Belgium and France are mourning the loss of a luminous talent. Emilie Dequenne, the Cannes-winning actress best known for her breakout performance in Rosetta, has passed away at just 43 years old. Her agent confirmed that the beloved star died on Sunday, March 16, at a hospital near Paris after a nearly two-year fight with a rare adrenal gland cancer.
Her passing triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes across Europe. Press agent Charlotte Tourret wrote on Instagram, “You are an inspiring woman, a great soul, a great actress... I love you forever my Emily.”
Born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Belgium, Dequenne rose to global prominence in 1999 when she won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her emotionally charged role in the Dardenne brothers’ Rosetta. The performance was raw, haunting, and unforgettable — and it marked the arrival of a generational talent.
She went on to star in acclaimed European films such as The Girl on the Train (2009), Our Children (2012), The Pack (2010), and Rouge (2020), often portraying women grappling with inner turmoil and extraordinary circumstances. Her acting was lauded for its emotional depth and honesty, with critics calling her “a master of quiet devastation.”
In October 2023, Dequenne publicly revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare form of adrenal gland cancer. Yet even in her final year, she remained active and resilient, continuing to inspire fans and colleagues with her unwavering passion for the craft.
She is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter Milla, from a previous relationship with Alexandre Savarese.
Rest in power, Emilie. Your legacy in cinema and the hearts of those who loved you will live on forever.
“Some lights shine so brightly, they burn even after they’re gone.”