Émilie Dequenne, the talented actress known for her award-winning performance in ‘Rosetta,’ has tragically passed away after battling adrenal cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of impactful cinema and a loving family.
Émilie Dequenne, Acclaimed Belgian Actress, Passes Away at 43
Émilie Dequenne, Acclaimed Belgian Actress, Passes Away at 43
Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, celebrated for her remarkable debut in ‘Rosetta,’ succumbs to adrenal cancer at the age of 43.
Émilie Dequenne, the acclaimed Belgian actress who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her debut role in the 1999 film “Rosetta,” has died at the age of 43. Her passing was announced by Marie-Laure Calmette, assistant to her longtime agent Danielle Gain, after her struggle with a rare form of adrenal gland cancer.
Dequenne’s breakthrough came when she portrayed the titular character in “Rosetta,” directed by Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The film not only won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes but also established Dequenne as a rising star in the film industry. She built a commendable career, taking on significant roles in films such as “The Brotherhood of the Wolf,” “The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” “Our Children,” and “This Is Our Land.”
In October 2023, she revealed her diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma, an aggressive form of cancer. In a television interview in December 2024, she discussed her health struggles, emphasizing the importance of openness about her illness and the isolation it brought. Dequenne had appeared in nearly 50 films over her career and received multiple awards, including a César for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film “Love Affair(s)” in 2020.
Known for her strong performances, Dequenne gained particular acclaim for her work in “Our Children,” directed by Joachim Lafosse. Luc Dardenne spoke fondly of her audition for “Rosetta,” recalling how she captivated the cast and crew from her first day on set.
Born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Belgium, Dequenne attended the Académie de Musique et des Arts de la Parole de Baudour for drama training. She began her acting journey at a regional theater company near the French border. Dequenne is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla Savarese, from her previous relationship with Belgian DJ Alexandre Savarese.
Even amid her health challenges, Dequenne celebrated the 25th anniversary of “Rosetta” at the Cannes Film Festival last year and promoted her film “Survive,” released in 2024. Her final work, the film “TKT,” focused on the theme of bullying in Belgian high schools. Dequenne’s contribution to cinema and her courageous battle with cancer will be remembered by her fans and the film community alike.
