The Early Life of Alain Delon: From Troubled Youth to Iconic Actor

Born on November 8, 1935, in a suburb near Paris, Alain Delon would grow up to become one of the most strikingly handsome and iconic actors of his time. His early years, however, were far from glamorous.

Delon’s mother worked as a pharmacist before joining her husband at the cinema he opened, working there as a cashier. When Alain was just three years old, his parents separated. Both later remarried, giving him half-siblings on both sides. His stepfather worked as a butcher, and his mother joined him, leaving Alain mostly in the care of a nanny.

The young Delon lived between two households, a situation he initially enjoyed but later described as emotionally isolating. He struggled in school, often getting into trouble and being expelled, leading to frequent school changes.

As a teen, he trained briefly as a butcher, then worked in a shop, and later enlisted in the military. He credits his time in the French Navy as a turning point in shaping his character and discipline.

After returning from military service, Delon worked as a waiter—still far from the silver screen. Yet this tumultuous start laid the foundation for the intense persona he would bring to his legendary acting career.