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.
On March 12, 1904, Alain Delon's father, François Fabien Delon, was born in Craponne-sur-Arzon.
Fabien Delon, Alain Delon's paternal great-grandfather, passed away on December 12, 1909, in Figeac (Lot).
On April 19, 1911, Alain Delon's mother, Édith Marie Suzanne Arnold, was born.
In 1913, Maria Minard, Alain Delon's maternal grandmother, passed away.
In 1926, Alain Delon's paternal grandfather, Jean-Marcel Delon, passed away in L'Haÿ-les-Roses.
On November 8, 1935, Alain Fabien Maurice Marcel Delon was born in Sceaux, a suburb of Paris.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1956, after his naval service, Alain Delon returned to France. He worked odd jobs and encountered various individuals in Pigalle and Montmartre.
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.
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.
In 1958, Alain Delon met actress Romy Schneider on the set of the film Christine, marking the beginning of their relationship.
In March 1959, Alain Delon became engaged to actress Romy Schneider, marking the beginning of their iconic and tumultuous relationship which the media nicknamed them "les amants magnifiques".
During a 1959 interview on the French television program Cinépanorama during the filming of "Rocco and His Brothers", Alain Delon expressed his admiration for Jean Marais, stating that he idolized the actor.
In 1959, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "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.
In 1959, Alain Delon's maternal grandfather, Alfred Louis Arnold, passed away.
In 1960, Alain Delon gained critical acclaim for his roles in "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".
In 2024, the Lumière Festival concluded with a screening of Plein Soleil (1960) by René Clément and a speech by Anthony Delon, who recounted his father's career.
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.
In 1961, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Joshua Logan's Fanny.
In 1961, Alain Delon's younger brother, Jean-François Delon, reconnected with him after he and their father saw Alain's name on a "Rocco and His Brothers" poster.
In 1962, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "L'Eclisse".
In 1963, Alain Delon met Francine Canovas, later known as Nathalie Barthélémy, and also had an affair with Marisa Mell.
In 1963, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his roles in "The Leopard" and "Any Number Can Win".
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".
In 1963, Alain Delon starred in an all-star anthology film, The Devil and the Ten Commandments, with Danielle Darrieux.
In 1963, one of Alain Delon's most acclaimed films, The Leopard, was released.
On August 13, 1964, Alain Delon married Francine Canovas (Nathalie Barthélémy) due to her pregnancy.
On September 30, 1964, Alain Delon's son, Anthony Delon, was born to Nathalie Barthélémy.
In October 1964, Alain Delon met Ratna Sari Dewi at the Tokyo Olympics and began a relationship with her.
In 1964, Alain Delon and Romy Schneider ended their highly publicized relationship, although their story continued to captivate audiences.
In 1964, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "The Black Tulip".
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).
In 1965, Alain Delon commented that "no one else has tried it since and made money" regarding "Delon's method".
In 1965, Alain Delon continued his affair with Marisa Mell even after his marriage to Nathalie Barthélémy.
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.
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.
In 1965, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Tony Richardson's The Loved One.
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.
In 1966, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Sydney Pollack's This Property Is Condemned.
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.
In 1967, Alain Delon filed for divorce from Nathalie Barthélémy and met Ratna Sari Dewi in Paris.
In 1967, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his roles in "The Last Adventure" and "Le Samouraï".
In 1967, one of Alain Delon's most acclaimed films, Le Samouraï, was released.
In August 1968, Alain Delon met Mireille Darc during the shooting of the film Jeff, leading to a relationship.
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.
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).
In 1968, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "The Girl on a Motorcycle".
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.
In 1968, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Henri Verneuil's The Scavengers.
On February 14, 1969, Alain Delon and Nathalie Barthélémy divorced.
In 1969, Alain Delon acted in the movie Jeff.
In 1969, Alain Delon expressed shame and heartbreak after Charles de Gaulle resigned from the French presidency, reaffirming his pride in being French because of de Gaulle.
In 1969, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "La Piscine".
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.
In 1969, Alain Delon was convicted in absentia by an Italian court and sentenced to four months in jail for assaulting an Italian photographer.
In 1969, the film Borsalino, starring Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo as gangsters in Marseille, was released, marking their only collaboration.
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.
In 1970, Alain Delon produced and co-starred in Borsalino with Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film was very popular in Europe.
In 1970, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "Le Cercle Rouge".
In 1971, Alain Delon appeared opposite Simone Signoret in The Widow Couderc.
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.
In 1972, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "Un flic".
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.
In 1972, the Italian comic strip Playcolt was released, featuring Alain Velon, a billionaire playboy with a Delonian physique who transforms into a superhero.
In 1973, Alain Delon appeared in the thrillers, Traitement de choc and Tony Arzenta.
