Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, renowned for her powerful performances, has sadly passed away at the age of 43 on March 16, 2025, at the Gustave Roussy hospital located in Villejuif, France. This tragic news was confirmed by her family and her agent, Danielle Gain. Émilie fought bravely against rare adrenal cancer known as corticosurrenaloma, which was diagnosed just two months before her announcement of the illness.
Dequenne's legacy began at the tender age of 18 when she captured the hearts of audiences with her performance in "Rosetta," a role which won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. Gilles Jacob, the former president of the Festival, offered heartfelt sentiments about her impactful talent, stating, "She infused vitality to a film already racing at 100 miles per hour." This remarkable entry propelled her to stardom, establishing her as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation.
Throughout her career, Dequenne starred in nearly 50 films, including acclaimed titles such as "La fille du RER" (2009), "À perdre la raison" (2012), and "Les choses qu'on dit, les choses qu'on fait" (2021). The latter earned her another prestigious César award for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing the depth of her talent. Despite her successful career, her health struggles kept her away from the film sets as she battled this aggressive illness.
On February 4, 2025, Dequenne took to Instagram to express the gravity of her situation, posting, "Quelle lutte acharnée ! Et qu’on ne choisit pas..." on the occasion of World Cancer Day. Earlier, during one of her last interviews on the program "Sept à Huit," she opened up about her condition, claiming, "I know for sure I won’t live as long as expected... I’ve always dreamed of living at least until 80 years old and peacefully passing away during my sleep." Her bravery and fighting spirit garnered admiration from fans and colleagues alike.
Having revealed her diagnosis publicly, Émilie aimed to raise awareness about the formidable challenges faced by cancer patients. "Cancer is not a shameful disease," she insisted during interviews, hoping her experience would resonate with others battling similar issues. "It's already hard enough; feeling alone makes it worse. If I can comfort anyone, I will." Even as she faced her own struggles, she found the strength to promote her latest film, "Survive," which was released in June 2024, shortly after her brief period of remission. She humorously remarked, “It’s strange to promote a film called Survive, where I combat crabs, considering my state!”
The film industry mourns the loss of Émilie Dequenne, with the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, expressing her condolences on social media. She noted, "French cinema loses, too early, a talented actress who still had so much to offer." The outpouring of love from fellow actors and friends following Dequenne’s passing reflects the immense impact she had not just on the screen, but also off it. Fellow actor Alex Lutz remarked, "Her talent and kindness will be sorely missed," capturing the essence of the sorrow felt by many.
Émilie Dequenne’s career was not merely marked by awards but also by her relentless desire to push boundaries, refusing to be confined to specific roles. She actively sought diverse characters throughout her career, becoming known for her varied performances. “I don’t want to be pigeonholed. I transform for each role,” she asserted, proving her versatility time and again.
Sadly, this vibrant spirit has left us far too soon, but the memories of her extraordinary talent and passion will endure. Her contributions to cinema command respect, and her poignant struggle against cancer inspires many to confront their own battles and fight for survival. Given the attention she drew to the reality of cancer and her relentless advocacy for cancer research and awareness, she will be remembered not solely for her roles but also as someone who faced her challenges with grace and courage.
Émilie Dequenne’s life and career may have been cut short, but her legacy will live on through the films she created and the lives she touched. Her story serves as both a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring spirit of those who fight against adversity. She will be missed but cherished, and the memory of her work will linger on the screens of cinema for years to come.