French film star Alain Delon dies aged 88

French film legend Alain Delon has died aged 88.

The actor was a star of the golden age of French cinema, known for being a strong presence on screen in hits including Samurai and Borsalino.

“He passed away peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family,” said a statement sent to the AFP news agency.

Delon has been in poor health in recent years and has become a virtual recluse. Recently, his family’s downfall has been in the headlines in France.

Once described as the most handsome man in movies, Delon starred in hits from the 1960s including The Leopard and Rocco and His Brothers.

He has stolen the hearts of fans in whatever role he plays, from an assassin to a genius.

From the 1990s, his film appearances became rare, but he remained a presence in the celebrity columns.

In total, he appeared in more than 90 films during his career.

A statement from his family said: “Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, and (his dog) Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father.

“He passed away peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and family.”

The newspaper Le Parisian called Delon “a legend of cinema”, while Liberation described him as “the leading man of cinema, a symbol of shadowy masculinity, an actor with a mad spirit”.

Delon’s last public appearance was to receive the prestigious Palme d’or at the Cannes film festival in May 2019.

In this event, he made a touching speech where he was seen saying goodbye to the cinema.

“It’s a memorial after my death, but from my life,” he said. “I will leave, but I will not leave without thanking you.”

For decades, French society has followed the ins and outs of Delon’s flourishing career and equally flourishing love life, through Paris-Match and other magazines.

His colorful personal life always made the front pages as he charmed and seduced his way around Europe at the height of his fame.

But he also faced criticism. Others disagreed with his support for Jean-Marie Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front party, which opposed the death penalty and opposed same-sex marriage.

His relationships with women also caused controversy and led to claims of misbehaving with women.

Recently, his family’s downfall has been in the headlines in France.

The actor had three children – two sons and one daughter – by two different women, with a third son unknown and now deceased.

In recent years, his surviving children have been airing their grievances in front of the media through a series of insults, lawsuits, lawsuits and secret recordings.

It included disagreements about his treatment, following his beating in 2019.

Another row involved Hiromi Rollin, who was Delon’s housekeeper.

Delon’s children kicked him out last year, but then he pleaded guilty to endangering Delon’s health by refusing him medication.

In April this year, a judge placed Delon under “intensified supervision”, meaning he no longer had complete freedom to manage his property.

Delon again made headlines in February this year when French police seized 72 guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition from his home. Prosecutors say he does not have a gun license.

A shooting range was also found at his Douchy-Montcorbon mansion.

BBC News has contacted Delon’s representatives.