French film legend Alain Delon 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.
Delon has been in poor health in recent years and become a virtual recluse. More recently, the breakdown of his family had been making headlines in France.
Brigitte Bardot led tributes in France saying Delon’s death left a “huge void that nothing and no-one will be able to fill”.
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, 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.”
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