


Return to France: 1967–1971

After one British movie and four Hollywood movies Delon returned to France to rejoin the French cinema. He starred in the film '' The Last Adventure'' opposite
Lino Ventura Angiolino Giuseppe Pasquale Ventura (14 July 1919 – 22 October 1987), known as Lino Ventura, was an Italian-born actor and philanthropist, who lived and worked for most of his life in France. He was considered one of the greatest leading men ...
. It was one of Delon's most popular films of the 1960s but was not popular in North America. He was meant to work again with Visconti in ''The Stranger'' but this did not happen. Instead, he appeared on the Paris stage in ''Les Yeux Crevés'' and starred in the neo-noir crime thriller ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
'' ('The Samurai') with Nathalie Delon, directed by
Jean-Pierre Melville Jean-Pierre Grumbach (20 October 1917 – 2 August 1973), known professionally as Jean-Pierre Melville (), was a French filmmaker. Considered a spiritual godfather of the French New Wave, he was one of the first fully-independent French filmmake ...
, which became another film classic. He played an amnesiac in '' Diabolically Yours'' (1968) for
Julien Duvivier Julien Duvivier (; 8 October 1896 – 29 October 1967) was a French film director and screenwriter. He was prominent in French cinema in the years 1930–1960. Amongst his most original films, chiefly notable are ''La Bandera (film), La Bandera'', ...
."John Wayne-money-spinner" ''
The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in Manchester in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'' and changed its name in 1959, followed by a move to London. Along with its sister paper, ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardi ...
'', 31 December 1968.
He had a role in another all-star
anthology In book publishing, an anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler; it may be a collection of plays, poems, short stories, songs, or related fiction/non-fiction excerpts by different authors. There are also thematic and g ...
'' Spirits of the Dead'' (1968). His segment was directed by
Louis Malle Louis Marie Malle (; 30 October 1932 – 23 November 1995) was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer who worked in both French cinema and Hollywood. Described as "eclectic" and "a filmmaker difficult to pin down", Malle made document ...
, and co-starred
Brigitte Bardot Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot ( ; ; born 28 September 1934), often referred to by her initials B.B., is a French former actress, singer, and model as well as an animal rights activist. Famous for portraying characters with Hedonism, hedonistic life ...
. Delon had another attempt at English-language cinema with ''
The Girl on a Motorcycle ''The Girl on a Motorcycle'' () is a 1968 erotic romantic drama film directed by Jack Cardiff, starring Alain Delon and Marianne Faithfull. It is based on the 1963 novel ''La Motocyclette'' by André Pieyre de Mandiargues. Released as ''Naked ...
'' (1968) with
Marianne Faithfull Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull (29 December 1946 – 30 January 2025) was an English singer and actress who achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of her UK top 10 single " As Tears Go By". She became one of the leading female art ...
, for director
Jack Cardiff Jack Cardiff (18 September 1914 – 22 April 2009) was a British cinematographer, film and television director, and photographer. His career spanned the development of cinema, from silent film, through early experiments in Technicolor, to film ...
. It was a surprise hit in Britain and was the sixth most popular movie in the box office, however it did not do well in France. ''The Girl on a Motorcycle'', which was released in United States as ''Naked Under Leather'', would be the first film to receive an
X rating An X rating is a film rating that indicates that the film contains content that is considered to be suitable only for adults. Films with an X rating may have scenes of graphic violence or explicit sexual acts that may be disturbing or offensive ...
in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
. Far more popular at the French box office was ''Farewell Friend'' ('' Adieu l'ami''), in which Delon and
Charles Bronson Charles Bronson (born Charles Dennis Buchinsky; November 3, 1921 – August 30, 2003) was an American actor. He was known for his roles in action films and his "granite features and brawny physique". Bronson was born into extreme poverty in ...
played former foreign legionnaires who get involved in a heist. The film helped turn Charles Bronson into a genuine star in Europe. The film '' La Piscine'' (1969) reunited the 1960s ''couple mythique'' ('mythical couple') Alain Delon and
Romy Schneider Rosemarie Magdalena Albach (23 September 1938 – 29 May 1982), known professionally as Romy Schneider (), was a German and French actress. She is regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time and became a cult figure due to ...
. This was thought to be one of the reasons for its success. Schneider had dramatically broken up with Delon, who married Nathalie Delon, a couple years earlier and married German director and actor Harry Meyen in Berlin. She had a child. Delon asked the filmmaker to book her for this role. He continuously pursued her, both before and after filming "La Piscine", with persistent attempts to reconcile. Despite Romy Schneider's refusals, their shared history and emotional connection spilled onto the screen, infusing the film with raw authenticity. While making the 1969 thriller '' La Piscine'' (''The Swimming Pool'') with Romy Schneider, the body of Delon's Yugoslav secretary and bodyguard Stefan Marković, apparently murdered, was found in a rubbish dump near Paris. The police investigation revealed claims of sex parties involving celebrities such as Delon and members of the French government, including future president
Georges Pompidou Georges Jean Raymond Pompidou ( ; ; 5 July 19112 April 1974) was a French politician who served as President of France from 1969 until his death in 1974. He previously served as Prime Minister of France under President Charles de Gaulle from 19 ...
, whose wife Claude was allegedly the subject of a series of compromising photos at one such party. Corsican crime boss François Marcantoni, a friend of Delon, was suspected of involvement in the murder. The affair gained notoriety throughout France and in the French press as the " Marković affair". In a 1969
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
interview, Delon was questioned about his alleged involvement in the death of Marković, rumors of his involvement in the sex parties, and Delon's own sexual preferences. Delon then starred in a series of gangster films. The first was ''
Jeff Jeff is a masculine name, often a short form (hypocorism) of the English given name Jefferson or Jeffrey, which comes from a medieval variant of Geoffrey. Music * DJ Jazzy Jeff, American DJ/turntablist record producer Jeffrey Allen Townes ...
'' (1969), made by his own production company, Adel. In '' The Sicilian Clan'' (1969) Delon collaborated with
Lino Ventura Angiolino Giuseppe Pasquale Ventura (14 July 1919 – 22 October 1987), known as Lino Ventura, was an Italian-born actor and philanthropist, who lived and worked for most of his life in France. He was considered one of the greatest leading men ...
and
Jean Gabin Jean Gabin Alexis Moncorgé (born Jean-Alexis Moncorgé), known as Jean Gabin (; 17 May 190415 November 1976), was a French actor and singer. Considered a key figure in French cinema, he starred in several classic films, including '' Pépé le ...
, and the film was a blockbuster. Even more popular in Europe was '' Borsalino'' (1970), which Delon produced and in which he co-starred opposite
Jean-Paul Belmondo Jean-Paul Charles Belmondo (; 9 April 19336 September 2021) was a French actor. Initially associated with the New Wave of the 1960s, he was a major French film star for several decades from the 1960s onward, frequently portraying police officer ...
. Neither of these films was successful in the US, as Delon had hoped.Kramer, Carol. "Top Sex Symbols of French Films Feud at Drop of Hat", ''Chicago Tribune'', 16 August 1970, pg. E-1. Neither was '' The Red Circle'' (1970), despite Delon co-starring in it with
Yves Montand Ivo Livi (; 13 October 1921 – 9 November 1991), better known as Yves Montand (), was an Italian-born French actor and singer. He is said to be one of France's greatest 20th-century artists. Early life Montand was born Ivo Livi in Stignano, a ...
. For a change of pace, he produced a romantic drama, '' The Love Mates'' (1971), which was not successful. Neither was the 1971 comedy '' Easy, Down There!''.


Established actor and more international films


1970s

In the early 1970s, Delon made another attempt at the English-speaking market. ''
The Assassination of Trotsky ''The Assassination of Trotsky'' is a 1972 historical thriller film directed by Joseph Losey. It dramatizes the killing of exiled Soviet revolutionary Leon Trotsky by NKVD agent Frank Jacson in Mexico City in 1940. It stars Richard Burton as T ...
'' (1972) for
Joseph Losey Joseph Walton Losey III (; January 14, 1909 – June 22, 1984) was an American film and theatre director, producer, and screenwriter. Born in Wisconsin, he studied in Germany with Bertolt Brecht and then returned to the United States. Hollywood ...
was poorly received, but '' Red Sun'' (1972), with Charles Bronson and
Toshiro Mifune was a Japanese actor and producer. The recipient of numerous awards and accolades over a lengthy career, he is widely considered one of the greatest actors of all time. He often played hypermasculine characters and was noted for his commandin ...
, did well. In France he appeared opposite
Simone Signoret Simone Signoret (; born Simone Henriette Charlotte Kaminker; 25 March 1921 – 30 September 1985) was a French actress. She received various accolades, including an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, a César Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and ...
in '' The Widow Couderc'' (1971). He starred in his third film with Melville, ''
Un flic ''Un flic'' ('A Cop'), also known as ''Dirty Money'', is a 1972 crime thriller film, the last directed by Jean-Pierre Melville before his death the following year. It stars Alain Delon, Richard Crenna and Catherine Deneuve. Delon had previously ...
'' in 1972 as well. He then produced and starred in a romantic drama, ''
Indian Summer An Indian summer is a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather that sometimes occurs in autumn in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Several sources describe a true Indian summer as not occurring until after the first frost, or mor ...
'' (1972), and subsequently appeared in the thrillers, '' Traitement de choc'' (1973), and '' Tony Arzenta'' (1973). In 1973, he recorded a duet with
Dalida Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti (; 17 January 1933 – 3 May 1987), professionally known as Dalida (, ; ), was an Italian naturalized French singer and actress. Leading an international career, Dalida has sold over 140 million records worldwide. Some ...
, " Paroles, paroles", that went on to become one of the most recognizable French songs. He tried again for Hollywood stardom with '' Scorpio'' (1973), with Burt Lancaster for director Michael Winner. It was only a minor hit. In France, he made '' The Burned Barns'' (1973) and '' Creezy'' (1974). He produced '' Two Men in Town'' (1974) which re-teamed him with Jean Gabin, and '' Borsalino & Co.'' (1974), a sequel to his earlier hit. After another gangster thriller, '' Icy Breasts'' (1974), Delon returned to his first swashbuckler since ''The Black Tulip'', playing the title character in the 1975 Italian-French film ''
Zorro Zorro ( or , Spanish for "fox") is a fictional character created in 1919 by American Pulp magazine, pulp writer Johnston McCulley, appearing in works set in the Pueblo de Los Ángeles in Alta California. He is typically portrayed as a dashin ...
''. He made some more crime filmes: '' The Gypsy'' (1975), '' Flic Story'' (1975) (with Jean Louis Triginant), ''
Boomerang A boomerang () is a thrown tool typically constructed with airfoil sections and designed to spin about an axis perpendicular to the direction of its flight, designed to return to the thrower. The origin of the word is from Australian Aborigin ...
'' (1976) and '' Armaguedon'' (1976). In 1976, Delon starred in ''
Monsieur Klein ''Monsieur Klein'' () is a 1976 mystery drama film directed by Joseph Losey, produced by and starring Alain Delon in the title role. Set in occupied France, the Kafkaesque narrative follows an apparently Gentile Parisian art dealer who is seemi ...
'', for which he was nominated for the César Award. It was back to crime for another series of thrillers in which he starred as well as produced: ''
Man in a Hurry ''Man in a Hurry'' (, , released in UK as ''The Hurried Man'') is a 1977 French-Italian drama film directed by Édouard Molinaro and starring Alain Delon and Mireille Darc. It is based on the novel '' The Man in a Hurry'' by Paul Morand. It record ...
'' (1977), '' Death of a Corrupt Man'' (1977), ''
Le Gang ''Le Gang'' () is a 1977 French-Italian neo-noir crime film directed by Jacques Deray and starring Alain Delon, Xavier Depraz, Roland Bertin, Adalberto Maria Merli, Maurice Barrier and Raymond Bussières. It recorded admissions of 1,190,355 in ...
'' (1977), and '' Attention, The Kids Are Watching'' (1978). In 1979, Delon stated that only a quarter of his business activities involved films, that he also had "a helicopter business, built furniture, promoted prize fights, and raced horses", and that he was still interested in becoming a star in America. In 1979 he made a final attempt at Hollywood stardom, signing with agent
Sue Mengers Susi Mengers (September 2, 1932 – October 15, 2011) was a talent agent for many filmmakers and actors of the New Hollywood generation of the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. Early life Mengers was born to a German Jews, Jewish family in Hamburg, ...
and starring in '' The Concorde ... Airport '79'' (1979). The film was not a big success. Delon returned to acting in French films, playing in and producing '' The Medic'' (1979) and '' Three Men to Kill'' (1980).


Later career


1980s and 1990s

''
Teheran 43 ''Teheran 43'' (Russian: ''Тегеран-43''; French: ''Téhéran 43, Nid d'espions'') is a 1981 Soviet-French-Swiss political thriller film made by Mosfilm, ''Mediterraneo Cine'' and ''Pro Dis Film'', directed by Aleksandr Alov and Vladimir ...
'' (1981) was a change of pace. In this big
Soviet The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (USSR), commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a List of former transcontinental countries#Since 1700, transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 until Dissolution of the Soviet ...
production he co-starred with
Claude Jade Claude Marcelle Jorré, better known as Claude Jade (; 8 October 1948 – 1 December 2006), was a French actress. She starred as Antoine Doinel#Christine Darbon, Christine in François Truffaut's three films ''Stolen Kisses'' (1968), ''Bed and B ...
and Curd Jürgens (Curt Jurgens) in a co-starring role beside Russian actors. Then it was back to crime: ''
For a Cop's Hide ''To Kill a Cop'' () is a 1981 French crime-thriller film starring and directed by Alain Delon. It was Delon's directorial debut. It had admissions of 2,377,084 in France.Le Choc () is a 1982 French crime thriller film directed by Robin Davis and starring Alain Delon, Catherine Deneuve, and Philippe Léotard. Based on the novel '' The Prone Gunman'' (''La position du tireur couché'') by Jean-Patrick Manchette, the f ...
'' (1982, opposite
Catherine Deneuve Catherine Fabienne Dorléac (born 22 October 1943), known professionally as Catherine Deneuve (, , ), is a French actress. She is considered one of the greatest European actresses on film. In 2020, ''The New York Times'' ranked her as one of th ...
), '' Le Battant'' (1983). He was awarded the Best Actor César Award for his role in
Bertrand Blier Bertrand Blier (; 14 March 1939 – 20 January 2025) was a French film director and writer. His 1978 film '' Get Out Your Handkerchiefs'' won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 51st Academy Awards. Career His 1996 film '' ...
's '' Notre histoire'' (1984), and portrayed the aristocratic
dandy A dandy is a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance and personal grooming, refined language and leisurely hobbies. A dandy could be a self-made man both in person and ''persona'', who emulated the aristocratic style of l ...
Baron de Charlus in a film adaptation of
Marcel Proust Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust ( ; ; 10 July 1871 – 18 November 1922) was a French novelist, literary critic, and essayist who wrote the novel (in French – translated in English as ''Remembrance of Things Past'' and more r ...
's novel '' Swann in Love'' in the same year. His thrillers resumed with '' Parole de flic'' (1986), '' The Passage'', '' Let Sleeping Cops Lie'' (1988), and '' Dancing Machine'' (1990). One notable film during this period was
Jean-Luc Godard Jean-Luc Godard ( , ; ; 3 December 193013 September 2022) was a French and Swiss film director, screenwriter, and film critic. He rose to prominence as a pioneer of the French New Wave film movement of the 1960s, alongside such filmmakers as ...
's ''
Nouvelle Vague The New Wave (, ), also called the French New Wave, is a French art film movement that emerged in the late 1950s. The movement was characterized by its rejection of traditional filmmaking conventions in favor of experimentation and a spirit of i ...
'' in 1990, in which Delon played twins. Delon's last major role was in
Patrice Leconte Patrice Leconte (; born 12 November 1947) is a French film director, screenwriter and comic strip writer. Life and career Leconte grew up in Tours, and began making little amateur films at 15. He went to Paris in 1967 and studied at Institut des ...
's ''
Une chance sur deux ''Une chance sur deux'' is a French film directed by Patrice Leconte, released in 1998 in film, 1998, and starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon and Vanessa Paradis. Synopsis Alice (Vanessa Paradis) leaves prison after having served an eight ...
'' in 1998, alongside
Jean-Paul Belmondo Jean-Paul Charles Belmondo (; 9 April 19336 September 2021) was a French actor. Initially associated with the New Wave of the 1960s, he was a major French film star for several decades from the 1960s onward, frequently portraying police officer ...
, another box office disappointment. Delon announced his decision to give up acting in 1997, although he still occasionally accepted roles. Delon acquired Swiss citizenship in 1999, and the company managing products sold under his name is based in Geneva. He resided in
Chêne-Bougeries Chêne-Bougeries is a municipality in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. History Chêne-Bougeries is first mentioned in 1270 as ''Quercus''. In 1801 it was mentioned as ''Chêne-les-Bougeries''. Chêne-Bougeries was inhabited for most of its his ...
in the
canton of Geneva The Canton of Geneva, officially the Republic and Canton of Geneva, is one of the Cantons of Switzerland, 26 cantons of the Switzerland, Swiss Confederation. It is composed of forty-five Municipality, municipalities, and the seat of the governme ...
.


