Émilie Dequenne, the distinguished Belgian actress famed for her performance in the Cannes-winning film "Rosetta," has died due to complications from a rare adrenal cancer. She was 43. Dequenne's passing was announced by Marie-Laure Calmette, an assistant to her longtime agent, Danielle Gain.
Dequenne made her mark in the film industry at just 17 years old after playing the titular role in "Rosetta," a 1999 film directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The film garnered the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes that year. Following this success, she went on to feature in several noteworthy films such as "The Brotherhood of the Wolf," "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," and "Our Children."
In recent interviews, including a poignant appearance on TF1's "Sept à Huit," Dequenne disclosed her health struggles, having been diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, a particularly aggressive type of adrenal cancer. She candidly discussed the toll her condition took on her, highlighting feelings of loneliness brought on by her illness.
Throughout her career, Dequenne amassed nearly 50 film credits and received numerous accolades, including a César Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2020 film “Love Affair(s).” Her performances in both the 2012 drama "Our Children" and "Rosetta" solidified her legacy as an accomplished actress.
Born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Belgium, Dequenne developed her craft at the Académie de Musique et des Arts de la Parole de Baudour before beginning her professional acting career in a regional theater company. She is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and their daughter, Milla Savarese, from her previous relationship with Belgian DJ Alexandre Savarese.
Dequenne was actively promoting her film “Survive” released just last year, and celebrated the 25th anniversary of "Rosetta" at the Cannes Film Festival mere months before her passing. Her recent work included the film "TKT," focusing on the issue of bullying in schools, leaving a profound impact on the industry and her fans.
