French film giant Delon passes away

French actor Alain Delon, who melted the hearts of millions of film fans whether playing a murderer, hoodlum or hitman in his postwar heyday, has died at the age of 88.

The actor was a star of the golden era of French cinema, known for his tough-guy persona on screen in hits including The Samurai and Borsalino, BBC reported.

Delon had been in poor health in recent years and had become a virtual recluse. More recently, the breakdown of his family had made headlines in France.

Once described as the most beautiful man in the movies, Delon starred in hits from the 1960s including The Leopard and Rocco and his Brothers.

He stole the hearts of fans whatever role he was playing, from a murderer to a charismatic conman.

From the 1990s, his film appearances grew rare, but he remained a fixture in the celebrity columns.

In total, he made almost 90 films during the course of his career.

French President Emmanuel Macron was among those paying tribute to Delon on Sunday, saying the actor “played legendary roles and made the world dream”.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he added: “Melancholy, popular, secretive, he was more than a star: he was a French monument.”

A statement from his family said: “Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as (his dog) Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father.

“He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.”

Le Parisian newspaper called Delon “a legend of the cinema”, while Liberation described him as “a leading figure of cinema, symbol of shadowy masculinity, the actor with crazy charisma”.