Dead film legend Alain Delon wished for a Catholic funeral

Alain Delon (88), the French film legend who died on Sunday, had special wishes for his funeral. In one of his last interviews, he told the magazine "Paris Match" in 2021 that he wanted a Catholic funeral ceremony. "But discreetly," he emphasised. "I don't want a public funeral. I'm not interested in that at all."

On several occasions, he also expressed his wish to be buried near his dogs. "I want to be buried surrounded by my animals," said the international star, who had a chapel built on his estate next to the graves of his 35 dogs. He loved them so much that they made up "half of his life".

Between heaven and hell

When asked whether he would go to heaven or hell after death, the devout Catholic replied: "I think I'll end up somewhere in between."

Delon's family announced on Sunday morning that the star had died peacefully at his home in Douchy near Paris. Delon starred in dozens of films over more than half a century. He became internationally famous not least for his role as a ruthless killer in "The Icy Angel" (1967). In 2019, he was honoured with the Palme d'Or for his lifetime achievement at the Cannes Film Festival. In the same year, he suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. (KNA)