Alain Delon, iconic French actor, dies aged 88

French actor Alain Delon, renowned for his roles in Le Samouraï, Plein Soleil, and The Leopard, has died at the age of 88. His family confirmed he passed away on Sunday at his residence in Douchy, France.

Delon rose to fame in the 1960s, becoming a symbol of French cinema with his portrayal of enigmatic and often morally ambiguous characters. His breakthrough came in 1960 with Plein Soleil, where he delivered a captivating performance as the charming yet dangerous Tom Ripley. This role marked the beginning of his rise to international stardom.

He solidified his reputation with Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï (1967), a crime drama where he played a solitary hitman with a minimalist style that has since become iconic. Another landmark in his career was his role in The Leopard (1963), Luchino Visconti’s celebrated historical epic.

Delon’s career spanned six decades, during which he became a defining face of European cinema. While he gradually withdrew from public life, his influence remained significant, with later generations of filmmakers and actors often citing him as an inspiration.

Tributes have poured in following the news, acknowledging Delon’s profound impact on cinema. His legacy endures through a body of work that remains timeless in its style and elegance.