Mature years and retirement


2000s and 2010s

In 2001, Delon starred in the French television drama ''Fabio Montale''. He played an ageing policeman dressed in stylish clothes, a "signature Delon" role for audiences. The show was a big hit. In 2003, Delon tried to recreate the success of ''Fabio Montale'' and produced and starred in another French television police drama, ''Frank Riva''. It did well but less so than ''Fabio Montale''. He starred in 2008 as
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (12 or 13 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC) was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in Caesar's civil wa ...
in the box-office hit ''Asterix aux jeux Olympiques'', which co-starred
Gérard Depardieu Gérard Xavier Marcel Depardieu (, , ; born 27 December 1948) is a French actor. An icon of French cinema, considered a world star in the same way as Alain Delon or Brigitte Bardot, he has completed over 250 films since 1967, most of which as ...
. Around this time he mostly took roles in TV movies and also played some roles on the French stage. He directed a TV movie in 2008, co-starring
Anouk Aimée Nicole Françoise Florence Dreyfus (; 27 April 1932 2024), known professionally as Anouk Aimée () or Anouk, was a French film actress who appeared in 70 films from 1947 until 2019. Having begun her film career at age 14, she studied acting and ...
, titled ''Love Letters'' based on a play by A.R. Gurney. In 2018, after a seven-year hiatus from cinema, Delon had planned to star in a new movie, titled ''La Maison Vide'', co-starring Juliette Binoche and directed by Patrice Leconte. However, in November 2018 the French media announced that the project had been canceled. No specific reason was given for the cancellation. Among his last roles were in the 2011 television movie ''Une journée ordinaire'', and in the 2012 Russian production ''S Novym godom, Mamy!'' in which he starred as himself. He again appeared as himself in the 2019 movie ''Toute Resemblance'' as a guest on a talkshow. In April 2019, at 83, Delon released a new single, "Je n'aime que toi", composed by Rick Allison and Julia Paris. In 1973, Delon had scored a huge international hit duetting with Egyptian-French singer
Dalida Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti (; 17 January 1933 – 3 May 1987), professionally known as Dalida (, ; ), was an Italian naturalized French singer and actress. Leading an international career, Dalida has sold over 140 million records worldwide. Some ...
on the song " Paroles, paroles". He also collaborated with
Shirley Bassey Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey (; born 8 January 1937) is a Welsh singer. Known for her career longevity, powerful voice and recording the James Bond music, theme songs to three James Bond films - the only artist to officially perform more than o ...
in 1983 on the international hit song "Thought I'd Ring You". At the
2019 Cannes Film Festival The 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival took place from 14 to 25 May 2019. Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu served as jury president for the main competition. South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho won the , the festival's top prize, fo ...
, Delon received an honorary
Palme d'Or The (; ) is the highest prize awarded to the director of the Best Feature Film of the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival. It was introduced in 1955 by the festival's organizing committee. Previously, from 1939 to 1954, the festiv ...
for his long-standing career in movies. A retrospective of some of his films was shown at the festival. However, there was much controversy surrounding Delon receiving this award due to remarks he had allegedly made about the treatment of women during his career and in his private life. Thierry Frémaux, the artistic director of the festival, addressed the controversy during a homage at the ceremony, stating, "We know that intolerance is back. We're being asked to believe that if we all think the same, it will protect us from the risk of being disliked or being wrong. But Alain Delon is not afraid of being wrong, being disliked, and he doesn't think like others, and he's not afraid of being alone." Delon responded emotionally, saying, "For me, it's more than the end of a career. It's the end of a life. It feels as though I'm receiving a posthumous tribute while being alive." He received the award from his daughter, Anouchka Delon.


2020s

In a July 2021 interview on
TV5Monde TV5Monde (), formerly known as TV5, is a French public television network, broadcasting several channels of French-language programming. It is an approved participant member of the European Broadcasting Union. The network is available across ...
, his first since having two strokes, Delon said that he planned to act in one more film. Also on TV5Monde, Delon interviewed Ukrainian President Zelensky in September 2022 as part of a special programme on the war in
Ukraine Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the List of European countries by area, second-largest country in Europe after Russia, which Russia–Ukraine border, borders it to the east and northeast. Ukraine also borders Belarus to the nor ...
, ''Face à Zelensky''. Delon expressed his support for the Ukrainian people during the interview.


Business career

In the 1970s, Delon expanded his commercial interests, buying harness racing trotters and promoting boxing matches. He began working as a professional boxing promoter having been introducted by Nino Cerruti to world middleweight champion Carlos Monzón. The largest fight he promoted was Monzón's defense against José Napoles. He helped develop and promote a variety of products sold under his name including wristwatches, clothing, eyewear, perfume, stationery, and cigarettes. Delon's brand of sunglasses became particularly popular in Hong Kong after actor
Chow Yun-fat Chow Yun-fat (born 18 May 1955), previously known as Donald Chow, is a Hong Kong actor and filmmaker. Known for his versatility, encompassing action to melodrama and comedy and historical drama, his accolades include three Hong Kong Film Awar ...
wore them in the 1986 crime film ''
A Better Tomorrow ''A Better Tomorrow'' () is a 1986 Hong Kong action film directed, co-written and co-produced by John Woo, co-produced by Tsui Hark, and starring Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung and Chow Yun-fat. The film had a profound influence on Hong Kong action c ...
'', as well as two sequels. Delon reportedly wrote a letter thanking Chow for helping to promote and sell the sunglasses in Hong Kong and China. The film'a director
John Woo John Woo Yu-sen ( zh, t= ; born 22 September 1946) is a Hongkongers, Hong Kong film director known as a highly influential figure in the action film genre. The recipient of various accolades, including a Hong Kong Film Awards, Hong Kong Film Award ...
has acknowledged Delon as one of his idols and wrote a short essay on '' Le Samourai'' as well as ''
Le Cercle Rouge ''Le Cercle Rouge'' (, "The Red Circle") is a 1970 crime film set mostly in Paris. It was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon, Bourvil, Gian Maria Volonté, François Périer and Yves Montand. It is known for its climactic ...
'' for the
Criterion Collection The Criterion Collection, Inc. (or simply Criterion) is an American home-video distribution company that focuses on licensing, restoring and distributing "important classic and contemporary films". A "sister company" of arthouse film distributo ...
DVD releases. In 2009 and 2015,
Christian Dior Christian Ernest Dior (; 21 January 1905 – 24 October 1957) was a French fashion designer and founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, Dior, Christian Dior SE. His fashion house is known all around the world, having gained promi ...
used images of the young Alain Delon and excerpts of his 1960s films '' The Swimming Pool'' and '' The Last Adventure'' respectively in the Eau Sauvage cologne advertising campaigns.


Legal troubles


Marković affair

On 1 October 1968, the body of Stefan Marković, Delon's bodyguard, was found in a public dump in
Élancourt Élancourt () is a communes of France, commune in the Yvelines departments of France, department, and the Île-de-France region, north central France. It is located in the western suburbs of Paris, 30.6 km (19.0 mi) from the Kilometre Ze ...
, Yvelines, a village on the western outskirts of Paris. Delon and François Marcantoni, a Corsican gangster, came under investigation, partly because of a letter from Marković to his brother Aleksandar, in which he had written: "If I get killed, it's 100% the fault of Alain Delon and his godfather François Marcantoni." Following some articles in the press and testimony by Boriboj Akov, the investigation involved the former prime minister (and future president) of France,
Georges Pompidou Georges Jean Raymond Pompidou ( ; ; 5 July 19112 April 1974) was a French politician who served as President of France from 1969 until his death in 1974. He previously served as Prime Minister of France under President Charles de Gaulle from 19 ...
, who testified that he and his wife, Claude Jacqueline Pompidou, had been present at certain parties with Marković and Delon.


Hiromi Rollin case

On 5 July 2023, Delon's three children filed a complaint against his companion, Hiromi Rollin, alleging psychological harassment, interception of correspondence, animal cruelty, intentional violence, unlawful confinement, and abuse of weakness. According to Anthony Delon, his father requested in writing that Mrs. Rollin leave the residence in Douchy-Montcorbon. A preliminary investigation was opened on 6 July. On 7 July, Yassine Bouzrou, lawyer for Hiromi Rollin, stated that she disputed "the entirety of the facts". Bouzrou added that she would file a complaint against members of the Delon family and their bodyguards for aggravated voluntary violence suffered by Rollin on 5 July 2023. Meanwhile, Rollin wrote a letter to the prosecutor of
Montargis Montargis () is a commune in the Loiret department, Centre-Val de Loire, France. Montargis is the seventh most populous commune in the Centre-Val de Loire ''région'', and the second in the Loiret ''département'' after Orléans. It is near ...
in which she denied being Alain Delon's companion, claiming to have had an intimate relationship with him for over twenty years (she stated in another interview that it was "a love relationship of 33 years"). The prosecutor of Montargis dismissed the two complaints filed by the three Delon children against Rollin due to insufficiently characterized offenses. Rollin's complaint, filed in response against the Delon children, was dismissed for the same reasons. However, Rollin's lawyer announced that his client planned to file a complaint with a civil party in order to restart the investigations. Anthony Delon, on his part, intended to become a civil party against Rollin so that "the truth is revealed".


Family civil dispute

On 4 January 2024, Alain Delon filed a complaint against his son Anthony following an interview granted by the latter to ''
Paris Match ''Paris Match'' () is a French-language weekly gossip magazine. It covers major national and international news along with celebrity lifestyle features. ''Paris Match'' has been considered "one of the world's best outlets for photojournalism". ...
'' magazine. Anthony Delon discussed his father's fragile health and accused his half-sister Anouchka of manipulating their father regarding the inheritance. In this interview, the eldest revealed that his father was "weakened" and that he "can't bear to see himself like this, diminished". Subsequently, Anthony Delon filed a police report against Anouchka, accusing her of not informing the family about the negative results of five cognitive tests conducted by their father between 2019 and 2022, after he suffered a severe stroke in 2019. Anouchka Delon, on the other hand, accused her brothers of endangering their father's life and claimed to have wanted to take their father to Switzerland so he could continue to be treated there. She then announced plans to sue for defamation, false accusations, threats, and harassment against Anthony Delon. Furthermore, Alain Delon's lawyer asserted that his client "cannot bear the aggressiveness of his son Anthony, who keeps telling him that he is senile". On 29 March 2024, Anouchka Delon sued her brothers for invasion of privacy after the broadcast of a recording in January 2024 on Instagram of a conversation between her and her father. Anthony and Alain-Fabien will thus be judged for "use, retention, or disclosure of a document or recording obtained by an invasion of another's privacy". The trial date is set for April 2025. Physically weakened by cancer, Delon was placed under reinforced guardianship by judicial decision in April 2024, following a hearing at the Montargis court, in the presence of the actor's three children. This measure follows a period during which Delon had already been placed under guardianship since 25 January, and notably granted the curator appointed by the judge the power to manage his expenses.


Other legal troubles

In 1969, Delon was convicted
in absentia ''In Absentia'' is the seventh studio album by British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree, first released on 24 September 2002. The album marked several changes for the band, with it being the first with new drummer Gavin Harrison and the f ...
and sentenced to four months in jail by an Italian court for assaulting an Italian photographer. On 26 February 2024, police raided Delon's home where they seized 72 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition. A court-appointed official had been sent to the home of Delon, who was not authorised to own a firearm, and alerted a judge after noticing a weapon in the residence.


Personal life


Relationships and family

On 20 March 1959, Delon became engaged to actress
Romy Schneider Rosemarie Magdalena Albach (23 September 1938 – 29 May 1982), known professionally as Romy Schneider (), was a German and French actress. She is regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time and became a cult figure due to ...
, whom he met when they co-starred in the film '' Christine'' (1958). After their first film together, the couple became iconic. Schneider, already a highly acclaimed star, and Delon, a rising talent, were affectionately nicknamed "les amants magnifiques" (the magnificent lovers), "les fiancés éternels" (eternal fiancés), and "les amants terribles" (the terrible lovers) due to their passionate and tumultuous relationship, which was the subject of intense media scrutiny, with paparazzi relentlessly pursuing them. Schneider's family remained opposed to their union, adding further complexities to their romance. In 1964, Delon and Schneider ended their relationship. Following the breakup, and during the early period of his marriage, Delon made attempts to resume his relationship with Schneider, efforts which continued over the following years. Their love story continued to captivate audiences and cemented their status as one of the most beautiful couples in cinema history. In 2009, Delon admitted his regret at not marrying Schneider, and In 2018 he referred to her as the love of his life. In 1963, Delon met the young divorcée Francine Canovas (birth name), a model known professionally as Nathalie Barthélémy. He was also involved in an affair with
Marisa Mell Marisa Mell (born Marlies Theres Moitzi; 24 February 1939 – 16 May 1992) was an Austrian actress. Typecast as a femme fatale in European arthouse and genre films, she is best regarded for her performances as Eva Kant in Mario Bava's critically ...
both before and after publicly announcing his engagement to Barthélemy during a press conference. This liaison continued even after his marriage in 1964 and persisted into 1965. On 13 August 1964, he married Barthélemy due to her pregnancy, and thereafter she took the name Nathalie Delon. Their son, Anthony Delon, her second child, was born on 30 September 1964. Nathalie later revealed that Delon's love for Romy Schneider remained a constant presence in their relationship, with Delon often displaying a deep sadness indicative that his heart still belonged to Schneider. In 1964-1965, Delon's relationships also included affairs with
Ann-Margret Ann-Margret Olsson (born 28 April 1941), credited as Ann-Margret, is a Swedish-American actress and singer with a career spanning seven decades. Her many screen roles include '' Pocketful of Miracles'' (1961), ''State Fair'' (1962), '' Bye Bye B ...
and Lana Wood. In October 1964, Delon met Ratna Sari Dewi, at the Tokyo Olympics, and the two began a relationship. They remained close in the following years, including a meeting in Paris in 1967. In 1967, Delon filed for divorce.Qui est qui en France, J. Lafitte, 2010, p. 686. The couple divorced on 14 February 1969. In August 1968, during the shooting of the film ''
Jeff Jeff is a masculine name, often a short form (hypocorism) of the English given name Jefferson or Jeffrey, which comes from a medieval variant of Geoffrey. Music * DJ Jazzy Jeff, American DJ/turntablist record producer Jeffrey Allen Townes ...
'' (1969), Delon met the French actress Mireille Darc and asked her to appear with him in a movie. They started a relationship that lasted until 1982. He later had short relationships with the actresses
Anne Parillaud Anne Parillaud (; born 6 May 1960) is a French actress who has been active since 1977, who is best known internationally for playing the title character in Luc Besson's film ''La Femme Nikita (film), La Femme Nikita''. Biography Parillaud was b ...
, as well as Catherine Bleynie, the ex-wife of Didier Pironi. In 1987, Delon met the Dutch model on the set of the music video for his song "Comme au cinéma" and started a relationship. They had two children:
Anouchka Delon Anouchka Delon (born 25 November 1990) is a French-Dutch actress. Early life Delon is the daughter of Alain Delon and . She has a younger brother, Alain-Fabien Delon, and one older paternal half-brother, Anthony Delon, from his marriage to a ...
(25 November 1990) and Alain-Fabien Delon (18 March 1994). The relationship ended in 2001.


