Émilie Dequenne, the acclaimed Belgian actress known for her remarkable talent and unforgettable performances, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the young age of 43. Her death, attributed to advanced adrenal gland cancer known as corticosurrenaloma, has sent shockwaves through the film community and beyond.
Throughout her impressive career, which took off at just 18 when she starred as the title character in Rosetta, Dequenne had consistently displayed remarkable depth and versatility as an actress. Gaining acclaim for her role, she won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival alongside the film’s directors, the Dardenne brothers. Dequenne quickly became one of the most promising talents, earning accolades for performances across numerous films.
Her battle with cancer started publicly when she announced her diagnosis back in October 2023, just two months after being diagnosed with corticosurrenaloma, which is exceedingly rare, affecting only one to two people per million each year. The actress was candid about her illness, stating, “C’est une maladie chronique et compliquée mais cette rémission, j'avais envie de la partager.”
After undergoing treatment and initially proclaiming her remission, Dequenne’s health took another turn as her condition became more serious, leading her to palliative care at the Gustave Roussy hospital, where she spent her final days. Danielle Gain, her agent of 26 years, reflected on Émilie’s determination and optimism, recalling, “Jusqu’à il y a trois semaines, elle a cru qu’elle pourrait guérir.” Tragically, after enjoying her brief remission, she faced the harsh reality of her disease’s progression.
Tributes have poured in from across the film industry, underscoring the impact Dequenne made during her brief but brilliant career. Luc Dardenne, who directed her in Rosetta, spoke of her unwavering passion for acting: “Elle était toujours partante, toujours prête à partir au combat, toujours. Elle adorait tourner, c’était sa vie.” Fellow actors took to social media to express their admiration and grief, emphasizing her talent and the early loss of her vibrant spirit.
Her funeral is set to take place on March 26, 2025, at 3:30 PM at the Père-Lachaise crematorium. Her family has requested donations to medical research focusing on cancer, reflecting Émilie’s commitment to raising awareness around the illness she battled so valiantly.
Dequenne’s fight against cancer was not just about personal survival; she bravely voiced her experience to inspire others. The disease was not only chronic but complicated, with its aggressive nature behind her medical challenges. Indeed, the corticosurrenaloma she faced was not merely treated but required sustained efforts and adaptive healthcare from specialized medical teams across her treatment timeline. Despite the odds, she wanted the world to recognize both her humanity and the fight against cancer.
During her career, Émilie starred in about fifty films, exploring various roles from La fille du RER to À perdre la raison, proving her vast range and dedication to her craft. The poignant remarks made by her peers highlight the value she brought to the French cinema scene. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati expressed her sorrow, stating the francophone cinema has lost “trop tôt, une actrice de talent qui avait encore tant à lui offrir.”
Though her brilliant career was cut short, Émilie Dequenne leaves behind a powerful legacy, illuminating not just her talent but her spirit of resilience. With her artistry recognized and memorialized, she will continue to be remembered for inspiring countless individuals through her wonderful work on-screen and her courageous stand against illness.
Émilie’s last public appearance on the Cannes red carpet, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Rosetta alongside family and colleagues, serves as both a tribute to her iconic role and as a reminder of the beauty she brought to the world. Émilie Dequenne may have left this world too soon, but her impact and memory will endure, embraced by those she affected through her art and her fight.
