Getty ImagesFrench cinema legend Alain Delon has died at the age of 88.
The actor was a star of the golden age of French cinema, known for his tough-guy on-screen persona in hits such as The Samurai and Borsalino.
“He passed away peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and family,” a statement sent to AFP news agency said.
Delon has been in poor health in recent years and has become a virtual hermit. More recently, the breakdown of his family has made headlines in the French press.
Once described as the most handsome man in cinema, Delon starred in 1960s hits such as The Leopard and Rocco and his Brothers.
Since the 1990s, he has appeared less in films, but he remains a regular figure in celebrity news.
In total, he appeared in over 90 films throughout his career.
A statement from his family said: “Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as (dog) Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father.
“He passed away peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and family.”
The newspaper Le Parisian called Delon “a legend of cinema”, while Liberation described him as “a leading figure of cinema, a symbol of faded masculinity, an actor of insane charisma”.
Delon’s last major public appearance was when he received the honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019.
At the event, he gave an emotional speech as if saying goodbye to cinema.
Getty ImagesRecently, the breakdown of his family has made headlines in the French press.
His three children have expressed their collective grievances to the media through a series of insults, accusations, lawsuits and secret recordings.
Among them were disagreements over his medical treatment.
In April this year, a judge placed Delon under “enhanced conservatorship,” meaning he no longer has full control over his assets.
Delon also made headlines in February this year when French police seized 72 guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition from his home. Prosecutors said he did not have a gun license.
A shooting range was also found at his Douchy-Montcorbon residence.
BBC News has contacted Delon’s representatives.
