Émilie Dequenne, the celebrated Belgian actress renowned for her poignant role in the film "Rosetta," passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the young age of 43. Her death, resulting from a rare cancer, has left the film community reeling and mourning the loss of one of its brightest talents.
Dequenne's career skyrocketed after her breakout role as the lead character, Rosetta, which earned her the prestigious Prix d'interprétation féminine at the Cannes Film Festival back in 1999. Directed by the renowned Dardenne brothers, the film went on to win the Palme d'Or, solidifying her status as a formidable actress. After her passing, director Luc Dardenne expressed his sorrow, stating, "It's terrible, life is disgusting sometimes." He spoke of how Dequenne was not only remarkably talented but also had so much more to give to cinema.
Born on August 29, 1981, Dequenne had graced the silver screen with nearly 50 films throughout her impressive career. Recently, she had been fighting against corticosurrenaloma, described as cancer of the endocrine system. This devastating diagnosis came to light when she revealed it to the public back in October 2023, not long after her diagnosis two months prior. Tragically, she spent her final days receiving palliative care at Gustave Roussy hospital.
Her fight against the disease was one marked by resilience. On February 4, 2025, she made poignant reflections on social media, acknowledging her struggles during World Cancer Day. "What a hard fight! And one we do not choose..." she shared on Instagram, demonstrating her courageous approach to her illness.
Dequenne's presence was not only felt in her memorable performances, but she also inspired her peers with her tenacity. Luc Dardenne reminisced about the day she auditioned for "Rosetta," recalling how well-prepared and enthusiastic she was. "We saw she was magnificent... you could feel the camera loved her," he recalled, clearly struck by the actress's passion and talent during her early years. This passion continued to be apparent through her sustained contributions to film such as “La fille du RER” (2009), “À perdre la raison” (2012), and “Les choses qu’on dit, les choses qu’on fait” (2020), which earned her yet another accolade, the César for Best Supporting Role.
After notable appearances, including at Cannes for the 25th anniversary of "Rosetta" where she presented her last film, "Survivre," her battle with cancer was visible yet marked by hope. She inspired many by publicly sharing her struggles, famously stating, "Cancer is not a shameful illness." This message was not only personal but also directed toward encouraging others who might find themselves grappling with the same challenges.
The outpouring of tributes to Dequenne from the film industry highlights her impact. Gilles Jacob, former president of the Cannes Festival, said she "brought vitality to the film Rosetta" and highlighted the fearless spirit she embodied, hinting at how she navigated her final days with dignity. Dominique Besnehard, her former agent, echoed this sentiment, calling her "a subtle, generous, and inventive actress, akin to Annie Girardot"—a comparison reflecting the high esteem she held among her colleagues.
Her passing has been felt widely. Renowned actor Jean Dujardin expressed his grief on social media with the simple yet poignant words, "No words. I think of you, and your family". Other friends and collaborators, such as Tahar Rahim and Vincent Macaigne, shared their sorrow, posting heartfelt tributes on social media alongside affectionate images of Dequenne.
With her departure, the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, articulated the collective loss. She remarked on social media, "The francophone cinema loses too soon, a talented actress who had so much left to offer." This sentiment reverberates with many who cherished Dequenne not just for her talents but for her warmth and kindness off-screen.
Émilie Dequenne leaves behind her young daughter, Milla, who was born in 2002. Her life and career remind us of the fragility of time and the importance of celebrating the vibrant lives of those who inspire us, both on-and off-screen. The film industry has not only lost an actress but has been deprived of the potential for magical stories she still had to tell.
Her legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through her performances but also through her remarkable spirit and the stories she shared with her audience during her fight against cancer. Émilie Dequenne will be remembered as the joyful and enthusiastic star whose contributions to cinema will resonate for years to come.