Alain Delon was born into a decent-income family who lived in a rather wealthy neighborhood in the Department of Seine (present-day Hauts-de-Seine).
French cinema has lost one of its greatest icons. Alain Delon, the legendary actor whose compelling presence defined the golden era of French film, passed away at 88.
Key Takeaways
- Alain Delon was born to François Fabien Delon and Édith Marie Suzanne Arnold in 1935.
- The Delons were from what is known as a “petit-bourgeois family” or the lower middle class.
Alain Delon Parents’ Background
Alain’s father, François Fabien Delon, worked as a projectionist and later became the director of the cinema Le Régina in Bourg-la-Reine.
Alain’s mother, Édith Marie Suzanne Arnold, initially assisted in a pharmacy but later became a theater usher in the cinema.
When the actor was only 4, his parents divorced and remarried. He had half-siblings from both his parents.
Alain Delon’s Parents And Story Of Foster Care
Alain was sent to foster care. Unfortunately, after having stayed with them for a short while, his foster parents passed away.
Soon after, he was sent back to his parents. However, they did not quite give him the attention he needed as a child.
Delon started rebelling and was even expelled from the school.
His parents decided that studying was not for him and forced him to drop out.
Édith was married to a butcher and delicatessen owner from Bourg-la-Reine, who took Delon into his family home. In an interview, the late Hollywood icon revealed that he never felt safe.
After passing a CAP examination in charcuterie at the Au Jambon de Paris, he worked at his stepfather’s delicatessen.
Even during those three years, his rebellious patterns earned him a bad reputation in society. He often got into bar fights while partying excessively.
Alain Delon’s Parents Raised His Son
Though he had a troubled childhood, Alain’s parents were the ones who raised one of his children.
Christian Aaron Boulogne was born to Nico and Alain Delon.
Delon never admitted to him being his son.
Sadly enough, Christian passed away on May 20, 2023. His body had been decomposed prior to being found in a mysterious state in Paris.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Alain Delon served in the military from 1952 to 1956.
- He started his acting career in 1957.
- Though he had several partners, including Romy Schneider and Mireille Darc, he was married to only Nathalie Barthélémy.
