Film · France · 1935–2024
Alain Delon Life & Career Timeline
A magnetic screen presence who defined European cool.
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19351948196119741987200020132024
ADAlain DelonFilm · France
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About this timeline
About Alain Delon
Alain Delon moved from Purple Noon and Visconti to Le Samouraï, Borsalino and an honorary Palme d’Or.
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Alain Delon biography
Alain Delon timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born near Paris
Alain Fabien Maurice Marcel Delon was born in the southern suburbs of Paris.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comMilitary service in Indochina
Delon served in the French Navy before returning to civilian life.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comFilm debut
Quand la femme s’en mêle began his screen career.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comChristine
Delon starred opposite Romy Schneider, beginning a famous personal and screen partnership.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comPurple Noon
As Tom Ripley, Delon’s cool intensity gained international attention.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comRocco and His Brothers
Luchino Visconti cast Delon as Rocco in the landmark family epic.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comL’Eclisse
Delon starred with Monica Vitti in Michelangelo Antonioni’s modernist drama.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comThe Leopard
Visconti’s historical epic paired Delon with Burt Lancaster and Claudia Cardinale.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comThe Black Tulip
The adventure film displayed Delon’s commercial leading-man appeal.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comLe Samouraï
Jean-Pierre Melville’s minimalist crime film made Jef Costello an enduring screen icon.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comThe Sicilian Clan
Delon joined Jean Gabin and Lino Ventura in the international crime success.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comBorsalino
Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo headlined one of French cinema’s great star pairings.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comMr. Klein
The identity drama became one of Delon’s most critically admired performances.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comOur Story
Delon won the César Award for Best Actor.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comAnnounces retirement
Delon announced his retirement, though later appearances followed.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comLegion of Honour
France appointed Delon an Officer of the Legion of Honour.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comHonorary Palme d’Or
Cannes presented Delon with an honorary Palme d’Or for his screen career.
Source: www.festival-cannes.comA cinematic life ends
Alain Delon died aged 88, leaving a body of work central to post-war European cinema.
Source: www.elysee.frExplore related timelines
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Quick answers
About the Alain Delon timeline
Who is Alain Delon?
Alain Delon moved from Purple Noon and Visconti to Le Samouraï, Borsalino and an honorary Palme d’Or.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1935–2024.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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