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 international sex symbol. Delon's style, appearance, and iconic roles cemented his enduring popularity and status as a significant figure in French culture.

Sections (7)

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

1967: Alain Delon's Jeff Costello in Le Samouraï

Since 1967, Alain Delon’s portrayal of Jeff Costello in Le Samouraï has been a source of inspiration for filmmakers from South Korea to China.

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1971: The French Connection References Le Samouraï

In 1971, William Friedkin's The French Connection contained explicit references to Le Samouraï.

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1972: Publication of Playcolt comic strip

In 1972, the Italian comic strip Playcolt started publication, featuring Alain Velon, a character based on Alain Delon.

1973: The Sting Inspired by Borsalino

In 1973, Borsalino inspired Robert Redford and Paul Newman to stage The Sting.

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1974: The Conversation References Le Samouraï

In 1974, Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation contained explicit references to Le Samouraï and the character of Jef Costello.

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1979: End of Playcolt comic strip publication

In 1979, the Italian comic strip Playcolt ended its publication after 128 issues across four series, featuring Alain Velon, a character based on Alain Delon.

1982: Shturtsite's Song About Alain Delon

In 1982, the Bulgarian rock band Shturtsite adapted Georgi Konstantinov's poem Момичето със син балон (The Girl with the Blue Balloon) into a song called Ален Делон (Alain Delon), comparing the actor to a balloon that will burst.

1986: Delon's Image on The Queen Is Dead Album Cover

In 1986, a still shot of Alain Delon in The Unvanquished appeared on the cover of the album The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths, with his permission.

1994: Robert Evans' Memoirs Mention Alain Delon

In 1994, American producer Robert Evans paid tribute to Alain 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".

The Kid Stays In The Picture

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July 2007: Premiere of Alain Delon or almost play

In July 2007, the play Alain Delon or almost, inspired by Alain Delon's career and the world of Jean-Pierre Melville, premiered at the Avignon Festival.

2009: Guillaume Delorme Plays Alain Delon in Romy

In 2009, Guillaume Delorme portrayed Alain Delon in the German TV movie Romy, which retold his love story with Romy Schneider.

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2010: Emma Daumas' Song 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 play

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

2015: Sanlaville Inspired by Delon for San-Antonio

In 2015, Michaël Sanlaville, inspired by Frédéric Dard's novels, chose to base the comic book character San-Antonio on the image of Alain Delon.

August 2024: Worldwide Media Coverage of Delon's Death

In August 2024, Alain Delon's death made headlines globally, with foreign press calling him "the last great myth of French Cinema." Tributes highlighted his intense acting and the beauty he represented in the 1960s. Plus belle la vie paid tribute to him in episode 153 on August 22, 2024, referencing the police series Fabio Montale.

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October 2024: Proposal to Honor Delon in Paris

In October 2024, the Paris Council voted on a proposal to honor Alain Delon with a street or facility named after him, including a plaque on the Normandie building on the Champs-Élysées.

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

From December 16, 2024, a retrospective in Hanoi, Vietnam, titled 'Remember Alain Delon', began showcasing three of his films: Red Sun, The Red Circle, and Plein Soleil.

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2024: Tribute at Venice Film Festival

During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Venice Film Festival, images of Alain Delon, along with Gena Rowlands and Roberto Herlitzka, were projected in tribute.

2024: Tributes at Angoulême and Lumière Film Festivals

Following Alain Delon's death, the 2024 Angoulême Francophone Film Festival screened Notre histoire by Bertrand Blier as a tribute. The 2024 Lumière Festival concluded with a screening of Plein Soleil (1960) and a speech by Anthony Delon recounting his father's career.

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January 16, 2025: End of Retrospective 'Remember Alain Delon' in Hanoi

The retrospective 'Remember Alain Delon' in Hanoi, Vietnam, concluded on January 16, 2025, after showcasing three of his films: Red Sun, The Red Circle, and Plein Soleil.

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2025: Delon Ranked Among Most Popular Actors in France

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

2025: Delon Featured in 'In Memoriam' Segments

In 2025, Alain Delon was featured in the In Memoriam segments of the BAFTA and SAG Awards ceremonies. However, his absence from the Oscars tribute caused incomprehension in France and internationally. A tribute was paid to him at the opening of the 50th César Awards.