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, film producer, screenwriter, singer, and businessman recognized as a major cultural and cinematic figure of the 20th century. He rose to prominence in the mid-1950s and became an international sex symbol and one of the most recognizable figures in French culture. His style, appearance, and roles solidified his status as an enduring international icon.

Sections (7)

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

1959: Admiration for Jean Marais

During a 1959 interview on Cinépanorama, Alain Delon expressed his admiration for Jean Marais, stating that he idolized the actor and took him as a model.

1960: "Plein Soleil" Screening

In 1960, the movie 'Plein Soleil' was released.

1965: Focus on Hollywood and Accent Training

In 1965, Alain Delon focused on Hollywood, expressing his desire to make films in America and Europe each year. He also worked on reducing his French accent to play various continental nationalities.

1971: Reference to 'Le Samouraï' in 'The French Connection'

In 1971, William Friedkin's 'The French Connection' contained explicit references to 'Le Samouraï' and Alain Delon's character, Jef Costello.

1972: First issue of Playcolt comic strip

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

1973: 'Borsalino' inspires 'The Sting'

In 1973, 'Borsalino,' starring Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo, inspired Robert Redford and Paul Newman to stage 'The Sting'.

1974: Reference to 'Le Samouraï' in 'The Conversation'

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

1979: Last issue of Playcolt comic strip

In 1979, the last issue of the Italian comic strip Playcolt, featuring Alain Velon, a billionaire playboy with a Delonian physique, was released.

1982: Shturtsite's "Alain Delon" hit

In 1982, the Bulgarian rock band Shturtsite adapted a poem into a hit song called "Alain Delon," comparing the actor to a balloon.

1986: Sunglasses Popularity in Hong Kong

In 1986, Alain Delon's brand of sunglasses gained popularity in Hong Kong after actor Chow Yun-fat wore them in the film 'A Better Tomorrow'.

1986: Delon on The Smiths' Album Cover

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

1991: Legion of Honour

In 1991, Alain Delon became a member of France's Legion of Honour, a prestigious recognition of his contributions.

1994: Robert Evans' Tribute to Delon

In 1994, Robert Evans paid tribute to Alain Delon in his memoirs, "The Kid Stays in the Picture", considering him as his 'brother in life as in cinema' and 'the most beautiful actor in Europe'.

2009: Delon Admits Regret at Not Marrying Schneider

In 2009, Alain Delon admitted his regret at not marrying Romy Schneider.

2009: Guillaume Delorme played Delon

In 2009, Guillaume Delorme played Alain Delon in the German TV movie 'Romy'.

2010: Emma Daumas's Tribute Song

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

2010: 'Alain Delon... and me' revival

In 2010, the play inspired by Alain Delon's career, 'Alain Delon or almost', was revived in a new version titled 'Alain Delon... and me'.

2015: Inspiration for San Antonio

In 2015, Michaël Sanlaville, inspired by Alain Delon, based the character of San-Antonio on Delon's image for his comic book adaptation.

2018: Delon Refers to Schneider as the Love of His Life

In 2018, Alain Delon referred to Romy Schneider as the love of his life.

2019: Honorary Palme d'Or

At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Alain Delon received the Honorary Palme d'Or, celebrating his significant contributions to cinema.

2020: Publication of 'Schnock (no. 37)'

In 2020, Alexandre Chabert's 'Schnock (no. 37)' was published, distributed by Flammarion.

2022: Publication of 'The Markovic Affair'

In 2022, 'The Markovic Affair' by Jean-Yves Le Naour and Emmanuel Cassier, was published.

August 2024: Worldwide Media Coverage of Death

The day after his death, in August 2024, Alain Delon's death made headlines worldwide, with foreign press referring to him as "the last great myth of French cinema".