Political opinions

Delon described himself as a
Gaullist Gaullism ( ) is a French political stance based on the thought and action of World War II French Resistance leader Charles de Gaulle, who would become the founding President of the Fifth French Republic. De Gaulle withdrew French forces from t ...
, explaining that he was raised "in the spirit of General de Gaulle". When de Gaulle resigned from the French presidency after losing a nationwide referendum in 1969, Delon told him in a letter: "Always, and even more in these years thanks to you, I was proud to be French," then writing about the result: "I feel with fright a sense of shame that breaks my heart." Delon later supported the center-right candidate
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing Valéry René Marie Georges Giscard d'Estaing (, ; ; 2 February 19262 December 2020), also known as simply Giscard or VGE, was a French politician who served as President of France from 1974 to 1981. After serving as Ministry of the Economy ...
in his successful 1974 presidential campaign, and again in his failed attempt to be reelected in
1981 Events January * January 1 ** Greece enters the European Economic Community, predecessor of the European Union. ** Palau becomes a self-governing territory. * January 6 – A funeral service is held in West Germany for Nazi Grand Admiral ...
. He gave his support to
Raymond Barre Raymond Octave Joseph Barre (; 12 April 192425 August 2007) was a French politician and economist. He was a Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs under three presidents ( Rey, Malfatti a ...
in 1988 and to
Nicolas Sarkozy Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa ( ; ; born 28 January 1955) is a French politician who served as President of France from 2007 to 2012. In 2021, he was found guilty of having tried to bribe a judge in 2014 to obtain information ...
in 2007. In 2017, he endorsed the Gaullist candidate
François Fillon François Charles Amand Fillon (; born 4 March 1954) is a French retired politician who served as Prime Minister of France from 2007 to 2012 under President Nicolas Sarkozy. He was the nominee of The Republicans (previously known as the Union ...
, who came third in the
presidential election A presidential election is the election of any head of state whose official title is President. Elections by country Albania The president of Albania is elected by the Assembly of Albania who are elected by the Albanian public. Chile The p ...
of that year, but said he did not vote in the second run-off between
Emmanuel Macron Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron (; born 21 December 1977) is a French politician who has served as President of France and Co-Prince of Andorra since 2017. He was Ministry of Economy and Finance (France), Minister of Economics, Industr ...
and
Marine Le Pen Marion Anne Perrine "Marine" Le Pen (; born 5 August 1968) is a French lawyer and politician of the far-right National Rally, National Rally party (RN). She served as the party's president from 2011 to 2021, and ran for the French presidency in ...
. He later endorsed
Valérie Pécresse Valérie Anne Émilie Pécresse (; Birth name, née Roux ; 14 July 1967) is a French politician who has been the President of the Regional Council (France), President of the Regional Council of Île-de-France since 2015. A member of The Republic ...
in
2022 The year began with another wave in the COVID-19 pandemic, with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, Omicron spreading rapidly and becoming the dominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. Tracking a decrease in cases and deaths, 2022 saw ...
, calling her "the only woman he wants to be president". During an interview in 2013, Delon expressed sympathy for the French far-right National Front's electoral successes, saying: "The National Front, like the MCG eneva Citizens' Movementin Geneva, is very important... I encourage it and I perfectly understand it." However, in another interview in 2018, he denied having ever voted for Marine Le Pen. Delon was good friends with the
Argentine Argentines, Argentinians or Argentineans are people from Argentina. This connection may be residential, legal, historical, or cultural. For most Argentines, several (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of their ...
world champion boxer Carlos Monzón, even visiting Monzon during his stint in prison. In 2022, the 86-year-old Delon was invited by
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy (born 25 January 1978) is a Ukrainian politician and former entertainer who has served as the sixth and current president of Ukraine since 2019. He took office five years after the start of the Russo-Ukraini ...
to travel to Ukraine.


Health

Delon suffered a
stroke Stroke is a medical condition in which poor cerebral circulation, blood flow to a part of the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: brain ischemia, ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and intracranial hemorrhage, hemor ...
in June 2019. He was admitted to hospital after experiencing dizziness and headaches. In August 2019, he was recovering in a Swiss hospital. In September 2022, he began experimental treatment for a slow-progressing
lymphoma Lymphoma is a group of blood and lymph tumors that develop from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The name typically refers to just the cancerous versions rather than all such tumours. Signs and symptoms may include enlarged lymph node ...
. In the summer of 2023, Delon's three children made the decision to stop this treatment because it was weakening him. In a 2021 interview with ''
Paris Match ''Paris Match'' () is a French-language weekly gossip magazine. It covers major national and international news along with celebrity lifestyle features. ''Paris Match'' has been considered "one of the world's best outlets for photojournalism". ...
'', Delon expressed support for
euthanasia Euthanasia (from : + ) is the practice of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering. Different countries have different Legality of euthanasia, euthanasia laws. The British House of Lords Select committee (United Kingdom), se ...
, calling it "the most logical and natural thing". In 2022, Delon's son
Anthony Anthony, also spelled Antony, is a masculine given name derived from the '' Antonii'', a '' gens'' ( Roman family name) to which Mark Antony (''Marcus Antonius'') belonged. According to Plutarch, the Antonii gens were Heracleidae, being descenda ...
revealed in his autobiography ''Entre chien et loup'' that, following the death of his (Anthony's) mother Nathalie Delon, Alain said he wanted to be removed from life support if he were to succumb to a coma, and had asked Anthony to fulfill his request if such a circumstance arose. Shortly thereafter, some news organizations reported that Delon was planning to imminently end his life through euthanasia, but the reports were adamantly denied by his son, Alain-Fabien, who said that quotes from Anthony Delon's book had been taken out of context. In January 2024, Delon was reported to be in poor health and living a reclusive lifestyle at his La Brûlerie estate in Douchy. At the same time, a public feud concerning Delon's health arose between three of his children – Anthony, Anouchka and Alain-Fabien – all of whom acknowledge Delon was "ailing but lucid and aware of the feud". The rift began when Anthony publicly accused Anouchka, his half-sister, of "lying" and "manipulation" for concealing the results of cognitive tests Swiss doctors had performed on their father. The children, however, united in mid-2023 to successfully evict Delon's former companion Hiromi Rollin, whom they accused of abusing their father.


Death

Delon died on 18 August 2024 at his home in Douchy, surrounded by family members, at the age of 88. He had been diagnosed with
B-cell lymphoma The B-cell lymphomas are types of lymphoma affecting B cells. Lymphomas are Tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, "blood cancers" in the lymph nodes. They develop more frequently in older adults and in immunocompromised individuals. ...
earlier in the year. Before his death, Delon requested that his
Belgian Shepherd The Belgian Shepherd (), also known as the Belgian Sheepdog () or the Chien de Berger Belge, is a Belgian breed of herding dog of medium size. It is bred in four distinct varieties based on coat type and colour: the long-haired black Groenen ...
named Loubo be euthanized and buried alongside him, although Delon's family elected to not euthanize the dog.


Tributes

A number of personalities paid tribute to him, including
Brigitte Bardot Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot ( ; ; born 28 September 1934), often referred to by her initials B.B., is a French former actress, singer, and model as well as an animal rights activist. Famous for portraying characters with Hedonism, hedonistic life ...
,
Claudia Cardinale Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale (; born 15 April 1938), known as Claudia Cardinale (), is an Italian actress. Born and raised in La Goulette, a neighbourhood of Tunis, Cardinale won the "Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia" competition ...
,
Céline Dion Céline Marie Claudette Dion (born 30 March 1968) is a Canadian singer. Referred to as the " Queen of Power Ballads", Dion's powerful, technically skilled vocals and commercially successful works have had a significant impact on popular musi ...
,
Costa-Gavras Konstantinos "Kostas" Gavras (; born 12 February 1933), known professionally as Costa-Gavras, is a Greek-French film director, screenwriter, and producer who lives and works in France. He is known for political films, such as the political thril ...
,
Patricia Kaas Patricia Noëlle Kaas (; born 5 December 1966) is a French singer. Her music is a mix of pop, cabaret, jazz, and chanson. Since the appearance of her 1988 debut album '' Mademoiselle chante...,'' Kaas won 6 Victoires de la Musique awards and ...
(president of the Cinémathèque française), Gilles Jacob,
Jean-Michel Jarre Jean-Michel André Jarre (; born 24 August 1948) is a French composer, performer and record producer. He is a pioneer in the Electronic music, electronic, Ambient music, ambient and New-age music, new-age genres, and is known for organising out ...
, actors Dany Boon, Arielle Dombasle, Pierre Arditi,
Jean Dujardin Jean Edmond Dujardin (; born 19 June 1972) is a French actor and comedian. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in Paris before guest starring in comedic television programmes and films. He first came to prominence with the cult TV series ...
, Richard Berry, and
Patrick Chesnais Patrick Chesnais (born 18 March 1947) is a French actor, film director and screenwriter. Life and career Patrick Chesnais was born in La Garenne-Colombes, Hauts-de-Seine. He was educated at the '' Lycée Pierre Corneille'' in Rouen. In 1989 ...
, writer
Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt (; born 28 March 1960) is a French people, Franco-Belgians, Belgian playwright, short story writer and novelist, as well as a film director. His Play (theater), plays have been staged in over fifty countries all over the wo ...
,
Mireille Mathieu Mireille Mathieu (; born July 22, 1946) is a French singer. She has recorded over 1,200 songs in eleven languages, with more than 122 million records sold worldwide. Biography and career Early years Mireille Mathieu was born on July 22, 1946, ...
, and
Carla Bruni Carla Bruni-Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa (born Carla Gilberta Bruni Tedeschi; ; 23 December 1967) is an Italian and French singer, songwriter and fashion model who served as the List of spouses or partners of the president of France, first lady of Fran ...
. Internationally, actors Sarik Andreasyan,
Antonio Banderas José Antonio Domínguez Bandera (born 10 August 1960), known professionally as Antonio Banderas, is a Spanish actor. Known for his work in films of several genres, he has received numerous accolades, including a Cannes Film Festival Award ...
, Susana Giménez,
Mirtha Legrand Rosa María Juana Martínez Suárez (born 23 February 1927), known by her stage name Mirtha Legrand (; from the French , "the great"), is an Argentine actress and television presenter. With an 80-year career, Legrand is one of the most recognize ...
,
Sophia Loren Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone (; born 20 September 1934), known professionally as Sophia Loren ( , ), is an Italian actress, active in her native country and the United States. With a career spanning over 70 years, she is one of the ...
, Ekaterina Klimova,
Ornella Muti Francesca Romana Rivelli (born 9 March 1955), professionally known as Ornella Muti, is an Italian actress. Among the best-known Italian actresses, in her career, she has worked across various genres, working alongside Italian directors such as ...
, Ottavia Piccolo,
Jean-Claude Van Damme Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg (, ; born 18 October 1960), known professionally as Jean-Claude Van Damme (, ), is a Belgian martial artist and actor. Born and raised in Brussels, his father enrolled him in a Shotokan karate schoo ...
, British journalist and television host
Piers Morgan Piers Stefan Pughe-Morgan (; O'Meara, born 30 March 1965) is an English journalist and media personality. He began his career in 1988 at the tabloid ''The Sun (United Kingdom), The Sun''. In 1994, at the age of 29, he was appointed editor of ...
, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, and director
Jim Jarmusch James Robert Jarmusch ( ; born January 22, 1953) is an American film director, screenwriter and musician. He has been a major proponent of independent film, independent cinema since the 1980s, directing films such as ''Stranger Than Paradise'' ...
also paid their respects. The Academy of Arts and Techniques of Cinema released a statement mourning the loss of "an eternal icon of the seventh art." Alberto Barbera, president of the
Venice Film Festival The Venice Film Festival or Venice International Film Festival (, "International Exhibition of Cinematographic Art of the Venice Biennale") is an annual film festival held in Venice, Italy. It is the world's oldest film festival and one of the ...
, praised him as "a popular star who left his indelible mark on the works of the greatest authors of European cinema." Numerous political figures also honored the actor's memory, including
Emmanuel Macron Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron (; born 21 December 1977) is a French politician who has served as President of France and Co-Prince of Andorra since 2017. He was Ministry of Economy and Finance (France), Minister of Economics, Industr ...
,
Nicolas Sarkozy Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa ( ; ; born 28 January 1955) is a French politician who served as President of France from 2007 to 2012. In 2021, he was found guilty of having tried to bribe a judge in 2014 to obtain information ...
,
Gabriel Attal Gabriel Nissim Attal de Couriss (; born 16 March 1989) is a French politician who was the prime minister of France from January to September 2024. He was the youngest and the first openly Gay man, gay prime minister in French history. A member ...
,
Marine Le Pen Marion Anne Perrine "Marine" Le Pen (; born 5 August 1968) is a French lawyer and politician of the far-right National Rally, National Rally party (RN). She served as the party's president from 2011 to 2021, and ran for the French presidency in ...
,
François Fillon François Charles Amand Fillon (; born 4 March 1954) is a French retired politician who served as Prime Minister of France from 2007 to 2012 under President Nicolas Sarkozy. He was the nominee of The Republicans (previously known as the Union ...
, Culture Minister
Rachida Dati Rachida Dati (, ; born 27 November 1965) is a French politician and former magistrate who has been Minister of Culture (France), Minister of Culture since January 2024 in the Attal government, government of Gabriel Attal, the Barnier government, ...
. French President Emmanuel Macron described him as "melancholic, popular, secretive" while being "more than a star : a French monument." International reactions include those of
Matteo Salvini Matteo Salvini (; born 9 March 1973) is an Italian politician who has been serving as Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport since 2022. He has been List of F ...
(
Deputy Prime Minister of Italy The deputy prime minister of Italy, officially the vice-president of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic (Italian language, Italian: ''Vicepresidente del Consiglio dei ministri della Repubblica Italiana''), is a senior member of th ...
), Lucia Borgonzoni (Italian Secretary of State for Culture), Andriy Yermak (Head of the Secretariat of the President of Ukraine),
Nicolae Ciucă Nicolae Ionel Ciucă (; born 22 September 1967) is a Romanian politician and retired general of the Romanian Land Forces. Ideologically a conservative, he served as Prime Minister of Romania between 25 November 2021 and 12 June 2023 after receiv ...
(President of the Romanian Senate and former Prime Minister of Romania), Dominique Ouattara (First Lady of Côte d'Ivoire) and Boyko Borissov, (leader of GERB and former Prime Minister of Bulgaria)). The Ministry of Culture in Armenia offers its condolences. On the evening of his death, several
French television Television in France was introduced in 1931, when the first experimental broadcasts began. Colour television was introduced in October 1967 on La Deuxième Chaîne. Digital terrestrial television The digital terrestrial television platform ...
channels altered their programming to broadcast films featuring Alain Delon throughout his career. The same occurred in
Switzerland Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located in west-central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland ...
,
China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
,
Italy Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Europe. It consists of Italian Peninsula, a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, with the Alps on its northern land b ...
, and
Iran Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and also known as Persia, is a country in West Asia. It borders Iraq to the west, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the northwest, the Caspian Sea to the north, Turkmenistan to the nort ...
. The next day, Alain Delon's death made headlines worldwide and garnered significant media attention. Foreign press referred to him as "the last great myth of French Cinema." ''
The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''NYT'') is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. ''The New York Times'' covers domestic, national, and international news, and publishes opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of ...
'' stated that "the intense and intensely beautiful French actor played cold Corsican gangsters as convincingly as passionate Italian lovers."
The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in Manchester in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'' and changed its name in 1959, followed by a move to London. Along with its sister paper, ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardi ...
praised Alain Delon, calling him "a symbol of the lost beauty of the 1960s." According to the
Japan Times ''The Japan Times'' is Japan's largest and oldest English-language daily newspaper. It is published by , a subsidiary of News2u Holdings, Inc. It is headquartered in the in Kioicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo. History ''The Japan Times'' was launched by ...
, "his idol image and James Dean-like persona made him one of the most acclaimed actors in his country." The series ''
Plus belle la vie ''Plus belle la vie'' (More beautiful life) is a French television soap opera based on an idea by Hubert Besson and characters created by Georges Desmouceaux, Bénédicte Achard, Magaly Richard-Serrano and Olivier Szulzynger. On air from 30 August ...
'' paid tribute to him in episode 153 on 22 August 2024, referencing the police series ''Fabio Montale'', filmed in
Marseille Marseille (; ; see #Name, below) is a city in southern France, the Prefectures in France, prefecture of the Departments of France, department of Bouches-du-Rhône and of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regions of France, region. Situated in the ...
. Having declined any national tribute and ceremony, Alain Delon was buried on 24 August 2024, in a private chapel on the Brûlerie estate in Douchy, as he wished, near his thirty-five dogs. About fifty guests attended the funeral, including the actor's three children. The ceremony was officiated by Catholic bishop Jean-Michel Di Falco. Tributes During his lifetime and after his passing, tributes to Alain Delon take place in numerous countries around the world, reflecting the actor's international stature. In the United States, the American French Film Festival (TAFFF), the Cinémathèque Américaine, and the
American Film Institute The American Film Institute (AFI) is an American nonprofit film organization that educates filmmakers and honors the heritage of the History of cinema in the United States, motion picture arts in the United States. AFI is supported by private fu ...
organize screenings and retrospectives in his honor. In Brazil, the Varilux French Cinema Festival, the largest French film festival outside of France, also pays tribute to him by screening ''Plein Soleil'' and featuring him on the official poster for its 2024 edition. The French Film Festival in Cuba organized a tribute to Alain Delon during its 25th edition, screening many of the actor's films in theaters in
Havana Havana (; ) is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center.Hanoi Hanoi ( ; ; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities in Vietnam, second-most populous city of Vietnam. The name "Hanoi" translates to "inside the river" (Hanoi is bordered by the Red River (Asia), Red and Black River (Asia), Black Riv ...
, Vietnam, showcases three of his iconic films on the continent: '' Red Sun'', '' The Red Circle'', and ''Plein Soleil''.' In
Tokyo Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital of Japan, capital and List of cities in Japan, most populous city in Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is List of largest cities, one of the most ...
, the Institut Français du Japon organizes a retrospective titled ''Proof of a Star's Existence'', featuring screenings of his major works, conferences, and discussions led by film specialists. The 40th edition of the French Film Festival in
Singapore Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. The country's territory comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. It is about one degree ...
pays homage to Delon with screenings of ''Le Samouraï'' and ''Plein Soleil''. In Europe, the Ciné Lumière at the Institut français du Royaume-Uni dedicate retrospectives to the actor. In his honor, the French Embassy and the Institut Français of Bulgaria organize screenings of ''
Rocco and His Brothers ''Rocco and His Brothers'' () is a 1960 drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, Renato Salvatori, Katina Paxinou, Roger Hanin, Paolo Stoppa, and Claudia Cardinale in one of her early roles. Set in 1 ...
'' in the country's three largest cities. The 2024
Angoulême Francophone Film Festival The Angoulême Francophone Film Festival (, FFA) is an annual film festival held in Angoulême, France. It was founded by Dominique Besnehard in 2008 and has been held every year in December. It was launched as a showcase for all kind of francophon ...
, taking place a few days after Alain Delon's death, changed its programming to screen '' Notre histoire'' by
Bertrand Blier Bertrand Blier (; 14 March 1939 – 20 January 2025) was a French film director and writer. His 1978 film '' Get Out Your Handkerchiefs'' won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 51st Academy Awards. Career His 1996 film '' ...
. The 2024 Lumière Festival concluded with a screening of '' Plein Soleil'' (1960) by
René Clément René Clément (; 18 March 1913 – 17 March 1996) was a French film director and screenwriter. He is known for directing the films ''The Battle of the Rails'' (1946), ''Forbidden Games'' (1952), ''Gervaise (film), Gervaise'' (1956), ''Purple No ...
and a speech by Anthony Delon, who recounted his father's career. During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Venice Film Festival, images of
Gena Rowlands Virginia Cathryn "Gena" Rowlands (; June 19, 1930 – August 14, 2024) was an American actress, whose career in film, stage, and television spanned nearly seven decades. She was a four-time Emmy, Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe winner, and ...
,
Roberto Herlitzka Roberto Herlitzka (2 October 1937 – 31 July 2024) was an Italian theatre and film actor. He has appeared in 38 films since 1973. In 2004 he won the David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actor and Nastro d'Argento for Best Actor for his role i ...
, and Alain Delon were projected in tribute. In October 2024, the Paris Council voted on a proposal to name a street or facility in the capital in honor of Alain Delon, which included the installation of a plaque in his name on the Normandie building on the
Champs-Élysées The Avenue des Champs-Élysées (, ; ) is an Avenue (landscape), avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France, long and wide, running between the Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west, where the Arc ...
(8th arrondissement). Delon featured in ''In Memoriam'' segments of 2025 BAFTA and SAG Awards ceremonies. However, the French actor is absent from the tribute paid at the 2025 Oscars, an omission that is causing incomprehension in France and internationally. At the opening of the
50th César Awards The 50th César Awards ceremony, presented by the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma, was held on 28 February 2025 at the Olympia in Paris, honouring the best French films of 2024. Actress Catherine Deneuve presided over the ceremony f ...
, a tribute was paid to Alain Delon with a sequence retracing the actor's career.


