Alain Delon: A Legendary Figure in French Cinema
Renowned French actor Alain Delon’s life has come to an end, with a private funeral ceremony held at his country estate over the weekend. Thousands of fans gathered outside the gates of the estate to pay their respects to the 88-year-old screen icon, who is expected to be laid to rest near his beloved dogs. Delon, known for his starring roles in classic films like “Le Samourai” and “Purple Noon”, passed away on Sunday.
French police had set up roadblocks and restricted airspace over the estate in Douchy, while the 50 guests allowed to attend the ceremony had to leave their mobile phones at the door. This included Rosalie van Breemen, Delon’s ex-wife and mother of his children Anouchka and Alain-Fabien.
Claudia Cardinale, 86, who co-starred with Delon in the iconic film “The Leopard”, was too overwhelmed to attend, stating that “the sadness is too intense” in a poignant remark.
Despite being a widely respected and acclaimed actor, Delon was also known for his tumultuous personal life, including his troubled relationships with women and his support for controversial figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen. His own children had publicly accused him of domestic violence and slapped women on several occasions, a claim that he denied while acknowledging the allegations.
In 2023, Delon’s three children filed a complaint against his live-in assistant Hiromi Rollin, accusing her of harassment and threatening behavior, leading to a highly publicized battle between the siblings. Even in death, Delon remains a source of controversy, as he requested his favorite dog Loubo to be euthanized and buried with him.
In a last-minute change, his longtime friend Brigitte Bardot has confirmed that Loubo will be spared and taken care of by the Delon family. The news comes as Delon’s wishes for a mausoleum-like funeral, comparing him to Frederick the Great of Prussia, who was also buried with his dogs, are honored.
Throughout his life, Delon never shied away from the spotlight, embracing his reputation as an inveterate womaniser and publicly professing his love for the Virgin Mary, calling her “the woman I love most in the world, the one I talk most to”.
Despite his personal controversies, Delon’s on-screen legacy remains iconic, with his final words echoing that “I have absolutely no fear of death”. The funeral ceremony is set to take place on Saturday at 4:00 pm (1400 GMT).
