Émilie Dequenne, Acclaimed Belgian Actress, Passes Away at 43

Émilie Dequenne, the award-winning Belgian actress, has died at the age of 43 after a battle with a rare form of cancer. Renowned for her debut role in "Rosetta," which earned her a Cannes Film Festival award at just 17, Dequenne's career spanned over two decades and included numerous critically acclaimed films.

Émilie Dequenne, who gained international recognition with her debut in the 1999 film "Rosetta," passed away on March 16, 2025, at Gustave Roussy hospital in Villejuif, France. Dequenne's death was confirmed by her long-time agent's assistant, Marie-Laure Calmette. Tragically, the actress had been diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer.

Born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Belgium, Dequenne showcased extraordinary talent at a young age. She captivated audiences with her portrayal of a struggling teenager in "Rosetta," a film directed by the Dardenne brothers, which won the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the festival when she was just 17. In a career that included nearly 50 films, Dequenne also starred in notable works such as "The Brotherhood of the Wolf," "Our Children," and "This Is Our Land."

In October 2023, Dequenne made her cancer diagnosis public during an interview on the French TV show "Sept à Huit." She candidly discussed the loneliness and challenges that accompanied her illness, expressing the importance of openness in facing such a diagnosis. Despite her health struggles, Dequenne continued to work, celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Rosetta" at Cannes last year and promoting her film "Survive."

Throughout her career, Dequenne received critical acclaim, including a César Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Love Affair(s)." Luc Dardenne, one of the directors of "Rosetta," praised her ability to unite the crew from her very first day of filming.

Dequenne leaves behind her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla Savarese, with her former partner, Belgian DJ Alexandre Savarese. Her legacy as a talented actress who touched hearts with her performances will not be forgotten. Her most recent work included the film "TKT," which addresses the sensitive theme of bullying in a Belgian high school.