Macron leads tributes to 'French monument' Alain Delon, who has died at 88

The film star was often cast as the romantic heartthrob and starred in classics such as 'Plein Soleil' and 'Rocco and His Brothers'

- HOLLY EVANS

Tributes have poured in for French film star Alain Delon who died peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family, at the age of 88.

With his handsome looks and tender manner, the prolific actor was able to combine toughness with an appealing, vulnerable quality that made him one of France’s most memorable leading men. His children announced the death yesterday in a statement to French national news agency Agence France-Presse.

Regarded as the “male Brigitte Bardot”, Delon was often cast as the romantic heartthrob and starred in classics such as Plein Soleil, Le Samouraï, and Rocco and His Brothers.

Leading the tributes, French president Emmanuel Macron said the actor “played legendary roles and made the world dream”, which cemented him as a national icon. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he added: “Melancholy, popular, secretive, he was more than a star: he was a French monument.”

The country’s culture minister Rachida Dati wrote: “We believe he was immortal… his talent, his charisma, his aura made him destined for a Hollywood career at a young age, but he chose France.”