Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, known for her powerful and impassioned performances, tragically passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 43, after battling a rare form of cancer. Her untimely death has left a significant void within the francophone cinema community, which she graced for over 25 years with her remarkable talents.
Born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Wallonia, Dequenne was first discovered at the tender age of 17 by acclaimed directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. Their pivotal film, Rosetta, released in 1999, marked her debut and served as launching pad, winning the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Best Actress award for her riveting portrayal of a struggling young woman.
Throughout her career, which spanned nearly 50 films, Dequenne showcased her diverse acting prowess across various genres—from dramas to thrillers to comedies. One of her early notable roles was in 2001’s Le Pacte des loups, where she played the character of Marianne de Morangias, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with her performances.
At 21, Dequenne starred in Une femme de ménage (2002), earning acclaim for her authentic portrayal of Laura, which garnered her a nomination for Most Promising Actress at the César Awards. This film depicted the sweet, poignant relationship between her character and the older man, played by Jean-Pierre Bacri. Dequenne’s natural acting style struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, establishing her as a formidable presence on screen.
Some years later, she was seen acting alongside legendary actress Catherine Deneuve and Nicolas Duvauchelle in the 2009 film La fille du RER, based on the sensational real-life story of a young woman's false claims about being targeted for antisemitism. This film portrayed a complex, multifaceted character as Dequenne struggled with her identity within the media spotlight.
Her heart-wrenching role in À perdre la raison (2012) is often considered one of her finest performances, where she plays the mother of five who tragically takes the lives of her children—a story inspired by the infamous case of Geneviève Lhermitte. Thanks to this emotionally intense role, she was honored once again at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Best Actress award within the Un Certain Regard section.
Dequenne continued to evolve and take on challenging roles, such as her performance as Madeleine Péricourt in Albert Dupontel's Au revoir là-haut (2017), which was adapted from Pierre Lemaitre's renowned novel and won the Prix Goncourt. With this role, Dequenne demonstrated her adaptability and strength, which only added to her portfolio of impressive performances.
Her latest works included Les Choses qu’on dit, les choses qu’on fait (2020), where she played the role of a disillusioned woman caught up in the emotional turbulence of infidelity. This remarkably nuanced role won her the César for Best Supporting Actress at the 2021 ceremony, showing her growth as not just an actress but also as an artist capable of great depth.
Despite her professional success, Dequenne faced personal challenges, especially her health. She publicly revealed her battle with corticosurrenaloma, a rare endocrine cancer, which she was diagnosed with just months before her passing. During her treatment, she openly shared her struggles with her audience, exhibiting immense bravery and vulnerability as she dealt with the realities of her illness. On December 1, 2024, she told journalist Audrey Crespo-Mara, "I will not live as long as expected," following her announcement of the disease’s return. The raw honesty she displayed endeared her even more to fans who admired her resilience.
Her last film appearance, Survivre (2024), was described as fitting for her untiring spirit and had her acting alongside strong co-stars, adding another layer to her already diverse portfolio. Tragically, it was the same spirit she exhibited on screen and off as she fought against the disease ravaging her body.
Émilie Dequenne passed away at Gustave Roussy hospital, leaving behind her 22-year-old daughter and husband, actor Michel Ferracci, whom she married in 2014. This deeply saddening news was confirmed by her family and agent, Danielle Gain, and has sparked tributes from fans and colleagues alike.
Reflecting on her life and career, Émilie Dequenne was not only known for her cinematic achievements but also for her indomitable spirit. She became synonymous with the characters she portrayed—a warrior both on-screen and off, adored by her fans, and respected by her peers. Her death marks the end of a brilliant era for francophone cinema and leaves behind echoes of her talent, passion, and the indelible mark she has made on the hearts of many.
