French actor Alain Delon is a screen legend, to be sure — but it's his legacy in life that cultural iconography and myth-making stem from. Delon, born on Nov. 8, 1935 was raised to symbolic heights of suavity that changed the way we think about leading men in movies. With a career that has spanned six decades, he successfully charmed the audience with his mysterious charisma and breathed life into some unforgettable performances in both French and international cinema.
The Early Years: From Troubled Youth to Stardom
It was a different way of Delon's recognition. The son of a taxi driver and factory worker, raised in an unstable home environment, he moved from school to school (even serving with the French armed forces) before finding his way as an actor. His striking good looks and rebellious air captured the notice of filmmakers, who cast him in a film debut in 1957. Very soon, Delon's charisma couldnt be ignored and he landed in the limelight.
Redefining Charm and Mystery on Screen
Renowned for playing the unhinged anti-hero, delon began to be hit in no time. In 1960, he received his first major lead role in the film Purple Noon (Plein Soleil), as sociopathic son Tom Ripley. In short order, Delon cultivated a persona that would become his trademark of savoir faire with an undertow of danger.
Collaborations with Luchino Visconti, Jean-Pierre Melville and Michelangelo Antonioni further established the legend that he was on set. In movies such as L’Eclisse (1962), Le Samouraï, and The Leopard (1963) Delon proved himself an actor capable of portraying hitmen or princes with equal skill–and a guy in the throes on existential confusion too.
An International Star
The temptation of Delon did not stop at the coasts in France. His talent was not limited by geography and he collaborated with some of the best known names in world cinema. He starred opposite Shirley MacLaine in The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964) and Texas Across the River with Dean Martin. This talent has also brought him to people from all over the world and he is one of the few French actors who have ever been paid on this scale.
A Legacy of Elegance and Style
In addition to acting, Alain Delon became the embodiment of eternal elegance. Whether it be his tailored suits, shined shoes, laid-back style — Teller certainly had a flair for fashion that transcended multiple generations. He was the epitome of suave, both on-screen and off equally a trailblazer in fashion.
The Complex Persona Behind the Icon
Delon has long been a subject of fascination despite his cool, mysterious star persona. Notoriously private with a long history of making controversial statements, Delon has been polarizing in France. But his mystique only makes him more appealing. He had affairs, broke his heart and asked himself what kind of person he wanted to be — all this with a bearing on the man behind the statue.
Honoring a Legendary Career
Alain Delon was awarded an honorary Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival for his exceptional contribution to cinema. This accolade signified his gravity on the world of motion picture and as one of human’s most enduring actors.
