Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne, known for her award-winning roles, has tragically passed away at the age of 43 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer.
Her family and agent confirmed the news of her death on Sunday, which occurred in a hospital just outside of Paris.
A Brave Fight Against Cancer
In October 2023, Dequenne publicly shared her diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer that affects the adrenal glands.
By April 2024, she gave hope to her fans when she announced her complete remission, expressing relief and determination to resume her career.
“I was close to forgetting because I was leaving the hospital today after 13 days… What a tough battle,” she wrote on social media at the time.
Sadly, her health took a devastating turn when she suffered a relapse later in the year.
Facing the Reality of Illness
By December 2024, Dequenne was candid about her declining health in an interview with French television show TF1.
“I know I will not live as long as planned,” she shared, acknowledging the severity of her condition.
Despite the heartbreaking news, her honesty and bravery throughout her journey left a lasting impression on those who followed her story.
A Rising Star in the Film Industry
Dequenne’s career began with a breakout role in the 1999 film Rosetta, directed by the Dardenne brothers.
Her powerful performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, and Rosetta won the prestigious Golden Palm.
Following this success, Dequenne became a prominent figure in French cinema, starring in films such as Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), A Housekeeper (2002), and The Very Merry Widows (2003).
Her career continued to thrive, and she received numerous awards for her roles in both French-language and international films.
Notable works included The Girl on the Train (2009) and Our Children (2012), further solidifying her status as one of Belgium’s finest actresses.
In 2010, she attended the Cannes Film Festival for the Special Screening of The Pack, directed by Franck Richard.
Returning to Cannes and the Final Film
In 2024, Dequenne made a memorable return to the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her win for Rosetta.
She also promoted Survive, a disaster film in English that marked her final project before her illness took her away from the spotlight.
In an interview about the film, Dequenne revealed that she had been unaware of her illness while filming.
She described how becoming a mother deeply influenced her connection to the dystopian narrative, adding a layer of personal experience to her role.
“We had dinner together. When we came back, we were in the same car to go to the set.
We were together, always together,” Dequenne recalled fondly of her time spent with the cast, especially the children involved in the film.
She cherished the bond they had created, particularly with the young actress who played her daughter, who has since become a close friend of Dequenne’s own daughter.
A Life Remembered and Loved
Born on August 29, 1981, in Belgium, Emilie Dequenne leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of film and a deeply grieving family.
She is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and their daughter.
Dequenne’s passing has touched countless fans and colleagues, who will remember her for both her extraordinary talent and the immense courage she showed in the face of illness.