Alain Delon was a legendary French actor, renowned for his striking looks and powerful screen presence that made him an international film icon. The movie star died aged 88 on August 18, 2024, in his home in Douchy surrounded by his three children and family.
Delon had a special bond with his daughter whom he loved most among his three children. However, his final years were marred by a bitter feud between his two sons and his daughter.
Alain Delon in the 1960s | Source: Getty Images
Alain Delon rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, starring in classic films such as “Le Samouraï,” “The Leopard,” and “Purple Noon.” Delon had an impeccable acting talent as well as a complex and often enigmatic persona, which captivated audiences both on and off the screen.
Alain Delon in the 1960s | Source: Getty Images
His career spanned over six decades, during which he became a symbol of French cinema and an influential figure in European film history.
The actor’s health began deteriorating in the 80s when he had a stroke in 2019. The actor was 83 at the time and he noted that he suffered a stroke on the night of June 10-11 at 7:20 p.m.
He narrated, “I felt bad and went to the hospital by ambulance. I didn’t know why I was there, or what was wrong with me. They put me to bed, I didn’t feel anything. I found out later that I had a stroke.”
Alain Delon being groomed at his home, from an Instagram post dated July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/anouchkadelon/
Doctors and relatives thought the actor was going to die but he survived the stroke, and later joked that he doesn’t die easily.
This stroke happened on the eve of the pandemic. Alain said that fighting the virus was worse than the German invasion as with COVID-19, the enemy was unknown. People didn’t know much about the virus and so they feared the worst as people kept dying from it.
After the stroke, Alain Delon went on with his private life at his mansion in Douchy, and on December 24, 2023, he celebrated the holidays with two of his kids.
Alain-Fabien and Anthony Delon with his two kids Lou and Liv were present for the celebrations. Later, Anthony opened up about the worrying state of health of Alain, noting that he wasn’t doing well.
He said, “He can no longer bear to see himself like this, diminished. He speaks little, it tires him or it annoys him when he is asked to repeat himself, because his voice is no longer always placed, I mean audible.”
Anthony added that the actor had varying moods, which changed depending on what he was going through. This abrupt change in mood was a little complicated for everyone to manage.
Furthermore, the tensions around Alain pained him. He was also affected by the absence of his daughter, Anouchka Delon, at Christmas dinner, and as Anthony said there was a strong risk that would be his last one.
Alain and Alain-Fabien enjoying Christman dinner, from an Instagram post, dated December 25, 2023 | Source: Instagram/alainfabiendelon/?hl=en
Alain also had cognitive issues. Anthony revealed that his father was subjected to five cognitive tests in a clinic in Switzerland and he didn’t pass any of them.
He added, “According to the doctors, these tests demonstrate a cognitive deterioration that places my father in a position of psychological weakness and therefore vulnerability.”
Anthony and Alain-Fabien Delon only knew of the tests in September 2023 after an indiscretion from the doctor responsible for monitoring Alain. This revelation led to Anthony accusing Anouchka of hiding the tests and results for personal interests.
He threatened to file a complaint against her and Alain’s lady-in-waiting, who was also said to be his companion, Hiromi Rollin.
Anthony Delon, Hiromi Rollin, and Alain Delon arrive for the funeral ceremony for late French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in Paris on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Anthony said Alain should never have been taken to Switzerland as according to his doctor, his condition was not good for transportation. He added that his father wanted to end his days in Douchy and as much as all his kids did not agree with this wish, they would respect it.
This photograph taken on January 16, 2024, shows a view of an entrance of the residence of Alain Delon, named La Brulerie, in Douchy, central France. | Source: Getty Images
Before his death, it was Alain-Fabien who stayed in Douchy with Alain, taking care of him. Anthony visited them twice a week and Anouchka’s visits were less frequent as she stays in Switzerland with her husband and their son.
However, Christophe Ayela, the attorney for Alain and Anouchka, revealed that Anthony had been in conflict with his dad for over 30 years. He added that the conflict was ongoing even when Alain was not in a position to defend himself.
Anthony and Alain Delon arrive for the funeral ceremony for late French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in Paris on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The 88-year-old could no longer run around television sets doing interviews to clear his name. Christophe said Anthony never stopped complaining about his rocky relationship with his dad.
“He has this desire to exist, to position himself as a victim and to appeal to the media to spread it,” added Christophe.