Influence and legacy


Reception

Alain Delon is one of the best-known French actors abroad, alongside
Gérard Depardieu Gérard Xavier Marcel Depardieu (, , ; born 27 December 1948) is a French actor. An icon of French cinema, considered a world star in the same way as Alain Delon or Brigitte Bardot, he has completed over 250 films since 1967, most of which as ...
,
Jean Reno Juan Moreno y Herrera-Jiménez (born 30 July 1948), commonly known as Jean Reno (), is a French-Spanish actor. He established himself as a Leading actor, leading man of French cinema through his collaborations with director Luc Besson, and has w ...
,
Catherine Deneuve Catherine Fabienne Dorléac (born 22 October 1943), known professionally as Catherine Deneuve (, , ), is a French actress. She is considered one of the greatest European actresses on film. In 2020, ''The New York Times'' ranked her as one of th ...
, and
Audrey Tautou Audrey Justine Tautou (; born 9 August 1976) is a French actress. She made her acting debut at age 18 on television, and her feature film debut in '' Venus Beauty Institute'' (1999), for which she received critical acclaim and won the César Awa ...
.
Jean-Michel Frodon Jean-Michel Frodon (born 20 September 1953 in Paris) is a journalist, critic and historian of cinema. Biography Born Jean-Michel Billard, he writes with a pseudonym borrowed from Frodo of ''The Lord of the Rings''. He has a master's degree and a ...
, a film critic and historian, points out that in post-war French cinema, Delon is a unique figure, whose energy and intelligence on screen were superbly exploited by filmmakers such as Jean-Pierre Melville. According to Nick Rees-Roberts and Darren Waldron, "Few male European actors have been as iconic and influential for generations of filmgoers as Alain Delon." They consider his status as a cinema icon and the longevity of his career as making a scholarly inquiry into his image and persona necessary. LaCinetek and
The Criterion Collection The Criterion Collection, Inc. (or simply Criterion) is an American home video, home-video distribution company that focuses on licensing, restoring and distributing "important classic and contemporary films". A "sister company" of art film, arth ...
have unveiled several lists wherein various professionals in the field recommend and/or specify their favorite films. Several of the productions in which Delon plays the leading role are cited. Many contemporary filmmakers such as
Daniel Brühl Daniel César Martín Brühl González (; ; born 16 June 1978) is a German and Spanish actor. He has received various accolades, including three European Film Awards and three German Film Awards, along with nominations for two Golden Globe Awar ...
,
Michael Douglas Michael Kirk Douglas (born September 25, 1944) is an American actor and film producer. He has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the ...
,
Stephen Frears Sir Stephen Arthur Frears (born 20 June 1941) is a British director and producer of film and television, often depicting real life stories as well as projects that explore social class through sharply-drawn characters. He has received numerous a ...
, Jack Huston,
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Aaron Perry Taylor-Johnson (né Johnson; born 13 June 1990) is an English actor. He is known for his portrayal of the title character in '' Kick-Ass'' (2010) and its sequel '' Kick-Ass 2'' (2013), as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe charact ...
,
Kyle MacLachlan Kyle Merritt MacLachlan ( ; ' McLachlan, February 22, 1959) is an American actor. He is best known for his Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning role as Dale Cooper in ''Twin Peaks'' (1990–1991, 2017) and its film prequel '' Twin Peaks: Fire ...
,
Mickey Rourke Philip Andre "Mickey" Rourke Jr. ( ; born September 16, 1952) is an American actor and former professional Boxing, boxer who has appeared primarily as a leading actor, leading man in drama, action, and thriller films. In a Mickey Rourke filmogra ...
,
Mark Strong Mark Strong (born Marco Giuseppe Salussolia; 5 August 1963) is a British actor best known for his film roles such as Prince Septimus in '' Stardust'' (2007), Archibald in '' RocknRolla'' (2008), Lord Henry Blackwood in ''Sherlock Holmes'' (200 ...
,
Quentin Tarantino Quentin Jerome Tarantino (; born March 27, 1963) is an American filmmaker, actor, and author. Quentin Tarantino filmography, His films are characterized by graphic violence, extended dialogue often featuring much profanity, and references to ...
,
Bruce Willis Walter Bruce Willis (born March 19, 1955) is a retired American actor. He achieved fame with a leading role on the comedy-drama series ''Moonlighting (TV series), Moonlighting'' (1985–1989) and has appeared in over one hundred films, gaining ...
, have expressed respect or admiration for Alain Delon's career, roles, style, and longevity.
Leonardo DiCaprio Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio (; ; born November 11, 1974) is an American actor and film producer. Known for Leonardo DiCaprio filmography, his work in biographical and period films, he is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received ...
regards Alain Delon as one of the "coolest actors in the history of cinema". The
Canadian Canadians () are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of their being ''C ...
actor
Keanu Reeves Keanu Charles Reeves ( ; born September 2, 1964) is a Canadian actor and musician. The recipient of numerous accolades in a career on screen spanning four decades, he is known for his leading roles in action films, his amiable public imag ...
asserts that Delon is his role model as an actor: "He's such a charismatic actor. I think he has something in him between tension and melancholy." British director
Matthew Vaughn Sir Matthew Allard Robert Vaughn (legal name Matthew Allard Robert de Vere Drummond; born 7 March 1971) is an English filmmaker. He has produced films including ''Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels'' (1998) and ''Snatch (film), Snatch'' (2000 ...
compares actor
Michael Caine Sir Michael Caine (born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, 14 March 1933) is a retired English actor. Known for his distinct Cockney accent, he has appeared in more than 160 films over Michael Caine filmography, a career that spanned eight decades an ...
to Alain Delon, suggesting the unique cinematic influence of these two actors in their respective countries. British actor
Clive Owen Clive Owen (born 3 October 1964) is an English actor. He first gained recognition in the United Kingdom for playing the lead role in the ITV series '' Chancer'' from 1990 to 1991. He received critical acclaim for his work in the film '' Close ...
says he is fascinated by Alain Delon's "natural grace", considering ''Le Samouraï'' and ''La Piscine'' among his favorite films.
Joseph Losey Joseph Walton Losey III (; January 14, 1909 – June 22, 1984) was an American film and theatre director, producer, and screenwriter. Born in Wisconsin, he studied in Germany with Bertolt Brecht and then returned to the United States. Hollywood ...
, an American director, expressed his admiration for Alain Delon, saying, "Alain is one of those rare talents who can be honored as being difficult. To me, this word means professionalism, demand, dedication to work, warmth, and love. He's not a man to play with, but a man you can rely on." American producer
Robert Evans Robert Evans (born Robert J. Shapera; June 29, 1930 – October 26, 2019) was an American film producer who worked on ''Rosemary's Baby (film), Rosemary's Baby'' (1968), ''Love Story (1970 film), Love Story'' (1970), ''The Godfather'' (1972), ...
paid tribute to Delon in his memoirs ''
The Kid Stays in the Picture ''The Kid Stays in the Picture'' is a 1994 print autobiography by film producer Robert Evans. A film adaptation of the book was released in 2002. The title comes from a line attributed to studio head Darryl F. Zanuck, who was defending Evans a ...
Hyperion Books'', 1994, considering him as his "brother in life as in cinema" and "the most beautiful actor in Europe".


Cinematic influence

Alain Delon's interpretations have influenced many colleagues, both in France and internationally, especially thanks to his role in ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
'' (''The Samurai''), often cited as one of the most influential films in history. Director
Jean-Pierre Melville Jean-Pierre Grumbach (20 October 1917 – 2 August 1973), known professionally as Jean-Pierre Melville (), was a French filmmaker. Considered a spiritual godfather of the French New Wave, he was one of the first fully-independent French filmmake ...
wrote the film for Alain Delon and describes the genesis of this film: Director
Bertrand Blier Bertrand Blier (; 14 March 1939 – 20 January 2025) was a French film director and writer. His 1978 film '' Get Out Your Handkerchiefs'' won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 51st Academy Awards. Career His 1996 film '' ...
speculates that the meeting between Alain Delon and the filmmaker
Jean-Pierre Melville Jean-Pierre Grumbach (20 October 1917 – 2 August 1973), known professionally as Jean-Pierre Melville (), was a French filmmaker. Considered a spiritual godfather of the French New Wave, he was one of the first fully-independent French filmmake ...
, "historic, charged with a mutual fascination", was at the origin of the success of this classic: "''The Samurai'' was a completely bizarre film. There has only been one film made like this in France. And it's so much like Delon, this film: a mute, completely narcissistic role, where practically nothing happens. Delon sits in front of a mirror for an hour correcting the position of his hat! It had a lot of charm, it was a fascinating film. It was an extraordinary analysis of these two men, a formidable joint portrait of Melville / Delon". Stephen Teo calls ''Le Samouraï'' "possibly the most influential French crime thriller ever made, a mixture of a police procedural (''le film policier'') and a suspenseful action thriller concentrated on a professional hit man, Jef (spelled with one "f") Costello, played by Alain Delon, giving the definitive performance of his career". Delon and Melville crystallize a film cited as one of the most influential in history, which will become an essential reference for many filmmakers. Many New Hollywood films and critical successes such as William Friedkin's '' The French Connection'' (1971) and
Francis Ford Coppola Francis Ford Coppola ( ; born April 7, 1939) is an American filmmaker. He is considered one of the leading figures of the New Hollywood and one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. List of awards and nominations received by Francis Ford Coppo ...
's ''
The Conversation ''The Conversation'' is a 1974 American neo-noir mystery thriller film written, produced, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It stars Gene Hackman as a surveillance expert who faces a moral dilemma when his recordings reveal a potential ...
'' (1974) contain explicit references to ''Le Samouraï'' and the character of Jef Costello played by Delon.


Personal and stylistic influence

Alain Delon is cited as one of the most beautiful actors in the history of cinema. His on-screen presence and physical appearance have earned him the status of a "icon" and a "legend" of cinema, both in France and internationally. His fame, linked as much to his looks as to his acting, has inspired and continues to influence many international actors. Only a few films draw more inspiration from Delon's distinctive style and personality rather than his acting performance.


