One of Europe’s most prominent film actors and sex symbols, Delon was a sensation from the start. Spotted while accompanying an actress girlfriend to the Cannes Film Festival in 1956, he was quickly signed up for movie roles and his brooding bad boy quality made him France’s answer to James Dean. Playing lovers at first, then heroes like Zorro and later criminals, his screen career extended for 60 years and saw him working with legendary filmmakers like Antonioni, Visconti and Godard. Old age and declining health eventually saw him step away from the screen. But he returned to the spotlight when given a career achievement award three years ago at the Cannes Film Festival, back where it all started for him. The honor was not without controversy and sparked protest that the veteran actor had made sexist and homophobic comments as well as showing support for far-right politics that made him underserving of such a tribute. The father of four has sparked more controversy recently by saying he would not hesitate to choose to die by euthanasia if his health complications arising from two strokes significantly worsen. As much as he divides opinion, there is no doubting Delon’s impact on cinema. As he has said: “The one thing I’m completely proud of, is my career.”