Émilie Dequenne, the acclaimed Belgian actress widely recognized for her breakout role in the film Rosetta, has passed away at the age of 43 after battling rare adrenal gland cancer. Her family confirmed her death on March 16, 2025, stating she died in a hospital just outside Paris.
Born on August 29, 1981, Émilie Dequenne made her mark on the film industry at just 17 years old, thanks to the Dardenne brothers' film Rosetta, released in 1999. Her portrayal of the struggling titular character earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, where the film itself claimed the prestigious Palme d'Or. This role launched her career and established her as one of Belgium's promising talents.
Her success extended beyond her debut, as she continued to showcase her versatility across different genres. Over the years, Dequenne received accolades for her performances in films such as The Girl on the Train (2009) and Our Children (2012), the latter of which also garnered her recognition at Cannes.
Tragically, her life took a difficult turn when she revealed her diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal gland, in October 2023. The announcement shocked fans and the film community alike. "I had completely forgotten my health situation as I was leaving the hospital after 13 days," she shared via social media during her treatment, displaying her resilience and determination to return to her life and career.
Despite her optimism and news of being in complete remission by April 2024, her health took a sudden turn for the worse, leading to her relapse. On December 1, 2024, during her appearance on French television show TF1, she expressed solemnly, "I know I will not live as long as planned," reflecting her acceptance of her deteriorated condition.
Dequenne's last public appearance was at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where she celebrated the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking win alongside the Dardenne brothers and promoted the English-language disaster film Survive, which was to be her final project before illness forced her to cease her work.
Known also for her roles in Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) and This Is Our Land (2018), Émilie Dequenne crafted her artistic path by tackling diverse character narratives with authenticity and depth. She was also recognized for her maternal portrayals, embodying roles reflecting strong family dynamics. During the production of Close (2022), she shared insights on motherhood and its influence on her craft, stating, "It's like your strength and your power and your braveness completely changed. And you see life through another vision," manifesting her growth as both a performer and a mother.
The news of her death sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow actors, many of whom shared memories of her iconic performances. A tweet from her colleague reflected the sentiment: "L'immense actrice Émilie Dequenne, meilleur espoir féminin aux César en 2000 et Prix d'interprétation féminine à Cannes en 2012, est décédée d'un cancer à l'âge de 42 ans," demonstrating her impact and the void left behind.
Émilie Dequenne's legacy remains woven within the fabric of French-language cinema. Her performances not only showcased her immense talent but also evoked raw emotion and passion, marking her as one of the most memorable actresses of her generation. Her contributions to the arts will undoubtedly continue to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors for years to come.
The film industry mourns the loss of Émilie Dequenne, whose brilliance illuminated the screen and whose spirit (though no longer physically present) will live on through her remarkable body of work.