Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alain Delon

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Alain Delon made an impact.

Alain Delon is a French actor, producer, screenwriter, singer, and businessman, recognized as a major cultural and cinematic figure of the 20th century. Rising to prominence in the late 1950s, he became a leading European actor and an international sex symbol. Delon's style, appearance, and iconic roles cemented his enduring popularity and status as a French cultural icon.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1953: Service at the Bormette Signals School

In 1953, after a stint at the Pont-Réan Maritime Training Centre, Alain Delon continued his service at the Bormette Signals School in the French Navy.

1956: Return to France After Naval Service

In 1956, after his naval service, Alain Delon returned to France. He worked odd jobs and encountered various individuals in Pigalle and Montmartre.

1957: Meeting Brigitte Auber and Contact with Film Industry

In 1957, Alain Delon met actress Brigitte Auber and attended the Cannes Film Festival, where he became friends with Jean-Claude Brialy and came into contact with the film industry, meeting his future agent George Beaume.

April 1958: First Meeting with Romy Schneider

On April 10, 1958, Alain Delon first met Romy Schneider at Orly airport in Paris, where they were introduced as the leads in the movie Christine. They later became romantically involved and engaged.

1959: Critical Acclaim for 'Women Are Weak'

In 1959, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "Women Are Weak".

1959: Lead role in "Women Are Weak"

In 1959, Alain Delon was given the lead role in the comedy "Women Are Weak", which became a hit in France and marked his first film seen in America. He made personal appearances in New York to promote the movie.

1960: Roles in 'Purple Noon' and 'Rocco and His Brothers'

In 1960, Alain Delon gained critical acclaim for his roles in "Purple Noon" and "Rocco and His Brothers".

1960: International Recognition with 'Purple Noon' and 'Rocco and His Brothers'

In 1960, Alain Delon gained international recognition for his roles in René Clément's "Purple Noon" and Luchino Visconti's "Rocco and His Brothers".

1961: Stage Debut and Film Roles

In 1961, Alain Delon made his stage debut in 'Tis Pity She's a Whore alongside Romy Schneider in Paris. He also appeared in The Joy of Living and Famous Love Affairs.

1961: Consideration for Fanny

In 1961, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Joshua Logan's Fanny.

1962: Role in 'L'Eclisse'

In 1962, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "L'Eclisse".

1963: Roles in 'The Leopard' and 'Any Number Can Win'

In 1963, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his roles in "The Leopard" and "Any Number Can Win".

1963: Role in Any Number Can Win and "Delon's method"

In 1963, Alain Delon starred in Any Number Can Win with Jean Gabin. He negotiated a deal to take the film's distribution rights in certain countries instead of a straight salary, a move that became known as "Delon's method".

1963: Role in The Devil and the Ten Commandments

In 1963, Alain Delon starred in an all-star anthology film, The Devil and the Ten Commandments, with Danielle Darrieux.

1963: Release of The Leopard

In 1963, one of Alain Delon's most acclaimed films, The Leopard, was released.

1964: Role in 'The Black Tulip'

In 1964, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "The Black Tulip".

1964: Les Félins Filmed and Delon Starts Production Company

In 1964, Alain Delon reunited with Clement and Jane Fonda in Les Félins and also started a production company, Delbeau Production, with Georges Beaume and produced the film The Unvanquished (L'insoumis).

1965: Delon's comment on "Delon's method"

In 1965, Alain Delon commented that "no one else has tried it since and made money" regarding "Delon's method".

1965: Focus on Hollywood

In 1965, Alain Delon focused on Hollywood, aiming to make one picture in America and one in Europe each year, while also working on improving his accent to play more diverse continental roles.

1965: Hollywood Debut in Once a Thief and The Yellow Rolls-Royce

In 1965, Alain Delon made his British film industry debut in The Yellow Rolls-Royce and his Hollywood debut in the film Once a Thief. The Yellow Rolls-Royce was popular, and Once a Thief was based on the novel by Zekial Marko who had written Any Number Can Win, but it was not as successful.

1965: Consideration for The Loved One

In 1965, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Tony Richardson's The Loved One.

1966: Starred in Lost Command and Texas Across the River

In 1966, Alain Delon appeared in the big budget action film Lost Command and in Universal Studios' Western, Texas Across the River. He was originally slated for other roles which ultimately did not materialize.

1966: Consideration for This Property Is Condemned

In 1966, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Sydney Pollack's This Property Is Condemned.

1967: Inspiration from Le Samouraï

From South Korea to China, numerous filmmakers have drawn inspiration from Alain Delon’s career, particularly his portrayal of Jeff Costello in Le Samouraï released in 1967.

1967: Roles in 'The Last Adventure' and 'Le Samouraï'

In 1967, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his roles in "The Last Adventure" and "Le Samouraï".

1967: Release of Le Samouraï

In 1967, one of Alain Delon's most acclaimed films, Le Samouraï, was released.

1968: Starred in Spirits of the Dead and The Girl on a Motorcycle

In 1968, Alain Delon appeared in Spirits of the Dead and The Girl on a Motorcycle. He also starred in Farewell Friend (Adieu l'ami).

