A renowned Hollywood actor, once considered one of the most handsome men in the world, now leads a secluded life after a major health scare. At 88 years old, this French film legend suffered a stroke in 2019, just weeks after receiving an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Following his stroke, he has retreated from the public eye, living a quiet and reclusive life in his estate in central France. His life now contrasts sharply with the fame and allure he once enjoyed under Hollywood’s spotlight.
The actor resides at La Brûlerie, a sprawling estate located about 87 miles southeast of Paris. Behind a large stone wall that stretches for over a mile, the estate is more than just his residence—it’s the place he plans to be buried. He has even built a cemetery on the property, where over 30 of his beloved dogs have already been laid to rest. Though his life is centered in France, he splits his time between his Parisian workspace, his apartment in Geneva, and his home in Douchy-Montcorbon.
While the actor is dealing with the aftermath of his stroke, his children have been embroiled in a bitter family dispute over their father’s estate. His two sons and daughter have been publicly feuding, filing legal actions and making accusations about their father’s assets. The media has closely followed this conflict, bringing unwanted attention to the family’s internal struggles. Christophe Ayela, the actor’s lawyer, has attempted to mediate the situation, urging the siblings to resolve their differences. However, the discord persists.
Adding to the complexity of the family dynamics is the actor’s well-known favoritism toward one of his children. He has openly stated that his daughter, Anouchka, is the “love of his life.” This has led some to speculate that his strained relationships with his sons may be due to rivalry. The actor’s daughter, in turn, has publicly expressed her deep affection for her father. Recently, she shared a touching tribute on Instagram, updating fans on her father’s condition. In her post, she described her father as “handsome” and full of life, calling him her “immortal.” She shared a recent photo of him, along with his reassuring words to his fans: “Don’t worry.”
Despite the rift between the siblings, they have come together on at least one issue: their father’s care. In March, they jointly requested that their father be placed under reinforced curatorship, citing medical reasons. A French court approved the request, appointing a curator to manage the actor’s finances and certain medical decisions. It remains unclear whether the curator will be one of his children or someone else, like Hiromi Rollin, who has been described as the actor’s close companion.
Although his health and family matters have dominated headlines, the actor remains focused on the present and his future. In a 2021 interview, he shared his desire to make one final film, a project he believes could be his greatest work. Reflecting on his life and career, he spoke fondly of his time as a leading man, saying, “What I loved most was being Alain Delon, the actor.”
Known for his stunning good looks, Delon was once regarded as the most seductive man in cinema. At 25, he was hailed as the male counterpart to Brigitte Bardot, another French icon. Despite his retreat from the limelight, Delon’s legacy as one of the greats of cinema endures. Fans continue to show their admiration, expressing their love and support for the actor, who remains a cherished figure in the world of film.
