He would have turned 90.
Alain Delon (1935-2024) might never have become famous if he had followed in his stepfather's footsteps. Growing up in a family of a sausage shop owner, he received the appropriate education and even started working as a sausage maker. However, fate had other plans for him: upon seeing an advertisement for a flight school recruitment, Delon became excited about the idea of becoming a test pilot. By that time, the recruitment had already closed, but the French army needed recruits. Thus, the future actor found himself in the ranks of the paratroopers of the Marine Corps and ended up in the war in Indochina.
After returning from the army, Delon, on the advice of friends, decided to try his hand at acting. He began sending photos to producers but faced nothing but rejections. The reason cited was his overly beautiful appearance.
Despite this, Delon did not give up. Eventually, luck smiled upon him: in 1957, Alain Delon appeared on screen for the first time in the film "When a Woman Intervenes." This was followed by other roles, and then a breakthrough — in 1960, the actor played the lead role in the adaptation of the novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley" titled "Purple Noon." Critics warmly welcomed the film, and Delon was talked about as a talented artist.
Throughout his career, he appeared in more than 100 films. His last major role was that of Caesar in the French comedy "Asterix at the Olympic Games." Almost 10 years after its release — in 2017 — the actor announced his retirement. In 2019, Alain Delon received the honorary "Golden Palm Branch" at the Cannes Film Festival.
"My life has truly been successful; I wouldn’t want to spoil it with a 'failed' death. Therefore, I intend to die beautifully," the actor said in one of his interviews.
Delon passed away on August 18, 2024, just over a year short of his 90th birthday. According to the actor's family, he died peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his beloved dog named Loubou.
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