Every year we lose legendary stars who have shaped cinema and entertainment around the world. Alain Delon joined the list of celebrities on 18 August, as he passed away at his home in France at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his children, Anthony, Anouchka, and Alain-Fabien, who announced the sad news in a joint press release. Like many who have lost a loved one, they stressed the importance of discretion and intimacy at the time of his death.
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While his cause of death was not revealed, the actor has had his fair share of health battles. He had a stroke in 2019 and his son announced earlier this year (2024) that he was diagnosed with type B lymphoma.
The actor, who marked generations with his unforgettable roles in Le Samouraï, Le Guépard, and Plein Soleil, has been laid to rest in the chapel he built on his estate, alongside his many dogs.
Alain Delon's intimate farewell
The funeral took place on 24 August, and was held in the strictest privacy. Alain Delon always rejected the idea of a national tribute and wanted a private ceremony reserved for those closest to him. As per France 24, around 50 people attended the funeral, which took place at his estate in commune of Douchy. However, dozens of fans gathered outside the gate to pay their respects.
Delon had very specific wishes for his funeral—one of which stirred quite a racket in the country. It involved his trusted companion Loubo, his Belgian Shepherd.
Loubo: a faithful companion at the heart of the debate
Alain Delon is known for being an animal lover and he had forged a special relationship with Loubo, his pet dog. For years, after being weakened by the stroke and cancer, he had found comfort in the presence of his canine. He told Paris Match in 2018:
He’s my end of life dog … I love him like a child
I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a special relationship with this one. He misses me when I’m not there.
For this reason, he always wished that Loubo would go into the afterlife with him. Indeed, Delon wanted his dog to be euthanised and buried with him.
The revelation caused outrage from animal rights activists, and the public wanted to know whether or not the family would go through with this wish.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation and Jeanne Mas set the record straight
As reported by The Guardian, a spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation confirmed that the dog would not be euthanised. They said:
I’ve just had Anouchka Delon on the phone and she has told me that Loubo is part of the family and will be kept. The dog will not be put down.
But they were not the only ones who wanted to reassure the public. 80s singer Jeanne Mas, who was close to the actor, clarified everything on X and told animal lovers online that Loubo had not been abandoned. She said, as translated:
Dear friends, Alain Delon's energy is still with us and you're already thinking of putting his dog behind bars? Loubo is not alone. He still has a family, including Brigitte Bardot and myself. Let Loubo watch over his master, who adored him.
Loubo will continue to live with the Delon family
With the confirmation that Loubo will not be euthanised, all eyes are now on the future of this loyal companion. According to the latest information, he will remain at the family home in Douchy and be surrounded by Delon's closest friends and family. In particular Anthony, the actor's eldest son, will look after the Belgian Shepherd.
Loubo will be able to continue living in the familiar surroundings he knows, alongside the other animals on the estate. For Alain Delon, the presence of his dogs, even after his death, was essential. That's why he had prepared a chapel on his estate where he could rest beside them.
This article has been translated from Ohmymag FR.
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Sources used:
BFMTV / X / Instagram
The Guardian: Alain Delon’s family refuse to put down dog actor wished to be buried with
France 24: Movie star Alain Delon buried in private ceremony at his estate in France
