Alain Delon, a striking figure in European cinema during the ‘60s and ‘70s, often referred to as “the French Frank Sinatra” and “the male Brigitte Bardot,” has passed away at the age of 88.

This news was confirmed by his family to the Agence France-Presse. Delon had suffered a stroke back in 2019.

“Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, along with (his dog) Loubo, are heartbroken to announce that their father has died. He left us peacefully at his home in Douchy, located in the Val de Loire region of France,” the family’s statement said.

French President Emmanuel Macron also paid homage to the legendary actor on X, previously known as Twitter, calling him “a French monument.”

Macron described Delon as “melancholic, popular, and secretive, remarking that he was more than just a star” on his social media account.

Born near Paris on November 8, 1935, Delon was placed into foster care at age four following his parents’ divorce. He had a tumultuous childhood, running away from home multiple times and facing expulsion from several boarding schools before enlisting in the Marines at 17.

Before he made his acting debut in 1957 with “Quand la femme s’en mele” (“Send a Woman When the Devil Fails”), Delon worked as a porter in a Parisian market and spent time in the vibrant Pigalle district. His big break came with two landmark films directed by Luchino Visconti: “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960) and “The Leopard” (1963). Notable performances include his role as a contemplative hitman in 1967’s “Le Samourai” (“The Godson”) and alongside his lover Romy Schneider in 1969’s “La Piscine” (“The Swimming Pool”), a seductive drama.

Delon transitioned to Hollywood with films like the 1965 thriller “Once a Thief,” starring alongside Ann-Margret and Jack Palance, and the 1973 movie “Scorpio,” which featured Burt Lancaster, though these endeavors weren’t as successful.

Throughout his career, Delon was no stranger to controversy, openly admitting to knowing individuals within the Mafia.

One of the most notable scandals involved the death of his former bodyguard, Stefan Markovic, who was discovered dead with a gunshot wound in a bag at a landfill, prompting police to question Delon.

Later in his life, Delon expressed regret over the abolition of the death penalty and made disparaging remarks about same-sex marriage.

His accolades include winning the César Award for best actor for “Our History” in 1985 and receiving an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes International Film Festival in May 2019.