Nathalie Delon was a French actress, director, and writer, best known for her role in the classic film Le Samouraï alongside her former husband, Alain Delon. Though often recognized as Alain Delon’s ex-wife, Nathalie was much more than just a spouse of a famous actor. She carved out her own identity in the entertainment industry and lived a life full of passion, challenges, and success.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Nathalie Delon (born Francine Canovas) |
| Birthdate | August 1, 1941 |
| Birthplace | Oujda, Morocco |
| Died | January 21, 2021 (aged 79) |
| Cause of Death | Pancreatic Cancer |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 64 kg (141 lb) |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Writer |
| Notable Work | Le Samouraï, Ils appellent ça un accident, Sweet Lies |
| Spouse(s) | Alain Delon (m. 1964–div. 1969), Guy Barthélémy (earlier) |
| Children | Anthony Delon (son), Nathalie Barthélémy (daughter) |
| Interests | Writing, Directing, Traveling, Reading |
| Net Worth | $1-5 million |
Early Life and Education
Nathalie was raised in a conservative household in Morocco. She had a difficult upbringing after her father abandoned the family when she was just a baby.
Though there is limited information about her formal education, it is known that she was an independent and strong-willed woman from an early age. Her move to France as a young woman allowed her to explore her artistic ambitions and ultimately led her to the world of cinema.
Age, Height & Weight
Nathalie Delon was born on August 1, 1941. She lived to the age of 79 before passing away on January 21, 2021, after battling pancreatic cancer.
Nathalie Delon was 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall and weighed 64 kg (141 lb) maintaining a slender and elegant physique throughout her career. She was known for her striking features and timeless beauty.
Family Life and Legacy
Despite her fame, Nathalie Delon always kept her family close to her heart. She was married twice—first to Guy Barthélémy, with whom she had a daughter, Nathalie Barthélémy, and later to Alain Delon, with whom she had a son, Anthony Delon. Her legacy continues through her children, especially Anthony, who followed in his parents’ footsteps and became an actor.
Nathalie Delon left behind a body of work that continues to be appreciated by cinephiles around the world. Her contributions to French cinema, both in front of and behind the camera, remain significant.
Personal Life & Interests
Aside from acting, Nathalie had a deep interest in writing and directing. She wrote a memoir titled Pleure pas, c’est pas grave, where she shared intimate details about her life, including her marriage to Alain Delon and her personal struggles. She also explored directing, making films such as Ils appellent ça un accident and Sweet Lies.
Nathalie enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with close friends and family. Despite being in the limelight, she preferred a private and simple lifestyle in her later years.
How Nathalie Delon Met Alain Delon
Nathalie met Alain Delon in the early 1960s at a nightclub in Paris. Their attraction was instant, leading to a whirlwind romance that captured the media’s attention. At the time, Alain Delon was already engaged to Romy Schneider, one of the biggest actresses in Europe. However, he left Schneider to be with Nathalie, and they married in 1964.
Who is Alain Delon?
Alain Delon is one of France’s most celebrated actors, known for his roles in classic films like Plein Soleil, Le Samouraï, and The Leopard. With his striking good looks and immense talent, he became a symbol of French cinema. Though his career was filled with success, his personal life was often tumultuous, especially his relationships.
Relationship and Marriage Life
Nathalie and Alain Delon’s marriage was passionate but short-lived. Though they had a strong bond in the early years, Alain’s busy career and personal issues led to tension in their relationship. They officially divorced in 1969, after just five years of marriage.
Despite their separation, Nathalie and Alain remained connected due to their son, Anthony. Nathalie often spoke highly of Alain, acknowledging his influence on her life and career while also emphasizing her independence.
Do They Have Kids?
Yes, Nathalie and Alain Delon had a son together, Anthony Delon, born on September 30, 1964. Anthony grew up to become an actor and entrepreneur, making a name for himself outside of his father’s shadow.
Current Life and Challenges
Following her divorce from Alain Delon, Nathalie focused on building her own career. She continued acting in films and later transitioned into directing. However, she faced personal struggles, including battles with substance abuse, which she candidly wrote about in her memoir. In her later years, she lived a more private life before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020. She passed away in January 2021, surrounded by her loved ones.
The Role of Alain Delon in Her Success
Although her association with Alain Delon undoubtedly helped bring her into the public eye, Nathalie Delon was determined to make a name for herself independently. She proved her talent in films beyond Le Samouraï, working on multiple projects as both an actress and a director.
She was respected in the industry for her dedication to her craft, and while Alain Delon was a significant part of her life, her success was built on her own efforts and talents.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Nathalie Delon’s net worth is $1-5 million, she had a successful career spanning several decades. Between her acting, directing, and writing, she likely accumulated considerable wealth. However, she was never one to flaunt her earnings and lived a relatively modest lifestyle compared to many Hollywood celebrities.
Future Plans and Projects
At the time of her passing, Nathalie Delon was no longer actively involved in filmmaking. However, her work continues to be celebrated, and retrospectives of her films keep her legacy alive.
Conclusion
Nathalie Delon was more than just Alain Delon’s ex-wife—she was an independent, talented actress and filmmaker who left an undeniable mark on French cinema. Despite facing personal struggles and living in the shadow of a high-profile marriage, she carved her own path in the entertainment industry. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and artistic dedication, ensuring that her legacy will not be forgotten.
FAQs
- Who was Nathalie Delon?
Nathalie Delon was a French actress, director, and writer, best known for her role in Le Samouraï. - When and where was Nathalie Delon born?
She was born on August 1, 1941, in Oujda, Morocco. - When did Nathalie Delon pass away?
She passed away on January 21, 2021, at the age of 79 due to pancreatic cancer. - How did Nathalie Delon become famous?
She gained fame for her role in Le Samouraï (1967), starring alongside Alain Delon. - Was Nathalie Delon married?
Yes, she was married to Alain Delon from 1964 to 1969. She was also previously married to Guy Barthélémy. - Did Nathalie Delon have children?
Yes, she had a son, Anthony Delon, with Alain Delon, and a daughter, Nathalie Barthélémy, from her first marriage. - What were Nathalie Delon’s notable films?
Apart from Le Samouraï, she worked on Ils appellent ça un accident and Sweet Lies. - Did Nathalie Delon work as a director?
Yes, she directed films, including Ils appellent ça un accident. - What was Nathalie Delon’s net worth?
Her net worth was estimated between $1-5 million. - Did Nathalie Delon write any books?
Yes, she wrote a memoir titled Pleure pas, c’est pas grave, sharing details about her life and struggles. - How did Nathalie Delon meet Alain Delon?
They met in the early 1960s at a nightclub in Paris. Alain Delon left Romy Schneider to marry her. - Why did Nathalie and Alain Delon divorce?
Their marriage ended in 1969 due to Alain’s demanding career and personal issues. - What was Nathalie Delon’s lifestyle like in her later years?
She preferred a private and simple life, focusing on family and personal interests. - What was her legacy in the film industry?
She left a lasting impact as an actress and filmmaker, known for her elegance and dedication to cinema.
