PARIS. Alain Delon, the renowned French actor known for his captivating roles as both a hero and an anti-hero, has died at the age of 88, according to French media reports. Delon, whose striking looks and complex portrayals made him an international heartthrob, left an indelible mark on cinema.

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), calling Delon “a French monument.” Macron wrote, “Alain Delon has played legendary roles and made the world dream. Melancholic, popular, secretive, he was more than a star.”

Delon’s children confirmed his passing on Sunday in a statement to the French national news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP), a practice common in France. Following the announcement, tributes flooded social media, and French media outlets dedicated extensive coverage to his illustrious career.

Earlier this year, his son Anthony revealed that Delon had been diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer. Delon’s declining health had been a source of family conflict, leading to public disputes among his three children.

During his peak in the 1960s and 1970s, Delon was highly sought after by some of the world’s most prominent directors, including Luchino Visconti and Joseph Losey. Despite his disillusionment with the film industry in later years, Delon remained a prolific actor, appearing in numerous television movies well into his 70s. He once lamented, “Money, commerce and television have wrecked the dream machine. My cinema is dead. And me, too,” in a 2003 interview with Le Nouvel Observateur.

Delon first gained international recognition in 1960 with his role in Plein Soleil, directed by René Clément. He continued to shine in films such as Visconti’s Rocco and His Brothers and The Leopard, the latter of which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1963.

In addition to his acting career, Delon ventured into film production, with 26 films to his credit by 1990. His charismatic presence extended beyond the screen, exemplified by his statement to Femme in 1996, “I like to be loved the way I love myself!”

However, Delon’s career was not without controversy. He faced criticism for his views on women, LGBTQIA+ rights, and migrants, which led to his resignation as president of the Miss France jury in 2013. Despite these controversies, Delon was awarded the Palme d’Honneur at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, a decision that sparked further debate.

The Cannes Film Festival expressed its “sadness” at Delon’s passing, stating that he “embodied French cinema far beyond its borders.” The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, dedicated to animal protection, also honored Delon, calling him “an exceptional man, an unforgettable artist and a great friend of animals.” The foundation noted that Delon was “a close friend” of Brigitte Bardot, who is “deeply saddened by his passing.”

French film producer Alain Terzian remarked on Delon’s legacy, saying, “It’s a page being turned in the history of French cinema.” Terzian described Delon as “the last of the giants,” recalling the “almost mystical, quasi-religious respect” he commanded.

Born on November 8, 1935, in Sceaux, just south of Paris, Delon had a tumultuous childhood, marked by his parents’ separation and a stint in a Roman Catholic boarding school. He later served in the navy and worked various jobs before turning to acting in 1956.

Delon had three children: Anthony, with his first wife Nathalie Canovas; and Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, with later partner Rosalie van Breemen. Delon was also believed to be the father of Ari Boulogne, though he never publicly acknowledged paternity.

Throughout his life, Delon juggled various pursuits, including horse racing, cologne development, and art collection. Despite announcing his retirement in 1999, he continued acting, with his final film appearance in 2011.

Reflecting on his legacy at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Delon said, “One thing I’m sure about is that if there’s something I’m proud of, really, the only thing, it’s my career.”