= European productions

= * The German film '' Liebe ist kälter als der Tod'' pays tribute to French cinema masters such as
Claude Chabrol Claude Henri Jean Chabrol (; 24 June 1930 – 12 September 2010) was a French film director and a member of the French New Wave (''nouvelle vague'') group of filmmakers who first came to prominence at the end of the 1950s. Like his colleagues an ...
and
Éric Rohmer Jean Marie Maurice Schérer or Maurice Henri Joseph Schérer, known as Éric Rohmer (; 21 March 192011 January 2010), was a French film director, film critic, journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and teacher. Rohmer was the last of the Post-war, p ...
. Furthermore, the directing style is inspired by Melville's ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
'', while the artwork on the poster resembles the silhouette of Alain Delon in ''Le Samouraï''. The character Bruno (
Ulli Lommel Ulli Lommel (21 December 1944 – 2 December 2017) was a German Film actor, actor and Film director, director, noted for his many collaborations with Rainer Werner Fassbinder and his association with the New German Cinema movement. Lommel spent ...
) is also inspired by the character portrayed by Delon. * The influence of French cinema on Italian cinema is significant, particularly in the neo-noir or '' poliziottesco'' genre. This cinematic movement found in Alain Delon a representative figure of the cold, methodical hitman. The character of Jef Costello, portrayed by Delon in ''Le Samouraï'' (1967), had a major impact on Fernando Di Leo and his ''Milieu Trilogy'' ('' Caliber 9,
The Italian Connection ''The Italian Connection'' (, also released as ''Manhunt in the City'' and ''Manhunt in Milan'') is a 1972 noir- thriller film directed and co-written by Fernando Di Leo; starring Mario Adorf, Henry Silva, Woody Strode, Adolfo Celi, Luciana ...
, Il Boss)''. *
Luc Besson Luc Paul Maurice Besson (; born 18 March 1959) is a French filmmaker. He directed and produced the films '' Subway'' (1985), '' The Big Blue'' (1988), and '' La Femme Nikita'' (1990). Associated with the '' Cinéma du look'' film movement, he h ...
drew inspiration from Jef Costello (played by Delon in ''Le Samouraï'') to create Léon, the titular character embodied by Jean Reno in '' Léon: The Professional''. * The protagonist of '' Bad Education'' (''La mala educación''), played by
Gael García Bernal Gael García Bernal (; born 30 November 1978) is a Mexican actor and filmmaker. He is known for his performances in the films ''Amores perros'' (2000), ''Y tu mamá también'' (2001), ''Bad Education (2004 film), Bad Education'' (2004), ''The Mot ...
, was inspired by Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley, as portrayed by Alain Delon in René Clément’s ''
Purple Noon ''Purple Noon'' (; ; also known as ''Full Sun'', ''Blazing Sun'', ''Lust for Evil'', and ''Talented Mr. Ripley'') is a 1960 crime thriller film starring Alain Delon (in his first major role), alongside Marie Laforêt and Maurice Ronet; Romy Schn ...
'' (''Plein Soleil''). He stated that the performance he most sought to emulate was Delon’s interpretation of Ripley in ''Purple Noon''.. * In '' The Skin I Live In'' (''La piel que habito''), Pedro Almodóvar instructed
Antonio Banderas José Antonio Domínguez Bandera (born 10 August 1960), known professionally as Antonio Banderas, is a Spanish actor. Known for his work in films of several genres, he has received numerous accolades, including a Cannes Film Festival Award ...
to draw inspiration from Alain Delon’s performance in ''
Le Cercle Rouge ''Le Cercle Rouge'' (, "The Red Circle") is a 1970 crime film set mostly in Paris. It was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon, Bourvil, Gian Maria Volonté, François Périer and Yves Montand. It is known for its climactic ...
'', aiming for a portrayal that was “''icy, calculating, restrained, and economical''.”. *
Richard Ayoade Richard Ayoade ( ; born 23 May 1977) is a British comedian, actor, writer, director and presenter. He played the role of socially awkward IT technician Maurice Moss in Channel 4 sitcom ''The IT Crowd'' (2006–2013), for which he won the 2014 Br ...
cites '' The Samurai'' as a major inspiration for his films. In ''
Submarine A submarine (often shortened to sub) is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. (It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability.) The term "submarine" is also sometimes used historically or infor ...
,'' Oliver Tate's character wears the same costume as Delon in ''The Samurai'' and displays a poster of the film in his room, out of admiration for the character he plays. Some scenes in the film are directly inspired by the French classic. * The film '' Final Cut : Mesdames et Messieurs'' by
György Pálfi György Pálfi (born 11 April 1974 in Budapest, Hungary) is a Hungarian filmmaker. His film ''Taxidermia'' was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Pálfi's films have received numerous awards and nominatio ...
combines scenes from over 450 international movies, including one in which Alain Delon is seen exchanging glances with
Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe ( ; born Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 August 4, 1962) was an American actress and model. Known for playing comic "Blonde stereotype#Blonde bombshell, blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex ...
. * Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza, in ''
Salvo A salvo is the simultaneous discharge of artillery or firearms including the firing of guns either to hit a target or to perform a salute. As a tactic in warfare, the intent is to cripple an enemy in many blows at once and prevent them from f ...
'', sought to recreate the aura of French film noir and specifically drew inspiration from Delon for their protagonist. Their choice of Saleh Bakri to play Salvo, a Sicilian hitman, stemmed from this vision: “We wanted a strong physical presence that would dominate the screen with charisma, thinking of Jean-Pierre Melville, French film noir, and actors like Alain Delon.” * The film '' A Bigger Splash'', directed by
Luca Guadagnino Luca Guadagnino (; born 10 August 1971) is an Italian film director and producer. His films are characterized by their emotional complexity, eroticism, and lavish visuals. Guadagnino has received numerous accolades, including a Silver Lion, alon ...
, is a modern adaptation of the French thriller '' La Piscine'' by
Jacques Deray Jacques Deray (born Jacques Desrayaud, 19 February 1929 – 9 August 2003) was a French film director and screenwriter. Deray is prominently known for directing many crime films, crime and thriller films. Biography Born Jacques Desrayaud in Lyon, ...
. A loose adaptation of the French film, Guadagnino has soaked up the atmosphere and erotic tension that Delon and Romy Schneider represented in 1969.
Matthias Schoenaerts Matthias Schoenaerts ( , ; born 8 December 1977) is a Belgian actor. He made his film debut at the age of 13 in ''Daens (film), Daens'' (1992), which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He is best known for his rol ...
takes over the role played by Delon. * Pierre Niney in '' A Perfect Man'' works to recreate a resemblance to the character played by Delon in ''
Purple Noon ''Purple Noon'' (; ; also known as ''Full Sun'', ''Blazing Sun'', ''Lust for Evil'', and ''Talented Mr. Ripley'') is a 1960 crime thriller film starring Alain Delon (in his first major role), alongside Marie Laforêt and Maurice Ronet; Romy Schn ...
''.' * In '' A Whale'' by Pablo Hernando, the main character, played by Ingrid García-Jonsson (a hitwoman), is inspired by Jef Costello. The director confirms this influence: "I understand the comparisons, but I didn’t mix references. The only one I used was the archetype of Alain Delon’s lone hitman (...)." Additionally, the name of the main antagonist, Melville, is a tribute to Jean-Pierre Melville, the director of ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
''. * Saul Nanni takes over the role of Tancredi Falconeri in the series '' The Leopard,'' previously played by Alain Delon in 1963. The actor says he is honored to play such an "iconic" character and to be able to follow in the footsteps of an actor as "incredible" as Delon, without being afraid of being confronted with this "icon". To prepare for the role of Tancredi, he reread Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel and rewatched Visconti's film, trying to understand the twists and turns of the family and social dynamics of the Sicilian aristocracy of the 1860s.


= American productions

= * The overall atmosphere, character development, and narrative style of the American film '' The French Connection'' are largely influenced by ''Le Samouraï'' (1967) by Jean-Pierre Melville.
William Friedkin William David Friedkin (; August 29, 1935 – August 7, 2023) was an American film, television and opera director, producer, and screenwriter who was closely identified with the "New Hollywood" movement of the 1970s. Beginning his career in doc ...
also drew inspiration from the character played by Alain Delon—a solitary and methodical hitman—to shape the character of Popeye Doyle (
Gene Hackman Eugene Allen Hackman (January 30, 1930 – ) was an American actor. Hackman made his credited film debut in the drama ''Lilith (film), Lilith'' (1964). He later won two Academy Awards, his first for Academy Award for Best Actor, Best Actor for ...
). Moreover, the subway chase scene in ''The French Connection'' is directly inspired by ''
Bullitt ''Bullitt'' is a 1968 American action thriller film directed by Peter Yates from a screenplay by Alan Trustman, Alan R. Trustman and Harry Kleiner and based on the 1963 crime novel ''Mute Witness'' by Robert L. Fish. It stars Steve McQueen, Ro ...
'' and ''Le Samouraï''. * Through his portrayal of Jef Costello, Alain Delon established the archetype of the "silent and stoic antihero." Ryan O'Neal's character in ''
The Driver ''The Driver'' is a 1978 American crime film, crime thriller film written and directed by Walter Hill, and starring Ryan O'Neal, Bruce Dern and Isabelle Adjani. The film featured only unnamed characters, and follows a getaway driver for robberi ...
'' is almost entirely based on Jef Costello... ''The Driver'' is also considered an unofficial adaptation of ''Le Samouraï''. * In ''
Rocco and His Brothers ''Rocco and His Brothers'' () is a 1960 drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, Renato Salvatori, Katina Paxinou, Roger Hanin, Paolo Stoppa, and Claudia Cardinale in one of her early roles. Set in 1 ...
'', Delon plays the character of Rocco Parondi, a tormented young man, a street wrestler who has become famous and has a tumultuous career in an Italian family in the 1940s. The film influenced a number of filmmakers, including
Martin Scorsese Martin Charles Scorsese ( , ; born November17, 1942) is an American filmmaker. One of the major figures of the New Hollywood era, he has received List of awards and nominations received by Martin Scorsese, many accolades, including an Academ ...
, who closely studied Visconti's directing, especially the way the fight scenes are filmed, a technique he later integrated into his ''
Raging Bull ''Raging Bull'' is a 1980 American biographical sports drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Theresa Saldana, Frank Vincent and Nicholas Colasanto (in his final film role). The film ...
''. In addition, Scorsese was inspired for this same film by the character of Rocco (Delon) to help shape
Robert De Niro Robert Anthony De Niro ( , ; born August 17, 1943) is an American actor, director, and film producer. He is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. De Niro is the recipient of List of awards and ...
's interpretation of Jake LaMotta. Scorsese also noted that Jef Costello, played by Delon in ''Le Samouraï'', served as an inspiration for the creation of
Travis Bickle Travis Bickle is the antihero protagonist of the 1976 film ''Taxi Driver'' directed by Martin Scorsese. The character was created by the film's screenwriter Paul Schrader. He is portrayed by Robert De Niro, who received an Oscar nomination for h ...
, the protagonist of ''
Taxi Driver ''Taxi Driver'' is a 1976 American neo-noir psychological drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. Set in a morally decaying New York City following the Vietnam War, it stars Robert De Niro as veteran Marine and ...
'' (a role that was offered to Alain Delon). * While filming ''
American Gigolo ''American Gigolo'' is a 1980 American neo-noir crime drama film written and directed by Paul Schrader, and starring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton. It tells the story of a high-priced escort in Los Angeles (Gere) who becomes romantically ...
'', screenwriter and director
Paul Schrader Paul Joseph Schrader (; born July 22, 1946) is an American screenwriter, film director, and film critic. He first became known for writing the screenplay of Martin Scorsese's ''Taxi Driver'' (1976). He later continued his collaboration with Scor ...
had
Richard Gere Richard Tiffany Gere ( ; born August 31, 1949) is an American actor. He began appearing in films in the 1970s, playing a supporting role in ''Looking for Mr. Goodbar (film), Looking for Mr. Goodbar'' (1977) and a starring role in ''Days of Hea ...
watch several films starring Delon to draw inspiration from his performance: ''“I screened'' ''
Purple Noon ''Purple Noon'' (; ; also known as ''Full Sun'', ''Blazing Sun'', ''Lust for Evil'', and ''Talented Mr. Ripley'') is a 1960 crime thriller film starring Alain Delon (in his first major role), alongside Marie Laforêt and Maurice Ronet; Romy Schn ...
'' ''for Richard Gere before'' American Gigolo. ''I said: ‘Watch this guy'' lain Delon'. The way he walks. He knows the room is a better place just because he’s walked into it.’”'' Richard Gere also cites the French actor as a source of inspiration: ''“It was by watching Alain Delon’s films that I learned how to play seducers on screen. Alain Delon truly inspired me to portray that kind of character.”'' * ''Le Samouraï'' is one of
Quentin Tarantino Quentin Jerome Tarantino (; born March 27, 1963) is an American filmmaker, actor, and author. Quentin Tarantino filmography, His films are characterized by graphic violence, extended dialogue often featuring much profanity, and references to ...
’s favorite films. In a 1992 interview, Tarantino said he liked the title ''Reservoir Dogs'' because ''“it sounds like it’s from an Alain Delon film by Jean-Pierre Melville... I could picture Alain Delon in a black suit saying: ‘I’m Mr. Blonde.’”'' The French classic influenced his creation of the world of ''
Reservoir Dogs ''Reservoir Dogs'' is a 1992 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in his feature-length directorial debut. It stars Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Tarant ...
'' and ''
Pulp Fiction ''Pulp Fiction'' is a 1994 American independent crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino from a story he conceived with Roger Avary.See, e.g., King (2002), pp. 185–7; ; It tells four intertwining tales of crime and violence ...
''. In this regard, the costume design for ''Reservoir Dogs'' and ''Pulp Fiction'' stemmed from a discussion between Tarantino and costume designer Betsy Heimann about French noir films featuring Alain Delon. * Michael Mann, for ''
Heat In thermodynamics, heat is energy in transfer between a thermodynamic system and its surroundings by such mechanisms as thermal conduction, electromagnetic radiation, and friction, which are microscopic in nature, involving sub-atomic, ato ...
'' (just like for '' Collateral''), creates the character of Neil McCauley, played by
Robert De Niro Robert Anthony De Niro ( , ; born August 17, 1943) is an American actor, director, and film producer. He is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. De Niro is the recipient of List of awards and ...
, drawing inspiration from the minimalist and detached style of Delon in ''Le Samouraï'' and the various protagonists Melville portrays in ''
Le Cercle Rouge ''Le Cercle Rouge'' (, "The Red Circle") is a 1970 crime film set mostly in Paris. It was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon, Bourvil, Gian Maria Volonté, François Périer and Yves Montand. It is known for its climactic ...
''. The line "I am alone, not lonely" from McCauley (De Niro in ''Heat'') directly echoes the one from Jeff Costello (Delon in ''Le Samouraï'') : "I never lose, never really". *
Forest Whitaker Forest Steven Whitaker (born July 15, 1961) is an American actor, filmmaker, and activist. His accolades include an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Best Actor Award at the ...
also drew inspiration from Delon’s role as Jef Costello in ''Le Samouraï'' for his performance in '' Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai'' by
Jim Jarmusch James Robert Jarmusch ( ; born January 22, 1953) is an American film director, screenwriter and musician. He has been a major proponent of independent film, independent cinema since the 1980s, directing films such as ''Stranger Than Paradise'' ...
: “''As part of my preparation, I watched this masterpiece with Alain Delon. Thanks to him, I understood the virtue of silence''.”... The film’s ending openly pays homage to ''Le Samouraï'', as both Alain Delon and Ghost Dog carry an unloaded firearm in a scenario where they are fully aware of their impending fate... Whitaker would later reprise a role originally played by Alain Delon in ''
Deux Hommes dans la ville ''Two Men in Town'' ( a.k.a. ''Two Against the Law'') is a 1973 Franco-Italian film directed by José Giovanni. The film was remade in 2014. Synopsis Germain Cazeneuve left the police to work as a prison trainer, teaching inmates how to live on ...
'' (''Two Men in Town''), adapting it to a contemporary setting. * To prepare for his role as Vincent in '' Collateral'',
Tom Cruise Thomas Cruise Mapother IV (born July 3, 1962) is an American actor and film producer. Regarded as a Cinema of the United States, Hollywood icon, he has received List of awards and nominations received by Tom Cruise, various accolades, includ ...
stated that he “''first watched several films about professional killers, including Le Samouraï by Jean-Pierre Melville with Alain Delon. I was'' om Cruise''deeply fascinated by his solitary and melancholic charisma in carrying out his ruthless business''.”. Cruise’s appearance and demeanor in the film strongly recall Jef Costello from ''Le Samouraï''. * The film by
Anton Corbijn Anton Johannes Gerrit Corbijn van Willenswaard (; born 20 May 1955) is a Dutch photographer, film director, and music video director. He is the creative director behind the visual output of Depeche Mode and U2,Pitman, Joanna"The silent partner" ...
, '' The American'' (inspired by Melville's ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
'') stars
George Clooney George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is an American actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. Known for his leading man roles on screen in both blockbuster and independent films, Clooney has received numerous accolades, including two Ac ...
as an assassin, who resembles Costello. Clooney also draws inspiration from Delon for his role in ''
Out of Sight ''Out of Sight'' is a 1998 American action comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Scott Frank, adapted from Elmore Leonard's 1996 novel. The first of several collaborations between Soderbergh and actor George Clooney, it was ...
''. * Delon's influence also extends to films such as '' Drive'' by Nicolas Winding Refn and ''
Baby Driver ''Baby Driver'' is a 2017 action crime film written and directed by Edgar Wright. It stars Ansel Elgort as a getaway driver seeking freedom from a life of crime with his girlfriend Debora (Lily James). Kevin Spacey, Eiza González, Jon Ber ...
'' by
Edgar Wright Edgar Howard Wright (born 18 April 1974) is an English filmmaker. He is known for his fast-paced and kinetic, satirical Film genre, genre films, which feature extensive utilisation of expressive popular music, Steadicam tracking shots, dolly zo ...
. Both directors drew inspiration from ''Le Samouraï'', crafting protagonists—played by
Ryan Gosling Ryan Thomas Gosling ( ; born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor. His work includes both independent films and major studio features, and his accolades include a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for three Academy Awards, a ...
and
Ansel Elgort Ansel Elgort (born March 14, 1994) is an American actor and singer. He began his acting career with a supporting role in the horror film '' Carrie'' (2013). He gained wider recognition for starring as a teenage cancer patient in the romantic d ...
, respectively—who are taciturn yet charismatic getaway drivers, reminiscent of Jef Costello.
Ryan Gosling Ryan Thomas Gosling ( ; born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor. His work includes both independent films and major studio features, and his accolades include a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for three Academy Awards, a ...
has stated that his acting in ''Drive'' was influenced by Delon’s performance in ''Le Samouraï'' .. * In developing '' The Equalizer'' film franchise, director
Antoine Fuqua Antoine Fuqua (; born May 30, 1965) is an American film director known for his work in the action and thriller genres. He was originally known as a director of music videos, and made his film debut in 1998 with '' The Replacement Killers''. His ...
acknowledged that Delon influenced the character of Robert McCall, a solitary man with strong moral motivations who acts as a vigilante for those unable to defend themselves. Played by
Denzel Washington Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. (born December 28, 1954) is an American actor, producer, and director. Known for his dramatic roles Denzel Washington on screen and stage, on stage and screen, Washington has received List of awards and nominations ...
, Fuqua explained: “''My biggest inspirations were foreign films from the 1970s, really �� And of course, all those Alain Delon films, particularly the French ones, like Le Samouraï (1967), with that kind of slow rhythm and character development as the story unfolds. That’s the kind of film that inspires me''.” *
Keanu Reeves Keanu Charles Reeves ( ; born September 2, 1964) is a Canadian actor and musician. The recipient of numerous accolades in a career on screen spanning four decades, he is known for his leading roles in action films, his amiable public imag ...
, in '' John Wick: Chapter 4'', plays a fearsome hitman but imbued with a certain emotional depth, imitating Alain Delon, whom Reeves has as a model. Chad Stahelski, the director behind the ''John Wick'' franchise, is also a great admirer of Alain Delon and Jean-Pierre Melville. Stahelski drew inspiration from ''Le Cercle Rouge'' and ''Le Samouraï'' when crafting ''John Wick'' : "''The John Wick films are all love letters from Keanu, myself, our stunt team and our creative team to everyone from Wong Kar-wai to Sammo Hung to Sergio Leone, Kurosawa, Alain Delon and "The Samurai", Spielberg, Tarantino... To all those people we loved growing up''." *
Michael Fassbender Michael Fassbender (; born 2 April 1977) is a German-Irish actor. His accolades include nominations for two Academy Awards, four British Academy Film Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. In 2020, he was listed at number nine on ''The Irish Ti ...
is inspired in
David Fincher David Andrew Leo Fincher (born August 28, 1962) is an American film director. Often described as one of the preeminent directors of his generation, David Fincher filmography, his films, of which most are psychological thrillers, have collectiv ...
's '' The Killer'' by the character played by Alain Delon in ''Melville's The Samurai.'' *
Jon Watts Jonathan Watts (born June 28, 1981) is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. He is best known for directing the Spider-Man in film, ''Spider-Man'' films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): ''Spider-Man: Homecoming, Homec ...
(director of the Spider-Man trilogy) cites Alain Delon among his influences, with ''The Samurai'' which he considers a model of "lone wolf movies", inspiring the creation of the characters of
George Clooney George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is an American actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. Known for his leading man roles on screen in both blockbuster and independent films, Clooney has received numerous accolades, including two Ac ...
and
Brad Pitt William Bradley Pitt (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and film producer. In a Brad Pitt filmography, film career spanning more than thirty years, Pitt has received list of awards and nominations received by Brad Pitt, numerous a ...
in '' Wolfs''. In addition, the film begins in a fictionally deluxe suite named ''Delon Hotel'', an obvious nod to the French actor. * In the 2024
remake A remake is a film, television series, video game, song or similar form of entertainment that is based upon and retells the story of an earlier production in the same medium—e.g., a "new version of an existing film". A remake tells the same s ...
of '' The Killer'',
John Woo John Woo Yu-sen ( zh, t= ; born 22 September 1946) is a Hongkongers, Hong Kong film director known as a highly influential figure in the action film genre. The recipient of various accolades, including a Hong Kong Film Awards, Hong Kong Film Award ...
pays explicit tribute to Delon by setting the action in Paris. * Forty years after ''
American Gigolo ''American Gigolo'' is a 1980 American neo-noir crime drama film written and directed by Paul Schrader, and starring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton. It tells the story of a high-priced escort in Los Angeles (Gere) who becomes romantically ...
'',
Paul Schrader Paul Joseph Schrader (; born July 22, 1946) is an American screenwriter, film director, and film critic. He first became known for writing the screenplay of Martin Scorsese's ''Taxi Driver'' (1976). He later continued his collaboration with Scor ...
once again turned to
Richard Gere Richard Tiffany Gere ( ; born August 31, 1949) is an American actor. He began appearing in films in the 1970s, playing a supporting role in ''Looking for Mr. Goodbar (film), Looking for Mr. Goodbar'' (1977) and a starring role in ''Days of Hea ...
, asking him to draw inspiration from Alain Delon for his role in '' Oh, Canada''. * Delon is indirectly responsible for the ongoing superhero franchise films which continue to this day. After seeing a poster for Delon's 1974 cinematic turn as Zorro while in Paris, Ilya Salkind was inspired to make 1978's
Superman Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
with
Christopher Reeve Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, activist, director, and author. He amassed Christopher Reeve on stage and screen, several stage and screen credits in his 34-year career, including playin ...
, the film that started it all.


