Paris, August 22, 2024, The Europe Today: Alain Delon, the legendary French actor who passed away at the age of 88, will be laid to rest on Saturday, according to Jean-Michel Di Falco, a Catholic priest who will officiate the service. Di Falco, a former bishop of Gap, revealed that Delon had personally requested him to conduct the funeral, though details about the exact location and time remain undisclosed.
French news outlets CNews and BFMTV report that the ceremony is scheduled for 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) in Douchy-Montcorbon, a village in central France where Delon owned a secluded property and spent his final years. Delon had expressed a desire for a private burial near his beloved dogs on this property, rather than a national memorial. Local authorities have granted special permission for the burial on private grounds, according to a source familiar with the application process.
As France mourns the loss of one of its greatest cinema stars, the country also reflects on the complexities of Delon’s life. A leading figure in the golden era of French cinema during the 1960s, Delon’s career was marked by both adulation and controversy.
While his cinematic legacy earned him global acclaim, Delon’s personal life and political views sparked division. Accusations of domestic violence by his sons, which Delon denied while admitting to slapping women during disputes, fueled public debate. His support for Jean-Marie Le Pen, the far-right National Front co-founder, and his controversial stance on social issues further polarized opinions.
In 2019, the Cannes Film Festival’s decision to award Delon a lifetime achievement honor drew criticism from feminists, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding his public persona.
In his later years, Delon lived in relative seclusion, though his personal life continued to attract media attention. In 2023, his three children filed a legal complaint against his live-in assistant, Hiromi Rollin, accusing her of harassment and threatening behavior. The dispute led to a public battle over Delon’s care and well-being, particularly after his health declined following a stroke in 2019.
As Alain Delon is laid to rest, France remembers a complex figure whose impact on cinema and society will continue to be debated for years to come.
