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Discovered at 18 in Rosetta, Emilie Dequenne became one of the defining faces of Belgian and French cinema. Passing away at 43 from a rare form of cancer, the actress leaves behind a rich career marked by determination, versatility and undeniable talent.

Rewarded from the very start for Rosetta, Emilie Dequenne became an essential figure in Belgian and French cinema. Passing away at 43 from a rare form of cancer, she leaves behind a career defined by artistic rigor, diverse roles and unwavering dedication.

A Fighter Until the End

Emilie Dequenne faced her illness with courage, even as it kept her away from film sets in her final months. Diagnosed in 2023 with adrenocortical carcinoma, an aggressive endocrine cancer, she chose to speak openly about her battle, determined to break the stigma surrounding the disease. “Cancer isn’t something to be ashamed of,” she said, hoping to support and encourage others facing similar struggles.

Despite her worsening condition, she made a remarkable appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, smiling as she celebrated the 25th anniversary of Rosetta and introduced her final film, Survivre.

A Talent Rewarded Through Perseverance

Born in Belgium in 1981, Emilie Dequenne developed a passion for theater and speech from an early age. After years of training, she landed her first role at 17 in Rosetta, a career-defining performance that won her the Best Actress award at Cannes in 1999. It was an extraordinary start, and she proved it was no one-time success by building an impressive and diverse career.

From social dramas (Our Children, The Girl on the Train) to romantic comedies (Not My Type) and thrillers (The Silence of Joan), she explored a wide range of genres with rare intensity. Her talent was further recognized in 2021 when she won the César for Best Supporting Actress for Love Affairs.

Never one to be typecast, Dequenne fearlessly embraced complex and varied roles, solidifying her status as an essential figure in Francophone cinema.

A Memorable Collaboration with Omar Sharif

In 2009, Emilie Dequenne starred alongside Omar Sharif in I Forgot to Tell You, a deeply moving drama. She played Marie, a young woman struggling to find her place, who forms an unexpected friendship with Jaume, an aging painter battling a degenerative illness, portrayed by the legendary Egyptian actor.

Omar Sharif, an icon of world cinema known for Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, delivered one of his last great performances in the film. The story’s theme of fading memory and the fight against oblivion takes on a tragic irony, mirroring Dequenne’s own battle against illness in her final years.

A Lasting Legacy

Emilie Dequenne leaves behind an extraordinary filmography and an indelible mark on cinema. Through her roles, she embodied characters facing hardship with remarkable authenticity — reflecting her own resilience. Her passion, talent and unwavering dedication continue to inspire both the industry and audiences alike.