1968: Role in 'The Girl on a Motorcycle'

In 1968, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "The Girl on a Motorcycle".

1968: Return to French Cinema and Starred in Le Samouraï

In 1968, Alain Delon returned to French cinema, starring in The Last Adventure and Le Samouraï. He also appeared on the Paris stage in Les Yeux Crevés and in Diabolically Yours.

1968: Consideration for The Scavengers

In 1968, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Henri Verneuil's The Scavengers.

1969: Acted in movie Jeff

In 1969, Alain Delon acted in the movie Jeff.

1969: Role in 'La Piscine'

In 1969, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "La Piscine".

1969: Starred in Jeff and The Sicilian Clan

In 1969, Alain Delon starred in Jeff, made by his production company Adel. He also collaborated with Lino Ventura and Jean Gabin in The Sicilian Clan, which became a blockbuster.

1969: Release of Borsalino

In 1969, the film Borsalino, starring Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo as gangsters in Marseille, was released, marking their only collaboration.

1970: Starred in Borsalino

In 1970, Alain Delon produced and co-starred in Borsalino with Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film was very popular in Europe.

1970: Role in 'Le Cercle Rouge'

In 1970, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "Le Cercle Rouge".

1971: Starred in The Widow Couderc

In 1971, Alain Delon appeared opposite Simone Signoret in The Widow Couderc.

1971: Release of The French Connection

In 1971, William Friedkin's The French Connection was released, containing explicit references to Le Samouraï and the character of Jef Costello played by Delon.

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1972: Role in 'Un flic'

In 1972, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "Un flic".

1972: Starred in The Assassination of Trotsky and Red Sun

In 1972, Alain Delon starred in The Assassination of Trotsky and Red Sun. He also starred in his third film with Melville, Un flic. He also produced and starred in a romantic drama, Indian Summer.

1973: Starred in Traitement de choc and Tony Arzenta

In 1973, Alain Delon appeared in the thrillers, Traitement de choc and Tony Arzenta.

1973: Duetted with Dalida on "Paroles, paroles"

In 1973, Alain Delon duetted with Egyptian-French singer Dalida on the song "Paroles, paroles", which became a huge international hit.

1973: Recorded "Paroles, paroles" and Starred in Scorpio

In 1973, Alain Delon recorded a duet with Dalida, "Paroles, paroles", which became a recognizable French song and starred in Scorpio.

1973: Recording of "Paroles, paroles"

In 1973, Alain Delon recorded the spoken part in the popular song "Paroles, paroles", a duet with Dalida.

1973: Delon slated to portray Duncan Idaho in Dune

In 1973, Alain Delon was slated to portray the character of Duncan Idaho in Alejandro Jodorowsky's adaptation of Dune, a project that was eventually abandoned due to financial constraints.

1973: Inspiration for The Sting

In 1973, the tandem of Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo in Borsalino inspired Robert Redford and Paul Newman to stage The Sting.

1974: Starred in Icy Breasts

After another gangster thriller, Icy Breasts, Alain Delon returned to his first swashbuckler since The Black Tulip.

1974: Starred in The Burned Barns and Creezy

In 1974, Alain Delon starred in The Burned Barns and Creezy. He also produced Two Men in Town which re-teamed him with Jean Gabin, and Borsalino & Co., a sequel to his earlier hit.

1974: Release of The Conversation

In 1974, Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation was released, containing explicit references to Le Samouraï and the character of Jef Costello played by Delon.

1975: Starred in Zorro, The Gypsy and Flic Story

In 1975, Alain Delon played the title character in Zorro and starred in The Gypsy and Flic Story.

1976: Role in 'Monsieur Klein'

In 1976, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "Monsieur Klein".

1976: Starred in Monsieur Klein, Boomerang and Armaguedon

In 1976, Alain Delon starred in Monsieur Klein, for which he was nominated for the César Award. Also, he starred in Boomerang and Armaguedon.

1976: Consideration for Taxi Driver

In 1976, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver.

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1977: Starred in Man in a Hurry, Death of a Corrupt Man and Le Gang

In 1977, Alain Delon starred in Man in a Hurry, Death of a Corrupt Man, and Le Gang.

1978: Starred in Attention, The Kids Are Watching

In 1978, Alain Delon starred in Attention, The Kids Are Watching.

1979: Starred in The Concorde ... Airport '79

In 1979, Alain Delon made a final attempt at Hollywood stardom, signing with agent Sue Mengers and starring in The Concorde ... Airport '79.

1979: Diversified Business Activities and Desire for US Stardom

In 1979, Alain Delon stated that only a quarter of his business activities involved films. He also expressed continued interest in becoming a star in America.

1979: James Bond role offered to Delon

In 1979, Albert Broccoli offered Alain Delon the role of James Bond, but Delon refused to succeed Sean Connery.

1980: Starred in The Medic and Three Men to Kill

In 1980, Alain Delon returned to acting in French films, playing in and producing The Medic and Three Men to Kill.

1981: Starred in Teheran 43 and For a Cop's Hide

In 1981, Alain Delon co-starred in the Soviet production Teheran 43 and starred in For a Cop's Hide.

