The couple has remained happily married since then, and upon their initial marriage, friends of Brigitte shared with a news outlet that the “Contempt” star found newfound happiness thanks to her unexpected and clandestine union with Bernard.

Brigitte Bardot and Bernard d'Ormale spotted in Medoc, France on May 1, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Interestingly, before their marriage, Brigitte’s friends had expressed skepticism about her willingness to remarry after her previous husband. Nevertheless, the couple exchanged vows in a quaint wooden church in Norway and resided together in Brigitte’s luxurious 10-bedroom mansion in Saint-Tropez.

A famous French actor at Jean-Paul Belmondo's Funeral in Paris, France on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, a revered Hollywood icon, once renowned as one of the most handsome men, now lives a secluded life following a stroke. Amidst his health ordeal, his children find themselves embroiled in a bitter dispute.

The famous French actor at the screening of "A Hidden Life (Une Vie Cachée)" during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Once celebrated as one of the world’s most handsome men, this captivating French actor, now 88, leads a vastly different life from his days in the Hollywood limelight.

The famous French actor at the screening of "A Hidden Life (Une Vie Cachée)" during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

The “Flic Story” luminary, conscious of his allure, now resides in seclusion at home following the tragic stroke he endured in 2019. This unfortunate event transpired just weeks after he was bestowed with an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The famous French actor at the photo call for Palme D'Or D'Honneur during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

More than just his residence, sources indicate that this silver screen icon wishes to be laid to rest near a chapel situated on the grounds of a cemetery he constructed. This cemetery serves as the final resting place for more than 30 of his cherished hounds.

A picture of graves for dogs in a pet cemetery in Asnieres-sur-Seine, France, taken on October 22, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

While his primary residence is in France, reports suggest that the recluse divides his time between his workspace in Paris, his apartment in Geneva, and his home in Douchy.

The famous actor spotted during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

In addition to contemplating his final resting place, the French heartthrob has been embroiled in a contentious familial dispute, with three of his children locked in conflict with each other.

The actor’s two sons and daughter have engaged in very public disputes, hurling accusations and pursuing legal actions related to their father and his assets.

Their highly publicized conflicts have drawn significant media attention, prompting the actor’s lawyer, Christophe Ayela, to intervene in an effort to broker a peace between them. “This must come to an end, and everyone must calm down. It’s gone far enough,” admonished Christophe.

Two of the famous actor's sons at the Global Gift Gala in Paris, France on June 3, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Further complicating the familial tension is the revelation that the “Purple Noon” actor, as confirmed by his children, is keenly aware of their disputes and has openly admitted to favoring one child over the others. “I have a daughter who is the love of my life, perhaps a little too much in comparison to the others,” he previously confessed.

“In 2008, I’ve never said ‘I love you’ to any other woman as often as I have to you,” he professed. Based on these statements and other observations, keen observers speculate that the strained relationship between the father and his sons, who are also both actors, may stem from him perceiving them as rivals.

The famous French actor and his daughter sharing a sweet moment, posted on November 30, 2023 | Source: Instagram/anouchkadelon

Following in her adoring father’s footsteps, the actor’s daughter has also publicly expressed her deep affection for him. Recently, she took to Instagram to share a touching tribute, providing fans with an update on her father’s current condition.

Accompanying a photo of her father, she penned a heartfelt message in French. Translated into English, the caption reads, “On Friday morning, I took a photo of my dad. For me. A memory of our moments together. Having breakfast with him fills me with endless gratitude. A unique moment of tenderness.”

She then proceeded to describe his appearance, referring to him as “handsome” and highlighting his “vibrant” and “resilient” spirit. “My own immortal,” she concluded.

“I showed him the picture […] I asked him if I could share it with you, his audience that cares about him. So, with his permission, there it is. And to your concerns, he responds: ‘Don’t worry.’ ❤️ #love,” the actor’s daughter concluded.

The iconic French heartthrob who has sparked concern among fans and has been leading a reclusive life is none other than Alain Delon. In response to his daughter Anouchka Delon’s Instagram post, Alain’s admirers flooded the comment section to express their emotions.

“He is as beautiful and lovely as always. Please stay by his side; he needs you more than anyone. I know you love your daddy and care for him too much 😘😘😘,” gushed one fan. Similarly, fellow French actor Gilles Marini conveyed, “Stay close. ❤️ Full of love. Nothing else matters. ❤️❤️.”

