Émilie Dequenne, the renowned Belgian actress celebrated for her gripping performance in the Palme d’Or-winning film Rosetta, has tragically passed away at the age of 43. Dequenne's family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Sunday, March 16, 2025, stating she succumbed to adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, at the Gustave Roussy hospital just outside Paris.
Born in Belœil, Belgium, on August 29, 1981, Dequenne emerged onto the film scene at just 18 years old when she co-starred in the Dardenne brothers' acclaimed film Rosetta. Her portrayal of the titular character—a young girl desperately striving for stability amid chaos—earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, marking her as one of the youngest winners of this honor. The film was not only recognized for Dequenne’s performance but also clinched the coveted Palme d’Or at the festival.
Her groundbreaking role established her as one of the notable talents of her generation, leading her to star alongside celebrated actress Catherine Deneuve in the 2009 drama The Girl on the Train, and to portray the police officer Laurence Renauld on the French series The Missing. Dequenne continued to captivate audiences with her performances across various genres, showcasing her range and depth. She won acclaim again for her role in Our Children (2012), where her unsettling portrayal of a mother led her to receive the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes.
Despite her growing fame, Dequenne remained down-to-earth, often eschewing Hollywood for smaller, meaningful projects. "I have been to Hollywood and had meetings, but really they don’t do the kind of films I like to make," she reflected during an interview with The Guardian. Her last film, released earlier this year, was the post-apocalyptic thriller Survive, which saw her returning to cinematic projects after sharing her medical struggles with the public.
Dequenne's tenacity became evident as she publicly battled cancer and continued to work. After being diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma in October 2023, she candidly shared her experiences with treatment, stating, "Deep down, I know for a fact I won't live as long as I thought I would. I'm only 43. I've always dreamed of living to be at least 80.” This insight showcased not only her strength but also her vulnerability, making her connection with fans and colleagues all the more poignant.
Her passing has evoked substantial tributes from those who knew her and were touched by her artistry. French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati shared, "We were all marked by her deeply moving performances... It’s too soon, we lost a talented actress who still had so much to offer." Luc Dardenne, the director who gave her the breakthrough role, lamented, "Acting was her life. She was intuitive but worked hard... we loved it too." The ripple effect of her loss has stirred heartfelt reactions, highlighting the community’s sorrow.
Dequenne leaves behind her husband, director and producer Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla Savarese. Friends and colleagues have described her as not just talented but also immensely kind, exemplifying how her character and inner strength shone through her roles: actress Leila Bekhti called her, "A great lady, a great soul..." While mourning her absence, fans have flooded social media with remembrances of her work, reiterative of her lasting impact on European cinema.
Her legacy as one of cinema's remarkable talents will surely endure, with cinema lovers cherishing her performances and the emotional truth she brought to every role. The gap left by her departure is substantial, but her work will continue to inspire actors and audiences alike for years to come.