In 1973, Alain Delon duetted with Egyptian-French singer Dalida on the song "Paroles, paroles", which became a huge international hit.
In 1973, Alain Delon recorded a duet with Dalida, "Paroles, paroles", which became a recognizable French song and starred in Scorpio.
In 1973, Alain Delon recorded the spoken part in the popular song "Paroles, paroles", a duet with Dalida.
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.
In 1973, the tandem of Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo in Borsalino inspired Robert Redford and Paul Newman to stage The Sting.
After another gangster thriller, Icy Breasts, Alain Delon returned to his first swashbuckler since The Black Tulip.
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.
In 1974, Alain Delon supported center-right candidate Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in his successful presidential campaign.
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.
In 1975, Alain Delon played the title character in Zorro and starred in The Gypsy and Flic Story.
In 1976, Alain Delon received critical acclaim for his role in the film "Monsieur Klein".
In 1976, Alain Delon starred in Monsieur Klein, for which he was nominated for the César Award. Also, he starred in Boomerang and Armaguedon.
In 1976, Alain Delon was considered for roles in Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver.
On September 17, 1977, Alain Delon's father, François Fabien Delon, passed away in Le Kremlin-Bicêtre.
In 1977, Alain Delon starred in Man in a Hurry, Death of a Corrupt Man, and Le Gang.
In 1978, Alain Delon starred in Attention, The Kids Are Watching.
In 1979, Alain Delon made a final attempt at Hollywood stardom, signing with agent Sue Mengers and starring in The Concorde ... Airport '79.
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.
In 1979, Albert Broccoli offered Alain Delon the role of James Bond, but Delon refused to succeed Sean Connery.
In 1979, the Italian comic strip Playcolt released its last issue, featuring Alain Velon, a billionaire playboy with a Delonian physique who transforms into a superhero.
In 1980, Alain Delon returned to acting in French films, playing in and producing The Medic and Three Men to Kill.
In 1981, Alain Delon co-starred in the Soviet production Teheran 43 and starred in For a Cop's Hide.
In 1981, Alain Delon supported Valéry Giscard d'Estaing again in his failed attempt to be reelected.
In 1981, Alain Delon was considered for roles in John Huston's Escape to Victory.
In 1982, Alain Delon starred in Le Choc opposite Catherine Deneuve.
In 1982, Alain Delon's relationship with Mireille Darc ended after lasting several years.
In 1982, Bulgarian rock band Shturtsite released a song called Ален Делон (Alain Delon) based on a poem by Georgi Konstantinov, humorously comparing the actor to a balloon.
In 1983, Alain Delon collaborated with Shirley Bassey on the international hit song "Thought I'd Ring You".
In 1983, Alain Delon starred in Le Battant.
In 1984, Alain Delon performed in the movie Notre histoire.
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.
In 1985, Alain Delon won the César Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Notre histoire (1984)".
In 1986, Alain Delon starred in Parole de flic.
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.
In 1986, a still shot of Delon in The Unvanquished appeared on the cover of The Smiths' album The Queen Is Dead, with his approval.
In 1987, Alain Delon met Dutch model Rosalie van Breemen on the set of the music video for his song "Comme au cinéma", starting a relationship.
In 1988, Alain Delon gave his support to Raymond Barre.
In 1988, Alain Delon starred in Let Sleeping Cops Lie.
On November 25, 1990, Alain Delon and Rosalie van Breemen had their first child, Anouchka Delon.
In 1990, Alain Delon starred in Dancing Machine and Jean-Luc Godard's Nouvelle Vague, in which he played twins.
In 1991, Alain Delon became a member of France's Legion of Honour.
On March 18, 1994, Alain Delon and Rosalie van Breemen had their second child, Alain-Fabien Delon.
In 1994, American producer Robert Evans paid tribute to Delon in his memoirs The Kid Stays in the Picture – Hyperion Books, considering him as his "brother in life as in cinema" and "the most beautiful actor in Europe".
On June 20, 1995, Alain Delon's mother, Édith Marie Suzanne Arnold, passed away in Jouy-en-Josas.
In 1997, Alain Delon announced his decision to give up acting, although he still occasionally accepted roles.
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.
In 1999, Alain Delon acquired Swiss citizenship, and the company managing products sold under his name was based in Geneva.
In 2001, Alain Delon starred in the French television drama Fabio Montale, playing an ageing policeman. The show was a big hit.
In 2001, Alain Delon's relationship with Rosalie van Breemen ended.
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.
In July 2007, the play Alain Delon or almost, of Stéphane Dolivet, inspired by Alain Delon's career and the world of Jean-Pierre Melville, premiered at the Avignon Festival.
In 2007, Alain Delon gave his support to Nicolas Sarkozy.
