French Actors Compared to Alain Delon: The New Generation of Charismatic Icons

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Vincent Cassel in 2011 © Yann Caradec from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Vincent Cassel in 2011 © Yann Caradec from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Vincent Cassel in 2011 © Yann Caradec from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

From Vincent Cassel to Louis Garrel, who are the French actors following in Alain Delon's footsteps?

 

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Vincent Cassel in 2011 © Yann Caradec from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Few actors embody the term icon quite like Alain Delon, the epitome of charisma, mystery, and raw talent. Born in 1935, Delon skyrocketed to fame in the 1960s, with films such as Le Samouraï, Plein Soleil, La Piscine, Rocco and his Brothers. Known for his devastating good looks, magnetic screen presence, and ability to portray morally ambiguous characters, Delon’s career in French cinema has been nothing short of legendary. But from Vincent Cassel to Louis Garrel, who are the French actors following in his footsteps?

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Stream Alain Delon classics on TV5MONDEplus, including the swashbuckler The Black Tulip (La Tulipe Noire) and the cult comedy Half a Chance (1 chance sur 2) with Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo.

The Career That Defined a Genre

Delon’s breakout role came in René Clément’s Plein Soleil (1960), where he played the seductive yet sinister Tom Ripley, a performance that showcased his ability to blend charm with menace. This role paved the way for a series of iconic collaborations with some of cinema’s most renowned directors.

With Jean-Pierre Melville, Delon starred in the ultimate French crime thrillers, including Le Samouraï (1967) and Le Cercle Rouge (1970), solidifying his reputation as the face of the French polar (crime thriller). His cool, detached anti-heroes, often clad in trench coats and fedoras, became synonymous with the genre.

In Luchino Visconti’s Rocco and His Brothers (Rocco e i suoi fratelli, 1960) and The Leopard (Il Gattopardo, 1963), Delon transitioned effortlessly into Italian cinema, showcasing his range in both intimate dramas and grand historical epics.

Box office action hits like The Black Tulip (La tulipe noire) and Borsalino (1970), where he starred alongside Jean-Paul Belmondo, demonstrated his ability to draw crowds with lighter fare.

Stream The Black Tulip (La Tulipe Noire) now on TV5MONDEplus

Delon’s collaborations with directors such as Louis Malle, Jacques Deray (La Piscine, 1969) and Michelangelo Antonioni (L’Eclisse, 1962) further cemented his reputation as a versatile actor who could command both arthouse and mainstream films.

Unveiling Plein Soleil (Purple Noon): Alain Delon's Summer Blockbuster

The Seductive Aura of Alain Delon

Much of Delon’s allure lies in his off-screen persona. His stormy relationships with some of the most glamorous women of his era, including Romy Schneider, Mireille Darc, and Nathalie Delon (née Douchy), captivated audiences. Delon’s relationship with Romy Schneider was particularly iconic, embodying the golden age of French cinema and earning endless coverage in magazines like Paris Match. His later life, including his children, such as Anouchka and Fabien, added layers to his storied reputation. He also maintain a friendship with Brigitte Bardot throughout his life.

Read more about Alain Delon and Romy Schneider

Known for his enigmatic aura and reputation as a seductor, Delon was the ultimate French sex symbol. He maintained an air of mystery, a trait that only amplified his on-screen magnetism.A Rivalry with Jean-Paul Belmondo

During the same era, Jean-Paul Belmondo emerged as Delon’s contemporary and rival. While Delon exuded elegance and icy cool, Belmondo represented rugged charm and spontaneity. Together, they defined French cinema of the 1960s and 1970s, with their pairing in Borsalino being a high point for fans.

Stream now L'homme de Rio with Jean-Paul Belmondo on TV5MONDEplus

The Legacy and Search for the Next Alain Delon

With Delon’s death in 2024, France mourned the loss of an actor who embodied an era. Yet, his legacy endures, leaving a question: who can step into the shoes of a legend like Alain Delon? France has long sought a successor who combines the enigmatic charm, versatility, and sex appeal that Delon exuded so effortlessly.

Several contemporary actors have been compared to Delon, each embodying fragments of his persona:

1. Vincent Cassel

  • A fabulous French actor, he's best known for his intensity and ability to play morally complex characters like Alain Delon in Rocco and His Brothers and Plein Soleil, Cassel’s career mirrors Delon’s in his versatility.
  • Biggest Films: La Haine (1995), Black Swan (2010), Mesrine: Killer Instinct and Public Enemy No. 1 (2008), Irreversible (2002), Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen.

2. Romain Duris

  • Often compared to Delon for his brooding charisma and success across genres. His roles capture the modern anti-hero archetype.
  • Biggest Films: The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005), L’Auberge Espagnole (2002), Populaire (2012), All the Money in the World (2017).

Stream now the French drama Dans Paris with Romain Duris and Louis Garrel

3. Louis Garrel

  • The French actor is renowned for his understated, enigmatic presence, reminiscent of Delon’s work in Le Samouraï.
  • Biggest Films: The Dreamers (2003), Little Women (2019), A Faithful Man (2018), The Innocent (2022).

Stream now Mon Legionnaire with Louis Garrel on TV5MONDEplus

4. Pierre Niney

  • With his elegance and ability to portray complex characters, Pierre Niney channels the refined side of Delon.
  • Biggest Films: Yves Saint Laurent (2014), Frantz (2016), Black Box (2021), Promise at Dawn (2017).

Stream now Sauver ou périr, a must-see French drama on TV5MONDEplus

5. Jérémie Renier

  • The French actor Jérémy Renier’s knack for dark, layered roles draws clear parallels to Delon’s work in Le Cercle Rouge and other crime thrillers.
  • Biggest Films: L’Enfant (2005), The Unknown Girl (2016), Saint Laurent (2014), L’Amant Double (2017).

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