Despite their differences, Anouchka and her brothers, Anthony and Alain-Fabien Delon, are united in ensuring that their father’s well-being and finances are being properly managed.

Earlier this month, a French news outlet reported that Alain’s children came together in March to petition for their father to be placed under “enhanced guardianship.” This decision follows Alain’s prior placement under judicial protection for “medical monitoring.”

Alain and Anouchka Delon at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

As of April 4, the report indicates that their petition was granted. This signifies that a “curator” will be designated to oversee Alain’s finances and will effectively act on his behalf regarding matters concerning his assets and, in certain instances, his medical needs.

Alain Delon at Jean-Paul Belmondo's Funeral in Paris, France on September 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

As of now, the identity of the appointed curator remains undisclosed. Whether it will be one of his children or Hiromi Rollin, described as Alain’s “lady in waiting” by the news outlet, remains uncertain.

There’s also the matter of Alain’s company, Alain Delon International Diffusion SA, of which he serves as President and Anouchka as Vice President. With the curatorship granted, Alain will no longer be able to make decisions in that capacity.

However, rather than dwelling on the details, Alain is focused on the present and future. In a 2021 interview, he revealed his aspiration to create one last film, believing it could potentially be his magnum opus.

Concluding the interview, the “Borsalino” star shared, “In my life, what I cherished most was being Alain Delon, the actor Alain Delon.”

“Look at Rocco [And His Brothers], look at Purple Noon! Women were captivated by me from when I was 18 until I was 50,” Alain remarked of himself as a charismatic actor.

Alain Delon posing as his character in "Purple Noon" in 1960. | Source: Getty Images

During a stroll with a friend in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 1950s, Alain reportedly first became aware of the impact he had on women. “I realized that everyone was looking at me. Women became my motivation. I owe them everything. They were the ones who inspired me to look better than anyone else,” Alain expressed.

Alain Delon receiving flowers from fans who flew from Japan to see him in the theatre show "Love Letters" in Paris, France in 2008. | Source: Getty Images

Alain made it his mission to “look better than anyone else,” to the extent that he earned the title of the “most seductive man in cinema” at the age of 25 and was even likened to the male counterpart of Brigitte Bardot. This French icon is widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in cinematic history.

Brigitte Bardot posing for a picture in 1960. | Source: Getty Images

Renowned and revered for her iconic portrayals in numerous silver-screen productions, the French blonde beauty has earned accolades from Playboy, renowned for its showcases of glamorous celebrities. She secured a prominent position as one of the sexiest female stars of the 20th century.

Other media outlets have crowned her as the ultimate “It” girl of all time. Notably recognized for her captivating allure, Brigitte is often celebrated for her famous pouty lips, securing her the fourth spot on Playboy’s list of sexiest female stars.

Her sultry confidence and sensual charisma have also earned her the title of her homeland’s most admired star. In addition to her success as an actress and entertainer, Brigitte has cultivated a reputation as a passionate animal rights activist.

Since their first encounter, Bernard has stood steadfastly by Brigitte’s side, particularly during her health crises. When French newspapers initially reported that the beloved celebrity had allegedly overdosed on sedatives at home in 1992, Brigitte’s devoted partner swiftly reassured the deeply concerned public.

He clarified, “Brigitte was exhausted and took too much medication to help her sleep… She didn’t need her stomach pumped and was fine after a few hours.”

A spokesperson for the clinic where Brigitte received care further corroborated Bernard’s statement regarding his wife’s condition. However, in the years following her sedative scare, Brigitte encountered another health challenge.

Brigitte Bardot at an Animals Care Associations Demonstration in 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Earlier this year, Bernard confirmed that Brigitte had experienced difficulty breathing. Fortunately, first responders swiftly intervened, administering oxygen and remaining with her to ensure her well-being.

Bernard explained that his wife’s respiratory issues were attributed to age and weather conditions, specifically referencing an extreme heatwave sweeping through Europe at the time. Allegedly, the air conditioning system in their La Madrague home was not functioning optimally.

Despite Bernard’s assurances regarding Brigitte’s health, a news outlet had claimed that she was admitted to the ICU. However, the “A Very Private Affair” actress clarified matters with a handwritten note: “I want to reassure everyone. I am doing very well. The press caused a scandal with an illness that happened to me…”