Alain Delon: The Lasting Legacy of a French Cinema Icon

French actor Alain Delon, celebrated for roles in classics like 'The Leopard' and 'Le Samourai,' has passed away at 88. Known for his striking looks and enigmatic persona, Delon was both a beloved star and a controversial figure. He remained a significant cultural icon despite health issues and scandals.

French actor Alain Delon, who captivated millions whether playing a murderer, hoodlum, or hitman in his postwar career, has died at the age of 88, his three children announced on Sunday.

Delon had been in declining health since suffering a stroke in 2019, rarely leaving his estate in Douchy, located in France's Val de Loire region. President Emmanuel Macron praised him as a towering figure of French culture.

"Alain Delon has played legendary roles and made the world dream," Macron posted on X. "Lending his unforgettable face to shake up our lives. Melancholic, popular, secretive, he was more than a star: he was a French monument." Known for his striking blue eyes, Delon was sometimes called the "French Frank Sinatra" for his handsome looks, a comparison he disliked. Unlike Sinatra, Delon openly acknowledged his shady pals in the underworld.

Delon's rise to fame began with Italian director Luchino Visconti's 'Rocco and His Brothers' in 1960 and 'The Leopard' in 1963. He shone in Jean-Pierre Melville's 1967 film 'Le Samourai,' where he played a philosophical contract killer. Despite his fame in Europe and Japan, Delon never achieved significant success in Hollywood.

Born just outside Paris on November 8, 1935, Delon faced a troubled youth. After joining the Marines at 17 and serving in French-ruled Indochina, he worked various jobs before breaking into films. He made his debut in 1957's 'Quand la femme s'en mele' ('Send a Woman When the Devil Fails').

Delon's life was marked by controversy. His friendships with underworld figures came to light when a former bodyguard was found dead, leading to a national scandal. Though cleared by police, Delon remained a polarizing figure, outspoken on issues like the death penalty and gay marriage, and he supported the far-right National Front.

Despite his health issues, Delon received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival in 2019. In recent years, he was embroiled in a family feud over his care.

(With inputs from agencies.)