Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne tragically dies at 43 after a long battle with adrenal gland cancer

Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, best known for her award-winning role in Rosetta, has died at the age of 43 after a prolonged fight against a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), Dequenne passed away on 16 March at a hospital just outside Paris. Her death marks the end of a remarkable career that saw her rise to international fame as one of Belgium’s most celebrated performers.

The actress had been battling adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and often fatal cancer that affects the adrenal glands. Medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive forms of the disease, with survival rates dropping below 50% within five years of diagnosis. Despite undergoing extensive treatment, Dequenne ultimately lost her fight against the illness.

Her death has sent shockwaves through the film industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talent who captivated audiences with her powerful performances. Dequenne first gained widespread recognition in 1999 when she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in Rosetta, a gripping drama about a young woman struggling to escape poverty.

That breakthrough performance catapulted her into stardom, leading to a diverse career spanning over two decades. She went on to star in Brotherhood of the Wolf, Mr. Blake at Your Service!, and the critically acclaimed Not My Type. More recently, she appeared in the 2022 film Close and had one final on-screen role in Survive, which was released in 2024.

Her cancer diagnosis forced her to step away from acting in recent years, but she remained a beloved figure in the industry. Colleagues have described her as a fiercely dedicated performer with an undeniable presence on screen.

Tributes have poured in from across the film world, with many highlighting her fearless approach to storytelling and her ability to bring depth to every role she played. Fans have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing clips from her most memorable performances and recalling the impact she had on cinema.

As the industry mourns her untimely passing, Émilie Dequenne’s legacy remains intact. Her performances, especially in Rosetta, solidified her place as one of Europe’s finest actresses, and her influence will continue to inspire generations of performers to come.