Lasting Legacy of Alain Delon: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Alain Delon—a timeline of influence.

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

1960: Screening of Plein Soleil

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.

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.

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.

Loading Video...

1972: First issue of Playcolt released

In 1972, the Italian comic strip Playcolt was released, featuring Alain Velon, a billionaire playboy with a Delonian physique who transforms into a superhero.

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.

1979: Last issue of Playcolt released

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.

1982: Release of the song Alain Delon by Shturtsite

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.

1986: The Queen Is Dead album cover

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.

1994: Robert Evans's memoirs The Kid Stays in the Picture released

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".

July 2007: Premiere of Alain Delon or almost at Avignon Festival

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.

2009: Regret at not marrying Schneider

In 2009, Alain Delon admitted that he regretted not marrying Romy Schneider, highlighting the significance of their relationship.

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.

Christian Dior Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Oz.

Check it on Amazon

2009: Guillaume Delorme plays Alain Delon

In 2009, Guillaume Delorme played Alain Delon in a German TV movie, Romy, retracing his love story with Romy Schneider.

2010: Emma Daumas tribute

In 2010, Emma Daumas paid tribute to Alain Delon in the song Dans les yeux d'Alain Delon, on her E.P. Acoustic.

2010: Revival of Alain Delon... and me

In 2010, a new version of the play Alain Delon or almost, was revived in a new version, Alain Delon... and me.

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.

Christian Dior Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Oz.

Check it on Amazon

2015: Inspiration for San-Antonio comic books

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.

2018: Referred to Schneider as love of his life

In 2018, Alain Delon referred to Romy Schneider as the love of his life, underscoring the lasting impact of their relationship on him.

2019: Received Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes

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.

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.

October 2024: Paris Council proposal to honor Alain Delon

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.

December 16, 2024: Retrospective Remember Alain Delon in Hanoi, Vietnam

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.

2024: Tribute at Venice Film Festival

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.

2024: Angoulême Francophone Film Festival screens Notre histoire

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.

2024: Varilux French Cinema Festival tribute

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.

January 16, 2025: Retrospective Remember Alain Delon in Hanoi, Vietnam concludes

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.

2025: Delon's ranking in France

Based on the number of admissions, Delon is the 10th most popular actor in France in 2025, with a total of 136 million admissions.

2025: In Memoriam segments and tribute at César Awards

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.