Anthony and Alain Delon at the Cocktail Party to celebrate The New Collection “G-Bag Tod’s” at Tod’s Boutique, on April 28, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
The attorney said that Anthony had moved to be a victim of his sister as he always found a way to portray himself as someone’s victim. He also noted that the actor has always shown his unconditional love to his daughter.
When Anthony had threatened to file a complaint against his sister, Alain stood by Anouchka’s side. He said he was shocked by the media frenzy his son had orchestrated.
Christophe divulged, “I can tell you that it is very pleasant to be Alain Delon’s daughter. She has always had an exceptional relationship with her father, which is one of love, respect, and affection.”
Alain, via his attorney, said Anthony’s revelations in the media were meant to harm him and destroy the reputation of Anouchka, and the unique relationship she has always had with his father.
The actor could no longer put up with the aggressiveness of his eldest son. Alain was also angry that Anthony shared with the world that his father could probably not live to see and celebrate another Christmas.
The actor also disputed claims that Anthony is more concerned about his state of health than Anouchka. He noted that in the years that have passed, Anthony saw him very few times.
Alain said his son had once again taken advantage of his name to get publicity by publishing a book against him. “Let him leave me alone, and let him leave my daughter alone,” declared Alain.
Anouchka and Alain Delon attend an event, from an Instagram post dated, May 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/anouchkadelon/
Anouchka also opened up, denying that she withheld details of the negative cognitive tests as Anthony had previously claimed. She filed a complaint against her brother when the article came out.
She also noted, “I never thought I would get to something like this in my life. He’s forcing me to do it.” As much as she was fighting with her brother, Anouchka said she loved him with all his heart and that would never change.
Anouchka and Anthony Delon are seen, outside Elie Saab, during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2018/2019, in Paris, France, on March 3, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
She also admitted that her father wasn’t doing well and that it broke her heart to see him like that. “He is devasted. I am ashamed that our family life is spread out like this,” she acknowledged.
She explained that she wanted her dad in Switzerland so that he could be treated, adding that her motives had nothing to do with a tax exile.
When asked about Alain’s inheritance, she answered, “I am my father’s daughter, not the daughter of a wallet. I think all families have problems like that. Except that ours is public. These are things that should only concern us.”
Alain-Fabien weighed in on the matter, siding with Anthony. He said just like Anthony, he knew not of the negative cognitive tests until their father’s doctor inadvertently told them. “I admire Anthony’s courage in having burst the boil. Even if the consequences were unpleasant,” he said.
Alain-Fabien accused Anouchka of trying to drive a wedge between him and Anthony. He shared that whenever they reason with and convince Anouchka to do anything she doesn’t keep her word and does only that which pleases her.
Still, Alain-Fabien admitted that her sister has always been their father’s favorite. “She’s led him by the nose and always gets her way,” he noted.
As per the youngest brother, Anouchka had the power to mend his relationship with their father but she always ensured things got worse between them.
Alain-Fabien shared that he had gone out of his way to take care of their father in Douchy but Anouchka would do anything she could just so he would run away.
In early 2024, things escalated between the siblings when Anouchka accused them of putting a stop to the medical treatment their father was receiving last summer. Anouchka and Alain’s attorney, Christophe, sent the Montargis public prosecutor a report of putting his client’s life at risk.
The attorney said the brothers were using false pretexts and reasons that were not justified to stop the treatment and medical monitoring of Alain.
He added, “In a mind-boggling way, Anthony Delon has decided to treat his father’s illness with fruit and vegetable juices, prescribed by a naturopath.” Christophe asked the prosecutor to allow the actor’s Swiss doctor to visit him in Douchy.
Alain and Anthony Delon at Last Performance of Alain Delon and Anouk Aimee in A.R. Gurney’s Play “Love Letters” in Paris, on November 29, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Hiromi, who had been pushed out of the house by this time, called Alain and could tell from the conversation that he had a crushed voice and was short of breath.
When she asked him why he sounded like that, Alain answered, “It’s not just the voice, everything else is wrong.” Hiromi took his words as a cry for help. She also worried that Alain was no longer following the treatment prescribed by the Swiss doctors.
Alain Delon attends the screening of “A Hidden Life” during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
So, when news broke out that his medical treatment had been stopped, Hiromi knew she was right. “It’s been four months without treatment, six months without medical check-ups. Alain’s life is in danger. I’m not afraid to say that he is in danger of death,” she revealed.
Alain Delon attends the photocall for Palme D’Or D’Honneur during the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Alain-Fabien had accused Anouchka of pushing Hiromi away so she could rule and have all the power. He said when they all thought Alain would die after his 2019 stroke, Hiromi wasn’t allowed to go into his room and see him.
