Photo: Getty Images
86-year-old actor Alain Delon, known for his roles in classic European films such as ‘Rocco and His Brothers’, ‘The Pool’ and ‘The Leopard’, has decided to request euthanasia.
The legendary actor, who has worked on several films with directors including Luchino Visconti, suffered two strokes in 2019 and his deteriorating health prompted him to seek euthanasia.
One of his sons, Anthony Delón, confirmed to a French media outlet that his father asked him to start the paperwork in Switzerland, the country of which he is a citizen, although Delon was born in France.
Euthanasia is legal in Switzerland and is overseen by a doctor. In one of the actor’s last interviews, he said: “I’m for a dignified death. Firstly because I live in Switzerland where euthanasia is legal and I think it’s the most logical and natural thing to do. A person has the right to leave in peace without going through hospitals, injections and so on. Getting old sucks and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Alain Delon and actress Mónica Vitti in the film L’eclipse. Photo: AFP
Delon’s wife Nathalie died of pancreatic cancer a year ago, in January 2021. Seeing his suffering was one of the reasons for the actor to make this decision, which is illegal in France.
The actor, who turned 86 in November, also sent a farewell message to his followers.
“I would like to thank everyone who has accompanied me and given me great support over the years. I hope that future actors can find in me an example, not only at work, but also in everyday life, between victories and defeats. Thanks. Alain Delon”.
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