Belgian Actress Émilie Dequenne Passes Away at 43
- 43-year-old acclaimed filmmaker passes away.
In heartbreaking news, Émilie Dequenne, the incredible Belgian actress who charmed audiences with her raw and powerful performances, has left us at the tender age of 43. Her untimely demise occurred on the 16th of March, 2025, in a hospital near Paris. Her trusted agent confirmed the news to the AFP, as reported by various media outlets.
For a quarter-century, Émilie made an indelible impact on the global film scene, captivating audiences worldwide. Her journey began in 1999, with her earth-shattering debut in "Rosetta," a drama by the esteemed Belgian filmmakers, Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. At just 17, Émilie played an unforgettable teenager living in a trailer park with her mother, battling alcoholism. This groundbreaking role earned her the best actress prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
From "Brotherhood of the Wolf" to Final Chords
Following her triumph at Cannes, Émilie graced the silver screen with her gaze in a series of captivating French-language films. One such project was the thrilling spectacle "Brotherhood of the Wolf," co-starring Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci in 2001. Its Germank popularity demonstrates her international appeal. Émilie ventured into English-language cinema with the star-studded cast of "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." In 2022, she starred in the critically-acclaimed Belgian drama "Close," a contender for the Best International Film Oscar. She portrayed the resilient mother of a boy subjected to bullying due to his unbreakable bond with a friend.
Outside of her theatrical endeavors, Émilie's life was filled with love and laughter. She is survived by her daughter Milla Savarese, an actress also pursuing her passion. Milla is the result of her relationship with legendary DJ Alexandre Savarese. Since 2014, Émilie had been married to the talented French actor, Michel Ferracci.
- Cannes
- Cancer
- Mother
- Sunday
- Paris
- Brotherhood of the Wolf
- AFP
Enrichment Data:
Émilie's legacy extends beyond the roles she played on screen. Her career was replete with a diverse range of projects testimony to her immense talent and dedication to her craft. Here are some key highlights:
Career Highlights
- "Rosetta" (1999): Émilie's debut film, winning both the Palme d'Or and the Best Actress award at Cannes.
- "A Song of Innocence": A significant role in her career development, following the success of "Rosetta."
- "The Girl on the Train": A noteworthy appearance opposite renowned actress Catherine Deneuve.
- "Our Children" (2012): A return to Cannes, where she won the Un Certain Regard actress prize.
- "Close" (2022): Her third appearance at Cannes, earning her wider recognition.
- "Retro Therapy," "Survive," and "TKT" (2024): Émilie's final silver screen appearances.
Her career was characterized by her versatility, with each performance showcasing her gifts for portraying complex characters. Her passing at the age of 43 came after her fight against a rare form of cancer. Émilie's memory will live on through the impact she left on the film industry and countless lives touched by her artistry.
I'm not sure about the exact date of Émilie Dequenne's death, but it was reported by the AFP in 2025, five years after her memorable performance in the critically-acclaimed Belgian drama "Close" at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022. Interestingly, Émilie's acting career began in 1999, starring in the Iranian-Belgian drama "Rosetta," where she won the Best Actress award at Cannes. Despite her battle with a rare form of cancer, her films continued to be released, such as "Brotherhood of the Wolf" in 2001 and "Retro Therapy," "Survive," and "TKT" in 2024.
