DOUCHY-MONTCORBON, France — Flowers and heartfelt tributes have adorned the central French home of the late movie star Alain Delon, renowned for his roles in classics such as “Purple Noon” (1960) and “Le Samourai” (1967). Admirers from near and far have gathered to honor the cinema icon, who passed away after battling lymphoma.
“I was the first one here to put down a rose,” said Marc, a devoted fan who came to say a final farewell to his idol. “What more can I say? French cinema has lost its greatest figure.”
Jean-Pierre Lecluse, a former projectionist at Delon’s property, expressed his sorrow, reminiscing about their time together. “I will never forget all of our memories and the first time I met him. It was memorable,” Lecluse told AFP, tearfully calling Delon a “wonderful man, a sacred monster of cinema.”
Delon’s complex legacy includes his status as both a sex symbol and a polarizing figure, with some viewing him as an egotistical chauvinist. Nevertheless, his influence on French cinema remains indisputable.
Outside Delon’s property, a couple was seen attaching flowers to the gate, a gesture replicated by many others throughout the day. Abel Martin, the mayor of the small village of Douchy-Montcorbon, commented on the impact of Delon’s passing, saying, “An icon has gone.”
The local flower shop, which typically remains closed on Sundays, stayed open to accommodate the influx of orders. “The phone has been ringing all day, sometimes from very far away,” said florist Agnes Bourgoin. She even received a call from a customer in the south of France. Bourgoin’s retired husband stepped in to assist, anticipating a busy week ahead.
Among the tributes was a musical homage by Titi the accordionist, who fulfilled a request made by Delon before his death. “He was an immense actor,” Titi said, reflecting on Delon’s enduring legacy.
Security has been heightened in the village, with dozens of police officers deployed to manage the crowds. “We hadn’t seen him in two years, but he has always been a notable figure in the village,” said Mayor Martin, who came to inspect the security protocols. Despite Delon’s fame, villagers respected his privacy. “We used to run into him in shops and restaurants. But everyone has always respected his privacy,” Martin added, although he anticipated a surge of fans visiting Douchy.
Sophie Angevin, a neighbor, shared her experience of living near Delon. “He was cordial. But he was very protected here, no one would say anything,” she said. “We would sometimes even forget he lived near us.”
Sisters Marie and Michele Arnold were among the first to pay their respects, arriving with white flowers. “Our brains tend to think that these icons are eternal,” said Marie. Michele added, “We are bidding goodbye to part of our youth — it’s very sad.”
Fellow 1960s star Brigitte Bardot also shared her grief, telling AFP that Delon’s death left “a huge void that nothing and no one will be able to fill.”
As the village of Douchy-Montcorbon and admirers worldwide mourn the loss of Alain Delon, his contributions to cinema and the memories he created continue to resonate deeply.