In 2008, Alain Delon directed a TV movie, co-starring Anouk Aimée, titled Love Letters based on a play by A.R. Gurney.
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.
In 2009, Alain Delon admitted that he regretted not marrying Romy Schneider, highlighting the significance of their relationship.
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.
In 2009, Guillaume Delorme played Alain Delon in a German TV movie, Romy, retracing his love story with Romy Schneider.
In 2010, Emma Daumas paid tribute to Alain Delon in the song Dans les yeux d'Alain Delon, on her E.P. Acoustic.
In 2010, a new version of the play Alain Delon or almost, was revived in a new version, Alain Delon... and me.
In 2011, Alain Delon starred in the television movie Une journée ordinaire.
In 2012, Alain Delon starred as himself in the Russian production S Novym godom, Mamy!.
In 2013, Alain Delon expressed sympathy for the French far-right National Front's electoral successes.
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.
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.
In 2015, Michaël Sanlaville, inspired by Frédéric Dard's novels, based the character of San-Antonio in his comic books on the image of Alain Delon.
In 2017, Alain Delon endorsed Gaullist candidate François Fillon, but did not vote in the second run-off between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen.
In November 2018, the French media announced that the project La Maison Vide, in which Alain Delon was to star, had been canceled.
In 2018, Alain Delon denied having ever voted for Marine Le Pen.
In 2018, Alain Delon referred to Romy Schneider as the love of his life, underscoring the lasting impact of their relationship on him.
In April 2019, at 83, Alain Delon released a new single, "Je n'aime que toi", composed by Rick Allison and Julia Paris.
In June 2019, Alain Delon suffered a stroke and was hospitalized after experiencing dizziness and headaches.
In August 2019, Alain Delon was recovering in a Swiss hospital following his stroke.
At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Alain Delon received the Honorary Palme d'Or.
Between 2019 and 2022, Alain Delon underwent five cognitive tests. Anouchka was accused of concealing these results from the family.
In 2019, Alain Delon appeared as himself in the movie Toute Resemblance as a guest on a talkshow.
In 2019, Alain Delon received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, sparking controversy due to alleged remarks he made about women. He described the award as the end of a life.
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.
In 2021, Alain Delon expressed support for euthanasia, calling it "the most logical and natural thing".
In September 2022, Alain Delon began experimental treatment for a slow-progressing lymphoma.
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.
Between 2019 and 2022, Alain Delon underwent five cognitive tests. Anouchka was accused of concealing these results from the family.
In 2022, Alain Delon endorsed Valérie Pécresse, calling her "the only woman he wants to be president".
In 2022, Alain Delon was invited by Volodymyr Zelenskyy to travel to Ukraine.
In 2022, Alain Delon's son Anthony revealed that Alain had requested to be removed from life support if he fell into a coma, but reports of imminent euthanasia were denied.
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.
In mid-2023, Delon's children united to evict Hiromi Rollin, whom they accused of abusing their father.
In the summer of 2023, Alain Delon's three children decided to stop his experimental lymphoma treatment, as it was weakening him.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alain Delon passed away on August 18, 2024. He was a renowned French actor, film producer, screenwriter, singer, and businessman.
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.
On August 18, 2024, Alain Delon died at his home in Douchy at the age of 88, surrounded by family members. He had been diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma earlier in the year.
In October 2024, the Paris Council voted on a proposal to name a street or facility in the capital in honor of Alain Delon, including a plaque on the Normandie building on the Champs-Élysées.
From December 16, 2024, to January 16, 2025, the retrospective Remember Alain Delon in Hanoi, Vietnam, showcases three of his iconic films: Red Sun, The Red Circle, and Plein Soleil.
During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Venice Film Festival, images of Gena Rowlands, Roberto Herlitzka, and Alain Delon were projected in tribute to them.
In 2024, the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival screened Notre histoire by Bertrand Blier after Alain Delon's death. The Lumière Festival concluded with a screening of Plein Soleil (1960) and a speech by Anthony Delon.
In 2024, the Varilux French Cinema Festival in Brazil paid tribute to Alain Delon by screening Plein Soleil and featuring him on the official poster. The French Film Festival in Cuba also honored him with screenings in Havana.
On January 16, 2025, the retrospective Remember Alain Delon in Hanoi, Vietnam concludes, showcasing three of his iconic films: Red Sun, The Red Circle, and Plein Soleil.
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.
Based on the number of admissions, Delon is the 10th most popular actor in France in 2025, with a total of 136 million admissions.
In 2025, Delon was featured in In Memoriam segments of BAFTA and SAG Awards ceremonies but was absent from the Oscars tribute, causing incomprehension. A tribute was paid at the opening of the 50th César Awards.
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