Émilie Dequenne, the acclaimed Belgian actress best known for her monumental role in the film Rosetta, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 43. The news was confirmed by her family to various media outlets, including Agence France-Presse, emphasizing the loss of a talented artist who captivated both critics and audiences alike.
Dequenne died at the Gustave Roussy hospital located just outside Paris after battling adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer. She had publicly revealed her diagnosis back in October 2023 and fought valiantly through her treatment. Reports indicate she had initially been declared cancer-free by April 2024 but faced challenges as the illness recurred at the end of the year.
Born on August 29, 1981, in Belœil, Belgium, Dequenne embarked on her acting career at just 18 years old. Her breakout performance as the title character in the Dardenne Brothers’ critically acclaimed film Rosetta not only won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival but also secured the film the prestigious Palme d’Or award. “Acting was her life,” said Luc Dardenne, one of the film's directors, reflecting upon her extraordinary talent and dedication.
Émilie’s passion for acting began blossoming early, inspired partly by her idolization of Marilyn Monroe. She honed her craft at the Académie de Musique et des Arts de la Parole de Baudour, setting the stage for her successful career. Throughout her over two-decade-long career, she garnered numerous accolades and appeared in nearly fifty films, ranging from French dramas to international productions.
Throughout her career, Dequenne also starred in several critically and commercially successful films, including The Girl on the Train (2009), opposite French cinema legend Catherine Deneuve, and Our Children (2012), for which she received the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes. Her ability to portray complex emotional landscapes made her performances unforgettable.
Dequenne’s last project, the English-language thriller Survive, released shortly before her health deteriorated, showcased her versatility as an actress. Despite her failing health, she returned to the Cannes Film Festival last year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rosetta, underscoring her enduring connection to the film and the festival.
Publicly discussing her battle with cancer, Dequenne underscored the importance of being candid about her illness. She reflected on her experience saying, “Just writing these few words is an oversized effort.” Her strength during such trying times inspired many of her fans and followers. Recognizing the support she received from her family and husband, Michel Ferracci, she often expressed gratitude for their unwavering presence during her fight against cancer.
The actress leaves behind her husband, as well as her 22-year-old daughter, Milla Savarese, who is also pursuing acting. Her family has expressed their devastation over the loss of their beloved Émilie, who brought joy and inspiration to those who knew her. Friends and colleagues have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes, describing her as not only talented but also filled with courage and warmth.
Dequenne's unfortunate passing has sparked conversations surrounding the fight against cancer and has drawn attention to the early warnings signs of adrenal cancer, which often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed significantly. Cancer Research UK reports approximately 260 diagnoses each year, illustrating the rarity of the condition.
While the industry mourns the loss of Émilie Dequenne, her artistic legacy will undoubtedly live on through her films and the impact she had on both her audiences and fellow actors. Her contributions to cinema remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
