French actor Alain Delon passed away at his home in the Loire at the age of 88. He was a sex symbol for several generations of the 20th century, and his name became a household name for male beauty. He appeared in over a hundred films and masterfully played a variety of roles, from tough guys with a criminal past to complex dramatic heroes.

Baron in the movie “Swann's Love” (1983), directed by Volker Schlendorf

The main role in the movie “The Love of Swann” went to Jeremy Irons. Delon appears in the background - he plays the role of an eccentric and vicious Baron de Charloux. Baron long ago does not believe in love, each new failed attempt only strengthens on his face ironic high-society boredom. But it is he who stays with Swann until the last minutes of the movie, where both say goodbye to each other, to the passions they have experienced and to a beautiful era.

Terrorist in The Assassination of Trotsky (1972), directed by Joseph Losey

Ramon Mercader is an unfictionalized assassin in the gallery of assassins played by Delon. This movie was the first collaboration between Delon and British director Joseph Losey. True the experience of cooperation was not the most pleasant.

“The Assassination of Trotsky” - not a reconstruction of real events, and flaring individual episodes of fantasy. Mercader most of the movie hides under a different name and turns almost into a character of Dostoevsky.

Professor in the movie “The First Night of Rest” (1972), directed by Valerio Zurlini

In the Italian director Zurlini Delon played another unusual role. Professor of Philology Daniele Dominici - is an unkempt man in an old sweater and camel coat. This image is far from the established for the actor's status as a sex symbol.

Depression and loneliness intensifies marriage to a woman whom he has long been out of love. His longing professor drowns in gambling and benders. He could be saved by a relationship with a young lyceum student, but this connection is doomed from the beginning. The long-awaited peace the hero finds only in death.

Police Inspector in “Tehran-43” (1980), directed by Alexander Alov and Vladimir Naumov

The movie “Tehran-43” with the participation of Delon became one of the most famous spy detectives for Soviet and Russian audiences. In the picture, the world star managed to convincingly play the role of Inspector Fosch of the French police.

Delon in “Tehran-43” viewers remembered for his elegance and romantic scenes with Natalia Belokhvostikova. The film not only won the grand prize at the Moscow Film Festival, but also attracted a huge number of viewers to the cinemas.

A deserter in the movie “The Unconquered” (1964), directed by Alain Cavalier

The movie “Unconquered” with Delon in the lead role did not find a response from the audience and critics, becoming a failure at the box office. The main character of the picture - contract deserter, a participant in the failed war in Algeria - could not win the sympathy of the audience. Nevertheless, “Unconquered” was a testament to how personal experience and political views can come together in filmmaking to create a powerful message, even if it does not resonate widely with audiences.

A killer in the movie “The Samurai” (1967), directed by Jean-Pierre Melville

Since 1967, The Samurai has remained one of the best movies ever made. As the critics said, you can endlessly look at three things: fire, water and silent Alain Delon. So they emphasized that the actor's presence plays a key role in the film.

The main character played by Delon became a symbol of the era and an example for many actors. His character is a combination of charisma and mystery - he attracts the attention of both female and male audiences. Critics and viewers consider this role one of the best in the actor's career.

Zorro in the adventure western “Zorro” (1975), directed by Duccio Tessari

This is the classic story of a noble outlaw who tries to protect the poor and disadvantaged from tyranny. Delon plays Don Diego de la Vega (Zorro) in the movie. Delon was able to give this familiar character his charm and elegance.

Adventurer Diego accompanies his friend Miguel to the Spanish colonies, where he is to receive the post of governor of New Aragon. But he witnesses his murder. Wanting to avenge his friend, Diego takes Miguel's papers and pretends to be the governor.

Alain Delon's illness, euthanasia and death

Delon's health problems began in 2019 when he suffered a stroke. The actor underwent surgery, after which he was treated in French and Swiss clinics. Delon was able to recover quickly and even attended the Cannes Festival, where he was awarded the Palme d'Or.

In the spring of 2022, there was information that the star of French cinema wants to do euthanasia. The actor felt bad - a stroke provoked cancer and the development of Alzheimer's disease. The situation was complicated by the psychological state of the actor - Delon severely experienced the death of his wife Nathalie Barthelemy and friend Jean-Paul Belmondo. Later from the idea of euthanasia actor refused.

August 18, 2024, the French edition of Le Figaro reported the death of Delon. The French actor passed away surrounded by loved ones. He was 88 years old.