= Asian productions

= From
South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and t ...
to
China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
, numerous filmmakers have drawn inspiration from Alain Delon’s career, particularly his portrayal of Jeff Costello in ''Le Samouraï'' (1967). *
John Woo John Woo Yu-sen ( zh, t= ; born 22 September 1946) is a Hongkongers, Hong Kong film director known as a highly influential figure in the action film genre. The recipient of various accolades, including a Hong Kong Film Awards, Hong Kong Film Award ...
chose
Chow Yun-fat Chow Yun-fat (born 18 May 1955), previously known as Donald Chow, is a Hong Kong actor and filmmaker. Known for his versatility, encompassing action to melodrama and comedy and historical drama, his accolades include three Hong Kong Film Awar ...
for the role of Mark Lee in ''
A Better Tomorrow ''A Better Tomorrow'' () is a 1986 Hong Kong action film directed, co-written and co-produced by John Woo, co-produced by Tsui Hark, and starring Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung and Chow Yun-fat. The film had a profound influence on Hong Kong action c ...
'' (1986) because of his resemblance to Alain Delon. In the film and its sequels, Chow also wore sunglasses that were marketed under Delon’s name. The sunglasses brand became especially popular in
Hong Kong Hong Kong)., Legally Hong Kong, China in international treaties and organizations. is a special administrative region of China. With 7.5 million residents in a territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the wor ...
, and Alain Delon personally thanked Chow Yun-fat for it. *
Chow Yun-Fat Chow Yun-fat (born 18 May 1955), previously known as Donald Chow, is a Hong Kong actor and filmmaker. Known for his versatility, encompassing action to melodrama and comedy and historical drama, his accolades include three Hong Kong Film Awar ...
, in
John Woo John Woo Yu-sen ( zh, t= ; born 22 September 1946) is a Hongkongers, Hong Kong film director known as a highly influential figure in the action film genre. The recipient of various accolades, including a Hong Kong Film Awards, Hong Kong Film Award ...
’s '' The Killer'', does not merely reprise Alain Delon’s role in ''Le Samouraï''; he embodies a character who dreams of being Alain Delon. Woo specifically asked Chow to take inspiration from Delon’s acting, seeing him as the embodiment of French charm: ''“handsome, brooding, and dangerous.”'' * Tony Leung, in his role as the undercover inspector in ''
Hard Boiled ''Hard Boiled'' ()Elder, 2005, pg. xxviii is a 1992 Hong Kong action thriller film directed by John Woo from a screenplay by Gordon Chan and Barry Wong based on a story written by Woo. The film stars Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, an ...
'', adopts characteristics reminiscent of Delon’s ''Le Samouraï''.. His character is even named after Alain Delon—he is called Alan.. *
Johnnie To Johnnie To Kei-fung (born 22 April 1955) is a Hong Kong filmmaker. Popular in his native Hong Kong, To has also found acclaim overseas. Intensely prolific, To has made films in a variety of genres, though in the West he is best known for his H ...
’s films frequently pay homage to Delon’s work, with '' Fulltime Killer'' and ''
Vengeance Vengeance may refer to: *Vengeance (concept) or revenge, a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance Film * ''Vengeance'' (1930 film), action adventure film directed by Archie Mayo * ''Vengeance'' (1937 film) or ''W ...
'' serving as notable examples. A great admirer of Melville and his films ''Le Cercle Rouge'' and ''Le Samouraï'', To has often expressed his desire to work with Alain Delon. Although Delon ultimately declined the lead role in ''Vengeance'', To retained the character Francis Costello—his name a direct reference to Jeff Costello from ''Le Samouraï''. * Kim Jee-woon, director of '' A Bittersweet Life'', instructed lead actor
Lee Byung-hun Lee Byung-hun (; born July 12, 1970) is a South Korean actor. He has received acclaim for his work in a wide range of genres, most notably '' Joint Security Area'' (2000); '' A Bittersweet Life'' (2005); '' The Good, the Bad, the Weird'' (2008) ...
to take inspiration from Delon’s performances in Jean-Pierre Melville’s films. The protagonist of ''A Bittersweet Life'', named "Jeff" after Costello, is a direct descendant of Jeff Costello, sharing the same traits as the betrayed, solitary assassin. * In Pang Ho-Cheung’s comedy ''
You Shoot, I Shoot ''You Shoot, I Shoot'' (買兇拍人) is a 2001 Hong Kong black comedy film produced, written and directed by Pang Ho-cheung and starring Eric Kot and Cheung Tat-ming. Plot Bart ( Eric Kot), a professional contract killer, is requested by h ...
'', Eric Kot plays a hitman who idolizes Jeff Costello, dressing like him and even speaking to a ''Le Samouraï'' movie poster in his apartment. * South Korean actor Jung Woo Sung also drew inspiration from Alain Delon’s performance in ''Le Samouraï'' for his first criminal role in '' Cold Eyes''. * Kazakh filmmaker Adilkhan Yerzhanov’s '' Yellow Cat'' features a solitary character roaming the vast Kazakh steppes while donning the trench coat and fedora made iconic by Alain Delon in ''Le Samouraï''. The character sees himself as the guardian of a unique talent: the ability to imitate Alain Delon. He envisions himself as the French actor, fully embodying his cinematic persona.


Others

Rocco Siffredi chose his stage name in reference to the characters Roch Siffredi ('' Borsalino'' and '' Borsalino & Co'') and Rocco Parondi (''Rocco and his brothers''), both played by Alain Delon. Hong Kong actor Ti Lung chose his stage name from a verbal derivation close to the name of his favorite actor Alain Delon. '' Borsalino,'' a film released in 1969, tells the adventures of Roch Siffredi and François Cappella, two
gangster A gangster (informally gangsta) is a criminal who is a member of a gang. Most gangs are considered to be part of organized crime. Gangsters are also called mobsters, a term derived from ''Organized crime, mob'' and the suffix ''wikt:-ster, -st ...
s in
Marseille Marseille (; ; see #Name, below) is a city in southern France, the Prefectures in France, prefecture of the Departments of France, department of Bouches-du-Rhône and of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regions of France, region. Situated in the ...
in the 1930s. Played by Alain Delon and
Jean-Paul Belmondo Jean-Paul Charles Belmondo (; 9 April 19336 September 2021) was a French actor. Initially associated with the New Wave of the 1960s, he was a major French film star for several decades from the 1960s onward, frequently portraying police officer ...
, ''Borsalino'' marks their only collaboration. This tandem, made up of two of the most popular
French actors French may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to France ** French language, which originated in France ** French people, a nation and ethnic group ** French cuisine, cooking traditions and practices Arts and media * The French (band), ...
, inspired
Robert Redford Charles Robert Redford Jr. (born August 18, 1936) is an American actor and filmmaker. He has received numerous accolades such as an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, as well as the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1994, the ...
and
Paul Newman Paul Leonard Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008) was an American actor, film director, race car driver, philanthropist, and activist. He was the recipient of List of awards and nominations received by Paul Newman, numerous awards ...
to stage ''
The Sting ''The Sting'' is a 1973 American caper film. Set in 1936, it involves a complicated plot by two professional grifters (Paul Newman and Robert Redford) to con a mob boss ( Robert Shaw). The film was directed by George Roy Hill, who had dir ...
'' in 1973. Ilaria Urbinati, stylist for
Ryan Reynolds Ryan Rodney Reynolds (born October 23, 1976) is a Canadian and American actor, producer and businessman. Known for starring in comedic and superhero films, he was the List of highest-paid film actors, world's second-highest-paid actor in 202 ...
,
Bradley Cooper Bradley Charles Cooper (born January 5, 1975) is an American actor and filmmaker. He is the recipient of various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and three Grammy Awards. In addition, he has been nominated for twelve Acade ...
, and Donald Glover among others, counts Alain Delon as one of the style icons who inspire her: "Alain Delon, a young Pacino and a young DeNiro are my all-time style icons. And probably Paul Newman at all ages. They'll keep you right." Playwright Adrienne Kennedy was an admirer of Delon. A mystery novella by Kennedy, ''Deadly Triplets'' featured a fictional version of Kennedy who has written a play titled, ''The Heart Of Alain Delon''.


