Challenges in the Life of Alain Delon in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Alain Delon's life and career.

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

1939: Divorce of Delon's Parents

In 1939, Alain Delon's parents divorced when he was four years old. Both parents remarried, leading to Delon having half-siblings and an adopted sister.

1945: Witnessing Pierre Laval's Execution

In 1945, while living with his foster family, Alain Delon heard the salvo that executed wartime collaborator Pierre Laval in Fresnes Prison. The details were later recounted to him.

1946: Return to Birth Parents and Enrollment in Boarding School

In 1946, after the death of his foster parents, Alain Delon was sent back to his birth parents. He was later placed in the Catholic boarding school of Saint-Nicolas d'Igny.

October 1968: Bodyguard found dead; Delon investigated

In October 1968, the body of Stefan Marković, Alain Delon's bodyguard, was discovered in Élancourt, leading to an investigation involving Delon and François Marcantoni due to a letter implicating them in Marković's potential death.

1969: Convicted in absentia for assault

In 1969, Alain Delon was convicted in absentia by an Italian court and sentenced to four months in jail for assaulting an Italian photographer.

1969: Marković Affair and BBC Interview

In 1969, while filming La Piscine, Alain Delon became embroiled in the "Marković affair" following the murder of his secretary and bodyguard, Stefan Marković. This led to a BBC interview where he was questioned about his alleged involvement.

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.

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.

June 2019: Suffered a stroke

In June 2019, Alain Delon suffered a stroke and was hospitalized after experiencing dizziness and headaches.

August 2019: Recovering in Swiss hospital

In August 2019, Alain Delon was recovering in a Swiss hospital following his stroke.

2019: Cognitive Tests

Between 2019 and 2022, Alain Delon underwent five cognitive tests. Anouchka was accused of concealing these results from the family.

September 2022: Began experimental lymphoma treatment

In September 2022, Alain Delon began experimental treatment for a slow-progressing lymphoma.

2022: Cognitive Tests

Between 2019 and 2022, Alain Delon underwent five cognitive tests. Anouchka was accused of concealing these results from the family.

July 2023: Complaint filed against Hiromi Rollin

In July 2023, Alain Delon's children filed a complaint against his companion Hiromi Rollin, alleging psychological harassment, animal cruelty, and abuse. Rollin disputed the claims and planned to file a counter-complaint. Investigations were opened but later dismissed due to insufficiently characterized offenses, though further legal actions were planned.

2023: Hiromi Rollin eviction

In mid-2023, Delon's children united to evict Hiromi Rollin, whom they accused of abusing their father.

2023: Treatment stopped by children

In the summer of 2023, Alain Delon's three children decided to stop his experimental lymphoma treatment, as it was weakening him.

January 2024: Complaint against son Anthony

In January 2024, Alain Delon filed a complaint against his son Anthony after an interview where Anthony discussed his father's health and accused Anouchka of manipulation. Anthony also filed a police report against Anouchka regarding cognitive test results.

January 2024: Reports of poor health and family feud

In January 2024, Alain Delon was reported to be in poor health, leading a reclusive lifestyle, and a public feud arose between his children regarding his health and cognitive test results.

February 2024: Police raid at Delon's home

In February 2024, police raided Alain Delon's home and seized 72 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition after a court-appointed official noticed a weapon and alerted a judge.

March 2024: Anouchka Delon sued her brothers

In March 2024, Anouchka Delon sued her brothers for invasion of privacy after they broadcast a recording of a private conversation between her and her father.

April 2024: Reinforced guardianship placed

In April 2024, Alain Delon was placed under reinforced guardianship by judicial decision, granting the curator power to manage his expenses, after a hearing attended by his children. He had been under guardianship since January 25.

April 2025: Trial date set for privacy invasion lawsuit

In April 2025, the trial is set to begin, where Anthony and Alain-Fabien will be judged for "use, retention, or disclosure of a document or recording obtained by an invasion of another's privacy" following Anouchka's lawsuit.