The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Emilie Dequenne, the celebrated Belgian actress known for her roles in The Missing and Rosetta. She tragically passed away at the age of 43 after a long battle with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the adrenal gland.
A Brave Fight Against Cancer
Diagnosed in October 2023, Dequenne faced her illness with extraordinary resilience. By April 2024, she had gone into remission and even spoke about returning to acting. In a heartfelt social media post, she shared, “I was close to forgetting because I was leaving the hospital today after 13 days… What a tough battle.”
However, in late 2024, the cancer returned. During an interview on the French television show TF1 in December, she openly acknowledged her deteriorating health, stating, “I know I will not live as long as planned.”
Remembering a Remarkable Talent
Dequenne passed away on March 16, 2025, at a hospital near Paris, France. Her press representative, Charlotte Tourret, paid tribute, saying, “Quelle injustice!! You have been an example to us all, with your extraordinary strength and courage.”
Dequenne’s legacy extends far beyond her battle with illness. She rose to fame at just 17 with her role in Rosetta, which earned her the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award. Her career spanned critically acclaimed films like The Girl on the Train (2009) and Our Children (2012). Her final project, the English-language film Survive, was released last year.
Her Final Message
In one of her last Instagram posts for World Cancer Day in February, she wrote, “What a tough fight! And we don’t choose…” Her words remain a powerful reminder of her courage and the challenges faced by those battling cancer.
Emilie Dequenne’s extraordinary talent and unwavering spirit will never be forgotten. Her impact on cinema and the lives she touched through her performances will continue to inspire generations to come.