International recognition

During the four years Delon lived with Romy Schneider, he became a leading man in movie roles, and an international sex symbol. According to media commentator Mark Gallagher, Delon's reputation ultimately may be as a worldwide style icon, rather than as an actor. He writes that Delon's on-screen sex appeal is well received in many cultural contexts, that it allowed him to transcend strictly French film and culture, and connected him to "international film culture and popular culture". Delon was offered roles in several iconic productions, thus illustrating the international recognition bestowed upon him. For instance, he was invited by Sam Spiegel (the film's producer) to portray Sherif Ali in '' Lawrence of Arabia''. Despite a successful audition, difficulties related to wearing brown contact lenses for the role led the French actor to decline the offer.
Robert Evans Robert Evans (born Robert J. Shapera; June 29, 1930 – October 26, 2019) was an American film producer who worked on ''Rosemary's Baby (film), Rosemary's Baby'' (1968), ''Love Story (1970 film), Love Story'' (1970), ''The Godfather'' (1972), ...
also considered Alain Delon for the role of Michael Corleone in ''The Godfather'', stating, "That's how he was described in the book." Delon, however, refused the proposal : “I would have had to learn to speak English with an Italian accent. I didn’t like that.” Evans also wanted to cast Delon in ''The Cotton Club (film), The Cotton Club'' to play Lucky Luciano, a role that ultimately went to Joe Dallesandro. Additionally, in 1979, Albert R. Broccoli, Albert Broccoli, in charge of the James Bond, James Bond franchise, offered Delon the role of James Bond. Delon refused. Director André Téchiné planned to bring Delon and Isabelle Adjani together on screen in a film adaptation of Pascal Bruckner’s novel ''Evil Angels (novel), Evil Angels''. Disagreements between the two actors led to the project's cancellation, and Roman Polanski ultimately directed ''Bitter Moon'' in 1992. In 1973, director and screenwriter Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on the cinematic adaptation of Dune (franchise), ''Dune''. Jodorowsky assembled a prestigious artistic team, including rock bands Pink Floyd and Magma (band), Magma for the music. Jodorowsky also envisioned an ambitious cast: Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, and Mick Jagger among others. Alain Delon was slated to portray the character of Duncan Idaho. However, anticipating a 14-hour film, the project was abandoned due to significant financial constraints (Salvador Dalí, Dalí notably demanding $100,000 per hour). Alain Delon was among Anne Rice's top choices for the role of Louis, as depicted in her book ''Interview with the Vampire'', which was under discussion for a film adaptation. However, the project didn't come to fruition until Interview with the Vampire (film), 1994, with
Brad Pitt William Bradley Pitt (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and film producer. In a Brad Pitt filmography, film career spanning more than thirty years, Pitt has received list of awards and nominations received by Brad Pitt, numerous a ...
ultimately taking on the role. Alain Delon was also slated to appear in the adaptation of André Malraux's novel ''Man's Fate'', alongside Johnny Depp, Daniel Day-Lewis, Uma Thurman, and John Malkovich. This project, initiated by Michael Cimino, was abandoned due to financial difficulties. In 2014, a film project titled ''Patient'' was announced, a drama centered on the Armenian genocide, with Delon or Adrien Brody in a leading role. Dustin Hoffman was also set to star. This project never materialized. According to the
American Film Institute The American Film Institute (AFI) is an American nonprofit film organization that educates filmmakers and honors the heritage of the History of cinema in the United States, motion picture arts in the United States. AFI is supported by private fu ...
, Delon was considered for roles in Joshua Logan's ''Fanny (1961 film), Fanny'' (1961), Tony Richardson's ''The Loved One (film), The Loved One'' (1965), Sydney Pollack's ''
This Property Is Condemned ''This Property Is Condemned'' is a 1966 American drama film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Natalie Wood, Robert Redford, Kate Reid, Charles Bronson, Robert Blake and Mary Badham. The screenplay, inspired by the 1946 one-act play of ...
'' (1966), Henri Verneuil's ''The Scavengers (1969 film), The Scavengers'' (1968), ''
Taxi Driver ''Taxi Driver'' is a 1976 American neo-noir psychological drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. Set in a morally decaying New York City following the Vietnam War, it stars Robert De Niro as veteran Marine and ...
'' (1976) by
Martin Scorsese Martin Charles Scorsese ( , ; born November17, 1942) is an American filmmaker. One of the major figures of the New Hollywood era, he has received List of awards and nominations received by Martin Scorsese, many accolades, including an Academ ...
, and John Huston's ''Escape to Victory'' (1981). Among other roles Delon declined were ''Magnet of Doom'' (''L’Aîné des Ferchaux'') by
Jean-Pierre Melville Jean-Pierre Grumbach (20 October 1917 – 2 August 1973), known professionally as Jean-Pierre Melville (), was a French filmmaker. Considered a spiritual godfather of the French New Wave, he was one of the first fully-independent French filmmake ...
, ''Long Live Maria!'' by
Louis Malle Louis Marie Malle (; 30 October 1932 – 23 November 1995) was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer who worked in both French cinema and Hollywood. Described as "eclectic" and "a filmmaker difficult to pin down", Malle made document ...
, ''The Bear and the Doll'' by Michel Deville, ''Max et les ferrailleurs, Max and the Junkmen'' by Claude Sautet, ''Last Tango in Paris'' by Bernardo Bertolucci (Delon suggested Marlon Brando for the part), ''
Taxi Driver ''Taxi Driver'' is a 1976 American neo-noir psychological drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. Set in a morally decaying New York City following the Vietnam War, it stars Robert De Niro as veteran Marine and ...
'' by
Martin Scorsese Martin Charles Scorsese ( , ; born November17, 1942) is an American filmmaker. One of the major figures of the New Hollywood era, he has received List of awards and nominations received by Martin Scorsese, many accolades, including an Academ ...
, ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'' by Steven Spielberg, ''Death Watch'' by Bertrand Tavernier, ''Marie Antoinette (2006 film), Marie Antoinette'' by Sofia Coppola, ''Pardonnez-moi'' by Maïwenn, ''Mesrine (2008 film), Mesrine'' by Jean-François Richet, ''Vengeance (2009 film), Vengeance'' by
Johnnie To Johnnie To Kei-fung (born 22 April 1955) is a Hong Kong filmmaker. Popular in his native Hong Kong, To has also found acclaim overseas. Intensely prolific, To has made films in a variety of genres, though in the West he is best known for his H ...
, ''A Gang Story'' by Olivier Marchal, and ''Salaud, on t'aime'' by Claude Lelouch.


Influence in music

A still shot of Delon in ''The Unvanquished'' appears on the cover of the 1986 album ''The Queen Is Dead'' by The Smiths, which was used with his written approval. The song "Beautiful Killer" on Madonna (entertainer), Madonna's twelfth studio album ''MDNA (album), MDNA'' is a tribute to Delon. An early EP by the music group White Town was the "Alain Delon EP". The song "A Look From The Screen" by Russian band Nautilus Pompilius (band), Nautilus Pompilius is a tribute to Delon. In 2010, Emma Daumas paid tribute to Alain Delon in the song ''Dans les yeux d'Alain Delon'', on her E.P. ''Acoustic''. Far from this chorus of praise,
Marianne Faithfull Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull (29 December 1946 – 30 January 2025) was an English singer and actress who achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of her UK top 10 single " As Tears Go By". She became one of the leading female art ...
, a friend of Nico's and who was Delon's partner in the cinema in the 1960s, mentions the actor on her album ''Kissin Time, Kissin' Time''. The Italian music group Baustelle (''La canzione di Alain Delon''), the Bulgarian music group Shturcite, Shturtzite (''Alen Delon)'', Christoff De Bolle, Christoff de Bolle (''Ich hab Alain Delon gesehn)'', Erlend Krauser ''(Deneuve Meets Alain Delon in The Train''), Davide Van De Sfroos (''L'Alain Delon de Lenn''), Dann Stuyven (''Dîner Delon''), Sıla (singer), Sıla Gençoğlu and Ozan Doğulu (''Alain Delon'') and Femme Schmidt (''Alain Delon'') have all quoted and/or paid tribute to Alain Delon in their musical productions.


Cultural and popular representations


In Cinema

In ''La Boum'' by Claude Pinoteau, both Vic (Sophie Marceau) and Lysia (Nathalie Riqué) have feelings for Mathieu. Jealous of her rival, Vic describes her as ''“the daughter of Alain Delon and the Mona Lisa,”'' implying the extraordinary nature of her beauty. In ''Tiger on the Beat'', Francis (
Chow Yun-fat Chow Yun-fat (born 18 May 1955), previously known as Donald Chow, is a Hong Kong actor and filmmaker. Known for his versatility, encompassing action to melodrama and comedy and historical drama, his accolades include three Hong Kong Film Awar ...
) reads out a list of names while filling his glass with raw eggs, making a pun on the word ''"Lung"'' (meaning "dragon" in Chinese). Every name he mentions contains “Lung”: Bruce Lee (Lei Siu-Lung), Jackie Chan (Sing Lung), Alain Delon (Ah Lan Daai Lung), Sylvester Stallone (Si Taai Lung), and Ti Lung. In the film ''Camping (2006 film), Camping'', one of the campers (played by Frédéric Bonnet) is nicknamed Alain Delon and speaks in the third person. In both ''Camping'' and ''Camping 2'', lines also reference Delon and his public persona.' In ''Asterix at the Olympic Games (film), Asterix at the Olympic Games'', Alain Delon plays
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (12 or 13 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC) was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in Caesar's civil wa ...
and pokes fun at his own career with a self-referential monologue: ''“Caesar has succeeded at everything, conquered everything. He's a leopard, a samurai, he owes nothing to anyone—not to Rocco, nor his brothers, nor the Sicilian clan. Caesar is of noble blood. In fact, the Caesar for Best Emperor was awarded to Caesar. Ave me!”'' In ''One Day (2011 film), One Day'', Dexter’s mother (played by Patricia Clarkson) compares her husband to Alain Delon: ''“Is that Alain Delon? What? No. That’s your father,”'' showing just how in love she is with him. Other humorous references to Alain Delon appear in ''Les Tuche'', notably in a scene where Jeff Tuche (Jean-Paul Rouve) arrives at a luxury hotel in Monaco. When the receptionist announces the Alain Delon suite, Jeff, confused, says: ''“Wait, I don’t know Alain Delon, I don’t want to disturb him.”'' To which the receptionist replies: ''“But he’s not here.”''


In visual art

In the first episode of ''Cobra (manga), Cobra'', Delon appears through the features of the main character—dark-haired and brooding—who, in order to escape his enemies, undergoes plastic surgery that makes him look like
Jean-Paul Belmondo Jean-Paul Charles Belmondo (; 9 April 19336 September 2021) was a French actor. Initially associated with the New Wave of the 1960s, he was a major French film star for several decades from the 1960s onward, frequently portraying police officer ...
. Alain Delon’s appearance also inspired the character Freeman, the hero of the manga ''Crying Freeman'', written by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami, Ryōichi Ikegami. Ryoichi Ikegami confessed his love for the actor. The manga and anime series ''Beelzebub (manga), Beelzebub'' feature an extensive cast of fictional characters created by Ryuhei Tamura, Ryūhei Tamura. One of the key characters is ''Batim do Emuna Alaindelon'', a demon. The character mentioned is directly inspired by Freddie Mercury and is named after Alain Delon. The Italian comic strip '':it:Playcolt, Playcolt'' (128 issues divided into four series from 1972 to 1979) features Alain Velon (Paronomase of the actor Alain Delon), a billionaire playboy with a Delonian physique who later transforms into ''Playcolt'', a kind of superhero. Monkey Punch is inspired by several Lists of French films, French films and actors to create the relationships between his characters in his manga ''Lupin III (manga), Lupin III''. The Alain Delon-
Charles Bronson Charles Bronson (born Charles Dennis Buchinsky; November 3, 1921 – August 30, 2003) was an American actor. He was known for his roles in action films and his "granite features and brawny physique". Bronson was born into extreme poverty in ...
duo in '' Adieu l'ami'' influences the interactions between Lupin III (character), Lupin and his accomplice Daisuke Jigen. Alain Delon's influence in ''Le Samouraï'' can also be felt in the comic strip ''Corps et Âme'' by Jef and Alexis Nolent, Matz. In ''Body and Soul'', the main character is Frank Kitchen, a fearsome and methodical hitman. The resemblance to Costello (played by Delon in ''Le Samouraï, Le Samuraï'') is reflected not only in the character's physical appearance, but also in his behavior and stoic attitude in the face of adversity. As in ''The Samurai'', where Delon's character is betrayed and must navigate a series of unforeseen challenges, Frank Kitchen finds himself in a new situation after an extreme revenge that transforms him physically. ''Lost Bullets'', a comic book written by Walter Hill, features protagonist Roy Nash about a professional killer who has received a life sentence in the Joliet Correctional Center, Joliet prison in Illinois. Jef, the cartoonist, says that he chose to be inspired by the French actor to create Roy Nash's appearance because he appreciates Delon and his films. Michaël Sanlaville, an award-winning cartoonist in Angoulême in 2015 for ''Lastman (comic book), Lastman'', found his inspiration in the works of Frédéric Dard from a very young age. Having discovered the novels of ''San Antonio'' in his parents' attic, he decided to adapt these works into comic books. To embody San-Antonio, Sanlaville chose to base himself on the image of Alain Delon. His sculptural face and piercing gaze perfectly embody the handsome, irreproachable and hieratic hero described by Dard. A significant part of the work of Russian artist and academician Nikas Stepanovich Safronov focuses on his series titled ''River of Time'', where he portrays various modern personalities, whether famous politicians, actors, or pop music stars. Among those depicted are Alla Pugacheva,
Sophia Loren Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone (; born 20 September 1934), known professionally as Sophia Loren ( , ), is an Italian actress, active in her native country and the United States. With a career spanning over 70 years, she is one of the ...
, Pierre Cardin, Elton John, and Alain Delon. These paintings have been acquired by collectors at major national and international exhibitions, and most of them are now displayed in private collections and renowned museums in Russia and Europe.


Video games

The ''Hitman (franchise), Hitman'' video game series pays tribute to
Jean-Pierre Melville Jean-Pierre Grumbach (20 October 1917 – 2 August 1973), known professionally as Jean-Pierre Melville (), was a French filmmaker. Considered a spiritual godfather of the French New Wave, he was one of the first fully-independent French filmmake ...
’s film ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
''. Agent 47, the game’s contract killer, is both inspired by and a direct reference to the hitman portrayed by Delon in ''Le Samouraï''.


Others

Guillaume Delorme played Alain Delon in 2009 in a German TV movie, ''Romy Schneider, Romy'', directed by Torsten C. Fisher and retracing his love story with Romy Schneider. Alain Delon is the main subject of a play inspired by his career and the world of Jean-Pierre Melville, ''Alain Delon or almost'', of Stéphane Dolivet. The play was premiered in July 2007 at the Festival d'Avignon, Avignon Festival. It was revived in a new version in 2010, ''Alain Delon... and me''. Alain Delon's puppet in ''Les Guignols de l'info'' expresses himself in a grandiloquent way, speaking of himself in the third person. Bulgarian language, Bulgarian poet Georgi Konstantinov wrote a humorous poem called Момичето със син балон (The Girl with the Blue Balloon) which was adapted by the Popular music, popular Bulgarian Rock music, rock Band (rock and pop), band Shturcite, Shturtsite as lyrics for their 1982 Hit song, hit called Ален Делон (Alain Delon). In it the actor was compared to a balloon which will burst in the end.


Box-office


France

French box office in millions of admissions (films that exceeded two million admissions in theaters). Delon has a total of 136 million admissions in France. Based on the number of admissions, Delon is the 10th most popular actor in France in 2025.


USSR

Alain Delon is one of the most popular French actors in Russia. His films have accumulated a total of over 300 million admissions (with 13 films recorded). This number is minimal, as the box office results of films released in the Soviet Union, USSR such as ''The Shock'', ''The Swimming Pool'', ''For a Cop's Skin'', ''Monsieur Klein'', ''A Cop'', ''The Sicilian Clan'', ''Le Cercle Rouge'' (etc.) are unavailable. His success in the USSR represents a unique phenomenon : a Western star able to rival in popularity with the greatest Soviet actors.


Italy

Delon has accumulated over 120 million admissions in Italy.


United States


Germany

Delon has a total of over 35 million admissions in this country.


Spain

The Spanish press praised Alain Delon's impact on French and European cinema. The newspaper ''El País'' stressed that "French and European cinematography of the second half of the 20th century cannot be understood without his figure". Box office (50 films recorded) detailed for Delon in Spain, where he totals 38 million admissions.


Influences

Delon's favourite actor was John Garfield. He also admired Jean Marais, Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando and Robert Walker (actor, born 1918), Robert Walker.


Honours

Delon received numerous film and entertainment awards throughout his career. He was also honored at the "Men of the Year 2001" ceremony with the World Actor 2001 trophy in Vienna, at the Imperial Hofburg palace in Austria. Delon's professional awards include: * 1961 Ciak d'oro, Ciak d'oro Prize: Awarded with
Monica Vitti Maria Luisa Ceciarelli (3 November 1931 – 2 February 2022), known professionally as Monica Vitti, was an Italian actress who starred in several award-winning films directed by Michelangelo Antonioni during the 1960s. She appeared with Marcel ...
for ''the Eclipse'' * Crystal Stars 1962: Best Actor for '' The Joy of Living'' * French Film Victories 1963: Best French Actor for '' Any Number Can Win'' * David di Donatello, David di Donatello Award 1972: Special Award * Valentino d'Oro 1974: Actor of the Year Award * Kangouro d'Or: Award presented in 1977 in Dakar * Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards, Golden Horse Awards Ceremony 1981: Special Prize * César Awards 1985, César Award 1985: Best Actor for ''Our Story (film), Our Story'' * Bambi Awards 1987: International Bambi * Taormina Film Festival 1989: Career Award * Sant Jordi Awards, Sant Jordi Film Awards 1991: Special Jury Prize for Best Film (''The Leopard''), presented by the Spanish Minister of Culture Jordi Solé Tura. * At the 45th Berlin International Film Festival, he won the Honorary Golden Bear. * Mar del Plata International Film Festival 1997: Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Norma Aleandro * Goldene Kamera 1998: Golden Camera (for his entire career: Belmondo receives the same award on the same day) * Cairo International Film Festival 1999: Career Achievement Award * Moscow International Film Festival 1998: Honorary George for Career Achievement * Premi Flaiano, Flaiano Prize 1999: Career Award * :es:Mostra de València, Mostra de València-Cinema del Mediterrani: Special Palme * World Actor 2001 Trophy: presented by Mikhail Gorbachev at the Men of the Year 2001 ceremony * UN and UNICEF International Award for Best Actor of the Year (2003) * Marrakech International Film Festival, Marrakech International Film Festival 2003: Golden Star * Faces of Love Film Festival 2005: Silver Arrow * :de:DIVA – Deutscher Entertainment Preis, DIVA – Deutscher Entertainment Preis: DIVA Honorary Award * :fr:Prix de l'Excellence française, French Excellence Award 2009 * :fr:Brutus (cinéma), Brutus du cinéma 2009: Best César * Telezvezda TV Channel Award 2011: Special Award as Guest of Honour * Acapulco Film Festival 2011: Special Award ''Acuerdate de Acapulco'' * Locarno Film Festival, Locarno International Film Festival 2012: Lifetime Achievement Award * Chinese Film Festival in France 2012: guest of honor * Armenian Music Awards 2012: Special Prize * :fr:Gérard du cinéma, Gérard du cinéma 2012: Gérard for the role of his life (nominated) * Transilvania International Film Festival, Transylvanian International Film Festival 2017: Career Achievement Award * At the
2019 Cannes Film Festival The 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival took place from 14 to 25 May 2019. Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu served as jury president for the main competition. South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho won the , the festival's top prize, fo ...
, he received the Honorary Palme d'Or.


