Former French cinema leading man Alain Delon has died.
He was 88 years old.
A statement released by the actor's family reads: “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.”
The Sceaux, France native suffered a stroke in 2019 and has been dealing with ill health since then.
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Alain delon: "The Male Brigitte Bardot"
Alain had no proper training as an actor when he made his debut in the movie Quand la femme s'en mêle (Send a Woman When the Devil Fails) in 1957.
He would appear in several movies after that, gradually moving his way up to portray significant roles in the movies Christine, Weak Women, and his first lead role via the comedy flick, Women are Weak.
Alain would become a huge star and his good looks and charisma made him a heartthrob and fan favorite among cinemagoers in the 1960s and '70s, with critics calling him the male version of French "sex kitten" Brigitte Bardot.
While he enjoyed popularity in Europe, Alain never made it big in America as an actor despite trying his luck in Hollywood for three years.
He eventually left the States and returned to France where he resumed his career with great success.
Alain's filmography was vast and he appeared in many movies considered by now as classics not just in French cinema, but worldwide.
At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, held from May 14 to 25, Delon was honored with a Palme d'Or for his distinguished career in cinema.
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