1981: Consideration for Escape to Victory

In 1981, Alain Delon was considered for roles in John Huston's Escape to Victory.

1982: Starred in Le Choc

In 1982, Alain Delon starred in Le Choc opposite Catherine Deneuve.

1983: Collaborated with Shirley Bassey on "Thought I'd Ring You"

In 1983, Alain Delon collaborated with Shirley Bassey on the international hit song "Thought I'd Ring You".

1983: Starred in Le Battant

In 1983, Alain Delon starred in Le Battant.

1984: Performance in Notre histoire

In 1984, Alain Delon performed in the movie Notre histoire.

1984: Received César Award and Starred in Swann in Love

In 1984, Alain Delon was awarded the Best Actor César Award for his role in Notre histoire and portrayed Baron de Charlus in Swann in Love.

1985: César Award for Best Actor

In 1985, Alain Delon won the César Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Notre histoire (1984)".

1986: Starred in Parole de flic

In 1986, Alain Delon starred in Parole de flic.

1986: Sunglasses popularity in Hong Kong

In 1986, Delon's brand of sunglasses became popular in Hong Kong after Chow Yun-fat wore them in the film A Better Tomorrow and its sequels, prompting Delon to thank Chow for promoting the product.

1988: Starred in Let Sleeping Cops Lie

In 1988, Alain Delon starred in Let Sleeping Cops Lie.

1990: Starred in Dancing Machine and Nouvelle Vague

In 1990, Alain Delon starred in Dancing Machine and Jean-Luc Godard's Nouvelle Vague, in which he played twins.

1991: Member of France's Legion of Honour

In 1991, Alain Delon became a member of France's Legion of Honour.

1994: Brad Pitt takes the role in Interview with the Vampire

In 1994, Brad Pitt ultimately took on the role of Louis in Interview with the Vampire, a role Alain Delon was among Anne Rice's top choices for.

1997: Announced Decision to Give Up Acting

In 1997, Alain Delon announced his decision to give up acting, although he still occasionally accepted roles.

1998: Starred in Une chance sur deux

In 1998, Alain Delon's last major role was in Patrice Leconte's Une chance sur deux, alongside Jean-Paul Belmondo, another box office disappointment.

2001: Starred in Fabio Montale

In 2001, Alain Delon starred in the French television drama Fabio Montale, playing an ageing policeman. The show was a big hit.

2003: Produced and Starred in Frank Riva

In 2003, Alain Delon tried to recreate the success of Fabio Montale and produced and starred in another French television police drama, Frank Riva. It did well but less so than Fabio Montale.

2008: Directed Love Letters

In 2008, Alain Delon directed a TV movie, co-starring Anouk Aimée, titled Love Letters based on a play by A.R. Gurney.

2008: Starred in Asterix aux jeux Olympiques

In 2008, Alain Delon starred as Julius Caesar in Asterix aux jeux Olympiques. Around this time he mostly took roles in TV movies and also played some roles on the French stage.

2009: Christian Dior used Alain Delon's images in Eau Sauvage cologne advertising campaigns.

In 2009, Christian Dior utilized images of a young Alain Delon and excerpts from his 1960s film The Swimming Pool in advertising campaigns for Eau Sauvage cologne.

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2011: Starred in Une journée ordinaire

In 2011, Alain Delon starred in the television movie Une journée ordinaire.

2012: Starred in S Novym godom, Mamy!

In 2012, Alain Delon starred as himself in the Russian production S Novym godom, Mamy!.

2014: Patient film project announced

In 2014, a film project titled Patient was announced, a drama centered on the Armenian genocide, with Delon or Adrien Brody in a leading role, however, this project never materialized.

2015: Christian Dior used Alain Delon's images in Eau Sauvage cologne advertising campaigns.

In 2015, Christian Dior utilized images of a young Alain Delon and excerpts from his 1960s film The Last Adventure in advertising campaigns for Eau Sauvage cologne.

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November 2018: La Maison Vide Project Canceled

In November 2018, the French media announced that the project La Maison Vide, in which Alain Delon was to star, had been canceled.

April 2019: Released "Je n'aime que toi"

In April 2019, at 83, Alain Delon released a new single, "Je n'aime que toi", composed by Rick Allison and Julia Paris.

2019: Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival

At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Alain Delon received the Honorary Palme d'Or.

2019: Guest on a Talkshow in Toute Ressemblance

In 2019, Alain Delon appeared as himself in the movie Toute Resemblance as a guest on a talkshow.

July 2021: Planned final film

In July 2021, Alain Delon stated in an interview that he planned to act in one more film, marking his return to acting after suffering two strokes.

September 2022: Interview with Zelensky

In September 2022, Alain Delon interviewed Ukrainian President Zelensky as part of a TV5Monde special about the war in Ukraine, called Face à Zelensky, expressing his support for the Ukrainian people.

August 2024: Alain Delon's death makes headlines

In August 2024, Alain Delon's death made headlines worldwide, with foreign press calling him "the last great myth of French cinema." Series like Plus belle la vie paid tribute, referencing Fabio Montale.