Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, who first achieved fame with her 1999 Cannes d’Or-winning, big screen debut in Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne’s drama Rosetta, has died at the age of 43. The actress, who revealed she was battling rare adrenal gland cancer in October 2023, died in hospital on the outskirts of Paris on Sunday evening, March 16, 2025, as confirmed by her agent Danielle Gain to the AFP.
Born on August 29, 1981, Dequenne began her artistic education at Belgium’s Music & Spoken Word Academy in Baudour at a young age, taking up drama at 12 and joining the La Relève Theater troupe. Her break came when she landed her first cinema role at just 17 years old in Rosetta, portraying a teenager living with her alcoholic mother. Her performance garnered widespread acclaim, earning her the prestigious Best Actress award at Cannes, which also marked the Dardenne brothers' first Palme d’Or win.
Dequenne's career flourished throughout the 2000s, as she starred in notable films such as Christophe Gans’ historical thriller The Brotherhood of the Wolf and Claude Berri’s The Housekeeper. She also ventured internationally, featuring in English-language films like Mary McGuckian’s costume drama The Bridge of San Luis Rey, which included talents like Gabriel Byrne, Robert de Niro, and Cathy Bates.
The actress had amassed 61 acting credits during her career and continued to leave her mark on the film industry. Notably, she received the Best Supporting Actress César for her role in Emmanuel Mouret’s The Things We Say, The Things We Do. Other notable works included her performance opposite Tahar Rahim in Joachim Lafosse’s 2012 psychological family drama Our Children, which deeply explored familial dynamics.
Her impactful portrayal in Lucas Belvaux’s 2018 political drama This Is Our Land earned her the Belgian Magritte for Best Actress, solidifying her reputation among directors and audiences alike. Most recently, she was featured on the big screen last fall as the mother of a victim involved in bullying, in the Belgian drama TKT, demonstrating her range and ability to tackle complex themes.
The news of her passing has sparked mourning across the entertainment community, with tributes flooding social media and fans sharing fond memories of her performances. Many colleagues have expressed their sorrow and disbelief, reflecting on her significant contributions to cinema and the arts.
Dequenne’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire upcoming generations of actors and filmmakers. Her powerful performances and dedication to her craft have not only enriched the film industry but also added depth to the stories told on screen.
Émilie Dequenne will be remembered not only for her talent but also for the strength she exhibited during her battle with cancer and her commitment to excellence throughout her career.