Alain Delon, the iconic French actor who passed away on August 18, has been a symbol of elegance, mystery, and intensity in cinema for over six decades. Known for his striking good looks, magnetic screen presence, and an enigmatic aura, Delon has portrayed a range of unforgettable characters. His collaborations with legendary directors like Jean-Pierre Melville, René Clément, Michelangelo Antonioni and Luchino Visconti, and his appearances in both French and international cinema have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest actors in film history.

Delon's journey through cinema has seen him take on a wide variety of roles, from cold-blooded assassins to romantic heroes, creating a distinctive legacy of complex, multi-dimensional characters. In this article, we will explore some of his most famous characters.

Julien de Saint Preux in The Black Tulip (La Tulipe Noire, 1964)

One of Alain Delon’s more light-hearted roles, The Black Tulip is a swashbuckling adventure where Delon portrays a dual role: the aristocratic Guillaume de Saint Preux and his rebellious brother, Julien de Saint Preux. Set during the French Revolution, this film allowed Delon to showcase his flair for action and romance.

As Julien, Delon assumes the persona of "The Black Tulip," a daring hero who fights against tyranny in defense of the oppressed. This duality between the sophisticated nobleman and the masked vigilante captures Delon’s ability to balance charisma and danger, a recurring theme in many of his roles. This film became a commercial success, solidifying Delon's status as a popular leading man not only in France but internationally. The movie’s blend of action, comedy, and romance made The Black Tulip a beloved film in Alain Delon's filmography and one of the favorites of his children Anouchka, Fabien and Anthony Delon.

Stream now La Tulipe Noire on TV5MONDEplus

Piero in L'eclisse (1970)

In Michelangelo Antonioni's L'Eclisse (1962), Alain Delon plays the role of Piero, a young, ambitious stockbroker caught in a fleeting and emotionally detached romance with Monica Vitti’s character, Vittoria. L'Eclisse is a seminal work in Antonioni's exploration of alienation and the fragmentation of human relationships in the modern world. Delon's portrayal of Piero is marked by his characteristic charm and good looks, but beneath the surface lies a man consumed by materialism and emotional emptiness. His chemistry with Vitti brings a haunting tension to their scenes, as both characters struggle to connect in a world that seems indifferent to their desires. Piero’s superficial engagement with life contrasts with Vittoria's existential search for meaning, making this one of Delon’s more introspective roles. The film, part of Antonioni's celebrated trilogy on modernity, showcases Delon's ability to inhabit a character who is emotionally distant yet deeply compelling.

Julien Vignal in Half a Chance (Une chance sur deux, 1998)

More than three decades after The Black Tulip, Delon reappeared on screen with another memorable role in Half a Chance (Une chance sur deux). Directed by Patrice Leconte, this film marked an exciting collaboration between Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo, two of the most significant figures of French cinema.

Delon plays Julien Vignal, a former gangster who is drawn back into the criminal underworld when his daughter, played by Vanessa Paradis, seeks his help to determine which of the two men—Vignal or Belmondo’s character—could be her biological father. Delon’s performance as the stoic and sharp-witted ex-criminal contrasts with Belmondo’s more jovial character, making their dynamic a central element of the film.

In this role, Delon once again taps into the stoic, mysterious persona that had defined many of his earlier roles, such as those under the direction of Jean-Pierre Melville. Though Half a Chance is more of an action-comedy, Delon brings the intensity and coolness that has become his trademark.

Watch Une chance sur deux with Alain Delon and Jean Paul Belmondo now on TV5MONDEplus

Jef Costello in Le Samouraï (1967)

Perhaps one of the most iconic characters in Alain Delon’s illustrious career is Jef Costello in Le Samouraï, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. This 1967 neo-noir thriller epitomizes the minimalist, existential style of Melville and is often hailed as one of the finest examples of French cinema.

In this film, Delon plays Jef, a hitman who operates with a level of precision and detachment that borders on the philosophical. His character is almost mute for the majority of the film, yet Delon manages to convey a complex inner world through his restrained performance. Jef is a man of few words, yet his every movement speaks volumes. His cold demeanor, trench coat, and fedora became iconic, influencing countless films and actors after him.

The themes of alienation, duty, and fatalism in Le Samouraï were enhanced by Delon’s reserved performance. It is a role that continues to define his career, often cited as one of his finest and most influential performances. This role also deepened Delon's relationship with Melville, leading to further collaborations such as Le Cercle Rouge (1970).

Read more about Le samouraï

Tom Ripley in Purple Noon (Plein Soleil, 1960)

Alain Delon’s portrayal of Tom Ripley in Purple Noon (Plein Soleil), directed by René Clément, is another career-defining role. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, the film follows Delon as a young man tasked with bringing back a wealthy heir, only to become consumed by envy and greed, leading him to murder and assume the man's identity.

Delon's charm and beauty are crucial to his portrayal of Ripley. While Ripley is a sociopath, Delon infuses the character with a magnetic allure that makes his actions both terrifying and compelling. The contrast between his charming appearance and his dark inner motivations makes his performance both chilling and fascinating.

This role marked a turning point in Delon’s career, introducing him to an international audience. Purple Noon is widely regarded as one of the best adaptations of Highsmith's novel, and Delon’s performance remains the benchmark for future portrayals of the character.

Read more about Alain Delon in Purple Noon

Rocco Parondi in Rocco and His Brothers (Rocco et ses frères, 1960)

Delon’s collaboration with Luchino Visconti in Rocco and His Brothers (Rocco e i suoi fratelli) is often considered one of the most profound performances of his career. As Rocco Parondi, Delon plays the gentle, idealistic brother in a struggling Italian family. Rocco’s deep sense of loyalty and love for his family lead him to sacrifice his own happiness, resulting in a deeply tragic arc.

Visconti’s direction brings out the emotional complexity in Delon’s performance, contrasting sharply with the actor's more aloof, colder roles in films like Le Samouraï.

The film's exploration of family, honor, and betrayal provides a canvas for Delon to display a wide emotional range, from vulnerability to quiet strength. It is this depth of character that made Rocco and His Brothers one of the finest achievements in post-war European cinema.

Simon in Borsalino (1970)

Borsalino, directed by Jacques Deray, pairs Alain Delon with another French cinema icon, Jean-Paul Belmondo. In this 1970 film, set in the 1930s Marseille underworld, Delon plays Simon, a charming but ruthless gangster. The film’s stylish depiction of organized crime, along with the charisma of its two leading men, made it an instant hit.

Simon’s character is once again a showcase for Delon’s signature cool, suave demeanor. His chemistry with Belmondo is undeniable, making Borsalino a beloved classic of French cinema. The film spawned a sequel, Borsalino and Co., in which Delon reprises his role, although without Belmondo.

Stream now Delon and Belmondo's movies on TV5MONDEplus

- Where to watch French movies in America -

French cinema's home is TV5MONDE USA! The French language entertainment network airs hundreds of French films every year on top of TV shows on French culture, fashion and art-de-vivre. At no extra cost, you can also enjoy the French streaming platform TV5MONDEplus, with its thousands of French movies. Explore the legacy of Alain Delon with featured content such as "Alain Delon: Face au Monde"  and delve into his enigmatic allure in "Alain Delon: La Beauté du Diable et les Femmes".

Watch Alain Delon on TV5MONDEplus in La Tulipe Noire and stream the cult comedy 1 chance sur 2 with Alain Delon and Jean Paul Belmondo on TV5MONDEplus.