Emilie Dequenne, the Belgian actress known for her role in ‘Rosetta’, has died at age 43.
The film star died on Sunday at a hospital on the outskirts of Paris after battling adrenocortical carcinoma, a cancer of the adrenal gland.
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the outer layer of the adrenal gland.
In a tribute via X, Rachida Dati, French minister of culture, highlighted Dequenne’s “powerful performances and impact on francophone cinema”.
She also described her as a “talented actress who passed away too soon, with so much still to give”.
“Émilie Dequenne has passed away after battling illness. Discovered in ‘Rosetta: by the Dardenne brothers, her moving performance earned her a Cannes award at just 17 years old,” the post reads.
“…We have all been deeply touched by her powerful performances in compelling roles. Francophone cinema has lost a talented actress far too soon—one who still had so much to give.
“I extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Émilie Dequenne nous a quittés après s’être battue contre la maladie.
Revélée dans Rosetta des frères Dardenne, ce rôle émouvant lui vaut d’être récompensée à Cannes à 17 ans.
Nommée 5 fois aux César, elle remporte celui de meilleure actrice dans un second rôle. Nous avons… pic.twitter.com/UCu59AOfnV
Advertisement— Rachida Dati ن (@datirachida) March 16, 2025
Dequenne’s death comes almost two years after she revealed her struggle with the cancer.
The film star gained widespread recognition after she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in ‘Rosetta’ at age 18.
Over her decades-long career, she appeared in several movies, particularly French-language films. They include the ‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’, ‘The Girl on the Train’, ‘Our Children’ and ‘Love Affair(s)’.
Dequenne also won several awards for her talent.
In 2012, she won another Cannes award for her role in ‘Our Children’ as well as a Cesar Awards for The Things We Say, the Things We Do in 2021.
Dequenne is survived by her husband Michel Ferracci and her daughter Milla Savarese from a previous relationship with Alexandre Savarese.
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