Alain Delon

Born: 1935
Where: Sceaux, France

One of France's leading actors, Delon has worked with Viscontni, Antonioni and Godard during an illustrious career.

The former paratrooper worked as a porter at Les Halles market in Paris before becoming a screen star.

He made his debut in Sois Bell et Tais-Toi in 1957 marketing his good looks for angelic roles.

This was to change in the late 60s when he was suspected of involvement in the mob - especially after his bodyguard was found murdered in 1968.

His movies included Purple Noon, The Yellow Rolls Royce, Visconti's The Leopard and The Girl on the Motorcycle.

Delon capitalised on his gangster image with appearances in Borsalino with Jean-Paul Belmondo and Melville's Le Cercle Rouge.

His appearances were on the wane in the 1990s, although he worked with Jean-Luc Godard for the first time in Nouvelle Vage.

Delon also had a cameo in Agnes Varda's star-studded La Cent et une Nuits in 1995.