Emilie Dequenne, the talented Belgian actress renowned for her role in the film Rosetta, has passed away at the young age of 43. The sad news was confirmed by her agent, Danielle Gain, who revealed that Dequenne died in a hospital located near Paris on the evening of March 16.
Her death comes shortly after she disclosed her battle with a rare form of adrenal gland cancer in October 2023. Dequenne’s courageous fight against the disease drew admiration from many, including her press representative, Charlotte Tourret, who shared heartfelt tributes on social media, praising Dequenne’s strength and spirit.
Luc Dardenne, one of the directors of Rosetta, expressed his sorrow at the news. He remarked on how Dequenne brought a remarkable presence to her audition, shining brightly even at a young age. Her performance as a troubled teenager living with her mother in difficult circumstances earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999, alongside the film winning the Palme d’Or.
Despite her accomplishments, her unexpected passing has left many in shock. Dardenne reflected on the loss, saying it was tragic to see someone so young taken so soon, especially someone with so much potential still ahead of her.
Dequenne’s career began early when she trained at Belgium’s Music & Spoken Word Academy. She achieved significant success with over 60 acting credits, including other notable films like The Girl on the Train and Our Children. After her cancer diagnosis, Dequenne initially shared that she was in remission, only to reveal later that she had faced a relapse.
Her last project was the thriller Survive, released just a year ago. In her final public appearances, she advocated for health awareness, reminding people to care for themselves, especially in light of her personal struggles with cancer.
Emilie Dequenne is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and their daughter, Milla, from a previous relationship. Her legacy as an inspiring actress and a brave fighter will not be forgotten.
