Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne, widely celebrated for her powerful lead role in Rosetta, has tragically passed away at the age of 43.
Her longtime agent, Danielle Gain, confirmed to AFP that Dequenne died on the evening of Sunday, March 16, at a hospital near Paris, France, as reported by Deadline. Her untimely passing comes nearly two years after she bravely revealed her battle with a rare adrenal gland cancer in October 2023.
Charlotte Tourret, Emilie’s press representative, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram:
“You are an inspiring woman, a beautiful soul, and a remarkable actress. I will always remember your radiant smile and shining eyes. I love you forever, my Emilie 🕊️
Milla, Michel, Danielle, Isabelle… my thoughts are with you all.”
Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne was born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Belgium. She first captured international acclaim in 1999 with her breakout role in the Dardenne brothers’ Rosetta, a gripping drama about a young woman’s relentless fight for survival. Her raw, powerful performance earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, instantly launching her onto the global stage.
Following Rosetta, Dequenne carved out a versatile and impressive career across European cinema. She effortlessly moved between intense dramas, psychological thrillers, and evocative period pieces. Among her standout roles was in The Girl on the Train (2009), where she masterfully portrayed a woman ensnared in a tangled web of deception, and Our Children (2012), a harrowing drama that brought her another Best Actress award at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section. Other notable films include The Pack (2010), Je ne suis pas un salaud (2015), and Rouge (2020), each showcasing her remarkable depth and range as an actress.
Emilie Dequenne was widely celebrated for her extraordinary talent in bringing complex, emotionally rich characters to life. Throughout her career, she collaborated with some of Europe’s most respected filmmakers and earned a cherished place in both Belgian and French cinema.
In October 2023, Dequenne courageously shared her diagnosis of a rare adrenal gland cancer. Despite facing this daunting challenge, she continued to work passionately, inspiring countless fans and colleagues with her unwavering strength and determination.
According to Variety, Emilie is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla, whom she had with her former partner, Alexandre Savarese.