Actor and ‘French monument’ Alain Delon dies aged 88

The French actor known for his roles in Le Samourai and Purple Noon also courted controversy with his far-right support.

French actor Alain Delon, viewed as a heartthrob by many and a chauvinist by some, has died at the age of 88.

The film actor known for leading roles in classics such as Purple Noon (1960) and Le Samourai (1967), died early on Sunday, his children told French media.

“Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as [his dog] Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father. He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family,” read his family’s statement to the AFP news agency, referring to the city in northcentral France where he spent the last years of his life.

French President Emmanuel Macron was among those who paid tribute to the late actor, calling him not just a legendary actor but a “monument”.

“Alain Delon played legendary roles and made the world dream. Lending his unforgettable face to turn our lives upside down,” Macron wrote on X.