Government decorations

Delon also received French and foreign government decorations: * ''Officier'' (Officer) of the Ordre national du Mérite in 1995. * ''Chevalier'' (Knight) of the Légion d'honneur on 21 February 1991. He was promoted to ''Officier'' (Officer) in 2005. * Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (26 May 1986) * ''Commandeur'' (Commander) of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite, Order of Ouissam Alouite in 2003 by Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco. * Grand Vermeil Medal of the City of Paris, presented by Mayor Bertrand Delanoë (2006) * Chevalier of the Order of Merit (Ukraine), Order of Merit ''for significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, popularizing the Ukrainian state in the world'' (by decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Zelensky dated September 4, 2023).


Filmography

Delon's most acclaimed films include ''
Purple Noon ''Purple Noon'' (; ; also known as ''Full Sun'', ''Blazing Sun'', ''Lust for Evil'', and ''Talented Mr. Ripley'') is a 1960 crime thriller film starring Alain Delon (in his first major role), alongside Marie Laforêt and Maurice Ronet; Romy Schn ...
'' (1960), ''
Rocco and His Brothers ''Rocco and His Brothers'' () is a 1960 drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, Renato Salvatori, Katina Paxinou, Roger Hanin, Paolo Stoppa, and Claudia Cardinale in one of her early roles. Set in 1 ...
'' (1960), ''
L'Eclisse ''L'Eclisse'' () is a 1962 romantic drama film co-written and directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and starring Alain Delon and Monica Vitti, with Francisco Rabal, Lilla Brignone, and Louis Seigner. Filmed on location in Rome and Verona, the story ...
'' (1962), '' The Leopard'' (1963), ''
Le Samouraï ''Le Samouraï'' (; ) is a 1967 neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, and Cathy Rosier. A Franco-Italian production, it depicts the intersecting pa ...
'' (1967), '' La Piscine'' (1969), ''
Le Cercle Rouge ''Le Cercle Rouge'' (, "The Red Circle") is a 1970 crime film set mostly in Paris. It was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon, Bourvil, Gian Maria Volonté, François Périer and Yves Montand. It is known for its climactic ...
'' (1970), and ''
Monsieur Klein ''Monsieur Klein'' () is a 1976 mystery drama film directed by Joseph Losey, produced by and starring Alain Delon in the title role. Set in occupied France, the Kafkaesque narrative follows an apparently Gentile Parisian art dealer who is seemi ...
'' (1976).


Bibliography

Documentaries


''In French''

* ''Alain Delon, cet inconnu'', Philippe Kohly, 2015. * ''Alain Delon, la beauté du diable et les femmes'', Antoine Lassaigne, 2018. * ''Alain Delon, la solitude d’un fauve'', Laurent Allen-Caron, 2019. * ''Alain Delon, l'ombre au tableau'', Daisy d'Errata, Karl Zéro, 2021. * ''Romy et Alain, les éternels fiancés'', Olivier Monssens, 2022. * ''Alain Delon, confidentiel'', Fabrice Babin, 2022. * ''Delon, l’explosion d’une famille'', Yves Couant, Jérémie Paire, Stéphanie Zenati, David Couloume, Fabrice Babin, with Manuela Braun and Floriane Soyer, 2024. * ''Alain Delon : la guerre fratricide'', Nathalie Renoux, 2024. * ''Le Mystère Alain Delon'', Nabila Zaknoun, 2024.


''In English''

* ''Discovering Alain Delon'', Lyndy Saville, 2015.


''In Russian''

* ''Ален Делон. Легенды мирового кино'' (Alain Delon: Legends of World Cinema), Andrei Istratov, 2010. * ''Ален Делон. Уникальный портрет'' (Alain Delon: A Unique Portrait), 2024. * Books on Alain Delon Numerous works (biographies, albums, novels, comics, etc.) are dedicated to Alain Delon, both in France and abroad (Germany, Spain, Greece,
Italy Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Europe. It consists of Italian Peninsula, a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, with the Alps on its northern land b ...
, United States, United Kingdom, Russia). * Henri Rode, ''The Fascinating Mr. Delon'', PAC, 1974. * Jean-Claude Zana, ''Alain Delon'', Solar, 1981, 64 p. (ISBN 978-2-263-00590-9) * Henri Rode, ''Alain Delon'', PAC, 1982. * Olivier Dazat, ''Alain Delon'', Seghers, 1988, 191 p. (ISBN 978-2-232-10126-7) * Rein A. Zondergeld, ''Alain Delon – The Ice-Cold Angel. His Films, His Life'', Heyne, 1984. * Rolf Aurich, ''Alain Delon – Homage'', Henschel, 1995. * Collective, ''Alain Delon'', French Cinematheque, 1996, 106 p. (ISBN 978-2-900596-15-9) * Emmanuel Haymann, ''Alain Delon - Splendors and Mysteries of a Superstar'', Favre, 1998, 284 p. (ISBN 978-2-8289-0600-9) * Henry-Jean Servat, ''Alain Delon the Rebel (1957-1970)'', Albin Michel, 2000, 100 p. (ISBN 978-2-226-11645-1) * Bernard Violet, ''The Delon Mysteries - The Unauthorized Biography'', Flammarion, 2000, 562 p. (ISBN 978-2-08-068105-8) * Henry-Jean Servat, ''Alain Delon, the Untamed (1970-2001)'', Albin Michel, 2001, 96 p. (ISBN 978-2-226-12193-6) * Roberto Chiesi, ''Alain Delon'', Gremese, 2002, 128 p. (ISBN 978-88-7301-498-0) * Philippe Durant, ''Alain Delon, Jean-Paul Belmondo: Crossed Destinies'', Carnot, 2004. * Franck Prazan, ''Alain Delon - My Years in the 50s'', Communic'art, 2007. * Philippe Barbier, Christian Dureau, ''Delon Romy - They Loved Each Other So Much'', Didier Carpentier, 2009. * Philippe Crocq, Jean Mareska, ''Alain Delon and Romy Schneider: The Eternal Fiancés'', Editions Alphée, 2010. * Vsevolod Tarasov and Marianna Pozdirka, ''Alain Delon. A Man for All Seasons'', 2010. * Olivier Rajchman, ''Delon/Belmondo, Heroes' Fabric'', Timée Editions, 2010. * Christian Dureau, ''Alain Delon in Full Sun'', Didier Carpentier, 2012, 141 p. (ISBN 978-2-84167-769-6) * Nicole Calfan, ''Open Letter to Alain Delon'', l'Archipel, 2012. * Ginette Vincendeau, ''The Perils of Transnational Stardom: Alain Delon in Hollywood Cinema'', article for the journal ''Mise au point'', 2014. * Philippe Durant, ''Gabin, Ventura, Delon... The Legends of Crime Films'', Didier Carpentier, 2014, 256 p. (ISBN 978-2-35584-322-8) * Kontopoulos Vassilis, ''Alain Delon'', Rue Panos, July 2015, 112 p. (ISBN 9789604771943) * Patrice Leconte and Guillaume Evin, ''The Encyclopedia of Alain Delon'', Hugo Image, 2016, 216 p. (ISBN 978-2-7556-2495-3) * Vincent Quivy, ''Alain Delon, Angel and Rogue'', Le Seuil, 2017, 416 p. (ISBN 978-2-02-130357-5, read online). * Pierre Chédeville, ''Alain Delon'', article for the journal ''Medium'', 2017. * Nick Rees-Roberts, Darren Waldron, ''Alain Delon: Style, Stardom, and Masculinity'', Bloomsbury Academic USA, 2017. * Stéphane Guibourgé, ''Alain Delon's Melancholy'', Pierre-Guillaume de Roux, 2017, 219 p. (ISBN 978-2-36371-190-8) * Stéphane Dolivet, ''Alain Delon and Me'', Les Cygnes, 2018. * Jean-Marc Parisis, ''A Problem with Beauty - Delon Through the Eyes'', Fayard, 2018, 320 p. (ISBN 978-2-213-69907-3) * Baptiste Vignol, ''Alain Delon - A Career, A Myth'', GM (Guy Messina), 2019, 144 p. (ISBN 978-2-37797-065-0) * Jean-Jacques Jelot-Blanc, ''Alain Delon: His Most Beautiful Movie Images'', AKFG Editions, 2019. * Isabelle Giordano, ''Alain Delon Film by Film'', Gallimard, 2019, 240 p. (ISBN 978-2-7424-5973-5) * Baptiste Vignol, ''Alain Delon - The Last Leopard'', Gründ, 2020, 240 p. (ISBN 978-2-324-02620-1) * Christophe Leclerc, ''Alain Delon - The Actor Who Offers His Soul'', L'Harmattan, 2020, 160 p. (ISBN 978-2-343-19414-1) * Patrick Manchette, ''I'm Going into Movies (Alain Delon Genesis)'', Patrick Manchette, 2020. * Thilo Wydra, ''A Love in Paris. Romy & Alain'', Heyne, 2020. * Jean-Marc Parisis, ''A Problem with Beauty - Delon Through the Eyes'', Le Livre de Poche, 2021, 272 p. (ISBN 978-2-253-23781-5) * Alexander Braginsky, ''Alain Delon Without a Mask'', Zebra-E, 2021, 432 p. (ISBN 978-5-907164-93-2) * Pronchenko Zinaida Sergeevna, ''Alain Delon'', Saint Petersburg, Seans, 2021, 272 p. (ISBN 978-5-6042795-0-2) * Laurent Galinon, ''Delon in Chiaroscuro'', Mareuil, 2022, 220 p. (ISBN 978-2-37254-265-4) * Collective, ''Delon - In Broad and Across'', Marabout, 2022, 256 p. (ISBN 978-2-501-17108-3) * Massimo Moscati, ''Alain Delon: The Last Divo'', Bibliotheka Edizioni, 2022. * Javier Salvago, ''The First Who Called Him Alain Delon (Novel)'', Editorial Renacimiento, 2023, 292 p. (ISBN 978-84-19617-87-3) * Christiane Brandon, ''Alain Delon, Our Idol, Our All'', Amalthée, 2023, 278 p. (ISBN 978-2-310-05511-6) * Bernard Pascuito, ''Delon, a Life on the Alert'', L'Archipel, 2024 (29 August 2024), 360 p. (ISBN 978-2-8098-4267-8) * Denitza Bantcheva and Liliana Rosca, ''Love and Memories'', Marabout, 2022, 208 p. (ISBN 979-10-401-1374-4) * Peter Bentz, ''Alain Delon'', Bookmundo, 2023. * Mathew Manuel, ''Alain Delon: Biography - 25 Unrevealed Facts about Alain Delon'', 2024. * Paul Walter, ''Alain Delon: The Man and the Legend'', 2024. * Philippe Durant, ''Alain Delon, a French Destiny'', Nouveau Monde, 2024, 884 p. (ISBN 9782334181693). * Marc Dufaud, ''Alain Delon'', Casa, 2024, 120 p. (ISBN 978-2-38058-562-9)


Other books related to Alain Delon

* Jacques Rémy, ''The Fabulous Adventure of Marco Polo'', Robert Laffont, 1965, 244 p. * Collective, ''Alain Delon's Bugattis'', Éditions de l'Amateur, 1988, 86 p. (ISBN 978-2-85917-073-8) * Paul Giannoli, ''Great Encounters'', Presses de la Cité, 1973. * Carlo Scaringi, ''Zorro'', Gremese, 1999, 78 p. (ISBN 978-88-7301-355-6) * Gaia Servadio, ''Luchino Visconti: A Biography'', F. Watts, 1983. * Jacques Lamalle, ''This Is Cinema! The Art and Manner of the 7th Art'', Les Dossiers du Canard, 1987. * Collective, ''Alain Delon's Bugattis'', Éditions de l'Amateur, 1988, 86 p. (ISBN 978-2-85917-073-8) * Renate Seydel, ''Romy Schneider: Images of My Life'', Schirmer-Mosel, 1988. * Collective, ''New Wave'', L'Avant-Scène Cinéma, 1990, 144 p. * Yvan Chiffre, ''In the Shadow of Stars: 30 Years of Action in Cinema'', Denoël, 1992. * Henriette Marello and Sylvie Renoir, ''The Cinema's Canteen Worker - Belmondo, Delon and Others'', Ramsay, 1994, 234 p. (ISBN 978-2-84114-020-6) * Carlo Scaringi, ''Zorro'', Gremese, 1999. * Henri Agel, ''The Handsome Brooder on Screen'', L'Harmattan, 2000. * Dimitra Stavropoulou, ''Male Movie Stars as Myths and Symbols in Contemporary Society'', ANRT, 2000. * José Giovanni, ''My Loudmouths - Memoirs'', Fayard, 2002. * Ginette Vincendeau, ''Jean-Pierre Melville: An American in Paris'', BFI, 2003. * Alain Brassart, ''The Young Leading Men in French Cinema of the 1960s'', Cerf, 2004, 395 p. (ISBN 978-2-204-07489-6) * Denitza Bantcheva, ''René Clément'', Editions du Revif, 2008. * Ginette Vincendeau, ''Stars and the Star System in France'', L'Harmattan, 2008, 316 p. (ISBN 978-2-296-06686-1) * Philippe Durant, ''Gabin's Gang'', Points Virgule, 2011. * Augustin Burger, ''Jacques Deray: A Director in Between'', Le Bord de l'eau, 2012. * Diane Arnaud, ''Changing Faces from Georges Méliès to David Lynch'', Rouge Profond, 2012. * Hohannes Thiele, ''Romy Schneider'', 2012. * Jean-François Rauger, ''The Eye That Delights'', Yellow Now, 2012. * Denitza Bantcheva, ''A Selection of Joseph Losey'', Editions du Revif, 2014. * Michael Hone, ''French Homosexuality: From Henri III to Alain Delon'', 2017. * Olivier Mongin, ''Faces of France: Actors as Images of a Nation - A Cinematic Novel'', Bayard, 2018. * Géraldine Danon, ''Daddy's Girl'', Le Cherche midi, 2019. * Philippe Lombard, ''The Tough Guys of French Cinema (A Journey Through the Filmography of Gabin, Ventura, Belmondo, and Delon)'', Hugo Document, 2021.


As an author

* Alain Delon (author), Philippe Barbier (author), Brigitte Bardot (preface), ''Delon: The Women of My Life'', 2011.


Prefaces

* Jean Cau, ''The Candidate'', Xenia, 2007. * Norbert Saada, Mathieu Alterman; preface by Alain Delon, ''Norbert Saada: A Legendary Producer'', Ramsay, 2021. * Luc Larriba, ''The Swimming Pool; Foreword by Alain Delon'', Huginn & Muninn, 2022.


Comic Books

Jean-Yves Le Naour and Emmanuel Cassier (illustrator), ''The Markovic Affair'', Bamboo, 2022.


Mook (book-magazine)

''Schnock'' (no. 37), Alexandre Chabert, La Tengo, distributed by Flammarion, 2020.


Periodicals

Francophone and foreign periodicals on Alain Delon.


References


External links

Essays
DELON Alain, son enfance à BOURG LA REINE : un enfant dans la ville
– Fédération Nationale du Patrimoine Historique et Culturel Français * Metadata
Alain Delon
:AFI Catalog of Feature Films * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Delon, Alain Alain Delon, 1935 births 2024 deaths 20th-century French male actors 20th-century French people 21st-century French male actors 21st-century Swiss people Best Actor César Award winners Honorary Golden Bear recipients French emigrants to Switzerland French male film actors French male stage actors French male television actors French racehorse owners and breeders French military personnel of the First Indochina War French people of Corsican descent Illeists Male actors from Île-de-France Naturalised citizens of Switzerland Officers of the Legion of Honour Officers of the Ordre national du Mérite People from Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine Sportspeople from Hauts-de-Seine Delon family, Alain