Émilie Dequenne, a talented Belgian actress known for her role in Rosetta, passed away at 43 from a rare cancer. Her husband, Michel Ferracci, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing his love and grief, while reflecting on their shared battle against her illness. Dequenne’s legacy includes a diverse filmography and a memorable final appearance at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where she celebrated her career amid her health struggles. Her funeral emphasized joy, honoring her vibrant spirit.
Remembering Émilie Dequenne: A Star Gone Too Soon
On March 16, the film industry mourned the loss of Émilie Dequenne, a remarkable talent who succumbed to a rare cancer at the tender age of 43. The Belgian actress gained recognition in 1999 with her unforgettable role in Rosetta, directed by the Dardenne brothers. Her legacy includes a rich filmography and a circle of loved ones left heartbroken, including her husband, Michel Ferracci, who had remained silent until now. While grief manifests in various ways, Ferracci chose to publicly share his profound sorrow and fond memories of his beloved partner.
A Heartfelt Tribute from Michel Ferracci
The news of Émilie Dequenne’s passing sent shockwaves through the French and Belgian film communities. Known for her extraordinary talent and magnetic presence, she disclosed her battle with endocrine system cancer in October 2023, shortly after receiving her diagnosis. Although she enjoyed a brief respite that allowed her to shine at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, the illness ultimately claimed her life. Her funeral was held on March 27 at the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, where friends and fans gathered to celebrate her life, honoring her wish for a ceremony that emphasized joy over sorrow.
Michel Ferracci took to Instagram to express his heartfelt emotions, sharing a poignant message filled with both love and grief. “My love, we are here… You have left. As you wrote in your last post: we loved each other, we love each other, and we will love each other. What a chance to have crossed your path, my soulmate, and what an injustice to have been separated,” he wrote. His heartfelt words encapsulate the depth of their bond and the immense void left in the wake of her passing.
Ferracci also reflected on their shared battle against her illness, stating, “We fought this battle together, tirelessly, for more than a year and a half.” Despite the challenges, Émilie had openly communicated her journey with fans, sharing both her struggles and victories. In his emotional farewell, he added, “Unfortunately, we did not win it, but I know that the warrior you are continues to watch over us, from where you are. I miss you terribly…” Accompanying his tribute were seven black-and-white photos that captured their shared moments of joy.
In a touching promise to Émilie, Michel Ferracci vowed, “But for you, I will hold on. I will live for us, for our family, for our friends. Because, as you always said: I love life! So, I will love it for both of us.” His words resonate deeply as a commitment to keep her spirit alive in his heart and the hearts of those who loved her.
Émilie Dequenne’s career began with a stunning performance in Rosetta, earning her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. This remarkable start blossomed into a diverse filmography, featuring approximately fifty films, including The Girl from the Train (2009), To Lose One’s Reason (2012), and The Things We Say, The Things We Do (2020). Her final public appearance took place at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where she celebrated the 25th anniversary of Rosetta and showcased her last film, Survive, during a moment of temporary remission.