Christophe also said in a press release that after the stroke, Hiromi became aggressive, denigrating, and insulting towards the actor and his kids.
The attorney shared that she isolated the actor from his loved ones, friends, and family using maneuvers and threats. He accused Hiromi of monitoring Alain’s telephone conversations and private messages.
Hiromi was also said to answer the actor’s call pretending to be him and intercepting his postal mail. As per Christophe, she prevented the kids from seeing their dad as they normally did.
“She is authoritarian, even going so far as to mistreat Mr. Delon’s dogs in an unacceptable manner,” disclosed Christophe, who filed the complaint with the Montargis public prosecutor’s office in Loiret. Anthony filed a second complaint against Hiromi.
Anthony Delon attends the “Un Rien C’est Tout” Gala at Musee de l’armee, in Paris, France, on March 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He penned, “On January 31, 2022, I made the decision to begin reporting and reporting facts that were taking place in our family circle, and that more specifically concerned the relationship between my father and Alain Delon and his companion.”
Alain Delon (C) arrives with his partner and assistant Hiromi Rollin (L) for the funeral ceremony for late French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in Paris on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Anthony Delon accused Hiromi of intentional violence and sequestration of their dad, including abuse of his weakness and moral harassment. He said he established these facts for a year and a half.
Anthony Delon attends the “Choeur De Rockers” premiere at Cinema UGC Normandie in Paris, France, on December 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
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By July 2023, Hiromi had been pushed out of Alain’s property after the children reinvested their father’s wealth. They united against her and restated what they had said in their official complaints to authorities, including animal abuse and sequestration of a vulnerable person.
The complaints against Hiromi were dismissed on January 4, 2024, by the Montargis prosecutor’s office. Upon Alain’s death, Hiromi claimed she never stopped loving him and was devastated that she would never see him again.
She added, “We loved each other for over 30 years. I lived with him for over 17 years and was separated from Alain unjustly, brutally, and violently.”
Alain Delon appears on stage during a Tribute To Alain Delon during The 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 25, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
The Japanese companion met Alain in 1989 on the set of “Dancing Machine,” where she was an assistant director. She started off as his mistress and then settled down with him in Douchy.
However, she avoided the media spotlight and family life. According to Anthony, “She was never there during family celebrations, Christmas parties, meals together.”
Now, Hiromi, who called the actor her “better-half,” insists that Alain’s health deteriorated quickly after she was expelled from his home. She added that stopping the actor’s treatment also divided the family, too.
“The treatment worked very well. He was happy with me and in good shape on July 5, 2023. I am revolted and sorry for Alain that his treatment was stopped a year ago,” wrote Hiromi, who now lives a private life.
Alain Delon (C) arrives with his partner and assistant Hiromi Rollin (L) for the funeral ceremony for late French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in Paris on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Alain’s children are now mourning their father, who died in Douchy, in a home he cherished and lived in for decades. He had the companionship of his dogs on the huge property.
Portrait of Alain Delon at his home in Tancrou, Seine-et-Marne, France, on August 30, 1967. | Source: Getty Images
The actor’s wish was to die at this home and be buried in the vault, opposite a dog cemetery, where over 35 of his dogs are buried. Alain who grew up with dogs, loved them and said they were capable of exhibiting emotions just like humans.
Alain Delon posing with Molly the dog at a traditional Christmas display in Henndorf near Salzburg, Austria, on November 11, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
The actor gushed, “I had such love for my dogs: they are half my life.” He added that he wouldn’t want any of his dogs to outlive him as they would be very unhappy.
Alain Delon with his dog at his home in Paris, France, on March 22, 1978. | Source: Getty Images
Alain, who had a chapel in his home, also wanted a discreet Catholic burial and not a public funeral. The actor enjoyed his privacy and solitude as much as sometimes he found it hard to bear.
He said the only thing that wasn’t his solitude was his kids but that he didn’t see them much. The actor left all his three children an inheritance. According to Anthony, he and his brother got a reserved share, which is 25% each of their dad’s fortune while their sister, Anouchka got 50%.
Anthony and Anouchka Delon attend the “Le Bal Des Vampires” premiere at Theatre Mogador in Paris, France, on October 16, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the challenges and turmoil in his final years, he found solace in his cherished home, surrounded by the memories and the legacy he created. He was grateful for the life he lived, cherishing his accomplishments and the love he shared with his family and companions.