Alain Delon, French heartthrob on the massive display screen, dies at 88

Alain Delon, the French film star whose heartthrob picture and James Dean-like persona made him considered one of his nation’s most celebrated actors, has died. He was 88.

The actor died “peacefully” at his home in Douchy, in France’s Loiret division, Agence France-Presse reported, citing Delon’s youngsters.

Since his first film in 1957, Delon was a near-constant presence in French cinema and fan magazines, on par with rival and occasional appearing companion Jean-Paul Belmondo. Delon was usually solid as a good-looking insurgent or gangster, coldly aloof and even a bit sinister.

His “watery blue eyes,” the New York Times famous in 1970, “are to France what Paul Newman’s are to the United States.”

In France, Delon appeared in some 80 movies and made-for-TV collection, lots of them police or motion dramas. A intercourse image often called the male Brigitte Bardot, Delon was dubbed the “pretty-boy killer” for his putting seems to be and roles. Critics stated his most distinguished works have been taking part in a hitman in “The Samurai” (1967) and a grasp thief in “The Red Circle” (1970) with movie noir director Jean-Pierre Melville.

Delon himself rated “Monsieur Klein” (1976), during which he performed the title character — an unscrupulous artwork seller — as his most interesting function. The film, directed by Joseph Losey, gained three Cesar awards, France’s nationwide movie honor.