Alain Delon

Profession: Actor and Filmmaker

Nationality:

Biography: Alain Delon is a French actor and filmmaker, known for his leading roles in European cinema from the 1960s to the 1980s. His performances earned him a César Award for Best Actor for his role in Notre histoire (1984) and distinguished honors such as an honorary membership in France's Legion of Honour, an Honorary Golden Bear at the 45th Berlin International Film Festival, and an Honorary Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

Delon experienced a turbulent childhood when his parents divorced at the age of four. After spending some time with foster parents, he returned to live with his family. Leaving school early, Delon had several jobs until he enlisted in the French Navy. Upon completing his military service, he returned to France where he decided to pursue an acting career.

Delon's potential was first noticed at Cannes Film Festival by a talent scout. Although initially offered a contract by producer David O. Selznick, he chose to cancel it in favor of working in France. His film debut came in Quand la femme s'en mêle (1957), and soon after, he took on a lead role in Christine (1958) where he met his then-future fiancée, Romy Schneider.

Delon's breakthrough in France came with the comedy Women Are Weak (1959), and he reached an international audience with his performances in Purple Noon (1960) and Rocco and His Brothers (1960).

Collaborating with celebrated directors such as Luchino Visconti, Jean-Luc Godard, and Michelangelo Antonioni, Delon's career flourished. Although his ventures into Hollywood were short-lived, he established a strong reputation in French cinema with movies like Le Samouraï (1967), La Piscine (1969), and Le Cercle Rouge (1970).

Delon's personal life often made headlines, including his engagement with actress Romy Schneider and involvement in the Marković affair—a scandal surrounding the murder of his bodyguard and sex parties implicating political figures. Delon also had a foray into music with the popular single "Paroles, paroles" (1973) alongside Dalida.

In the 1970s, Delon broadened his scope to business, promoting boxing matches, and developing branded products. He obtained Swiss citizenship in 1999 and gradually stepped back from acting, though he occasionally took on roles and maintained his business interests. Politically, Delon expressed support for the French far-right party National Front and encountered legal issues, including a conviction for assault.

Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke in 2019, Delon stayed connected to the entertainment industry. He released a single in 2019 and conducted an interview with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in 2022.

Born: November 8, 1935
Birthplace: Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France
Age: 88 years old

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Scorpio