Who Was Emilie Dequenne? Belgian Actor Passes Away From Rare Cancer

Belgian actor Emilie Dequenne has passed away at the age of 43 after battling adrenal gland cancer. Her family and agent confirmed that she died on Sunday, March 16 in a hospital near Paris.

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Priya Prakash
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Who Was Emilie Dequenne?

Emilie Dequenne (L: Stéphane Cardinale & R: emiliedequenne/IG)

Belgian actor Emilie Dequenne has passed away at the age of 43 after battling a rare cancer. Her family and agent confirmed that she died on Sunday, March 16 in a hospital near Paris. In October 2023, Dequenne publicly revealed that she was suffering from adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer affecting the adrenal gland. Despite her illness, she remained active in the film industry for as long as she could.

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Who Was Emilie Dequenne? Actor Passes Away at 43 After Battle with Rare Cancer

Emilie Dequenne’s acting career took off with her very first film, Rosetta, directed by the Dardenne brothers. Her powerful performance in the film earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, while the film itself won the prestigious Palme d’Or. This early success made her one of the most promising actors in French cinema.

Following her breakthrough, Dequenne built an impressive career in French-language films. Her notable works include The Girl on the Train (2009), a drama based on true events, and Our Children (2012), a film that earned her more critical acclaim. Her performances were widely praised, and she won multiple awards for her work.

Despite her illness, Dequenne made a final appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. She was there to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her Cannes win for Rosetta alongside the Dardenne brothers. She also promoted her last film, Survive, an English-language disaster movie released the same year.

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Survive was the last film Dequenne appeared in before her illness forced her to stop working. Her contributions to cinema will be remembered through her powerful performances and dedication to her craft. 

More About Adrenocortical Carcinoma

According to the National Cancer Institute, Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the outer layer of the adrenal gland, a small organ located on top of each kidney. The risk of developing this disease increases in individuals with certain genetic conditions. One of the common symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma is abdominal pain, though other signs may also appear as the disease progresses.

Diagnosis involves imaging studies along with blood and urine tests to detect abnormalities. The prognosis and available treatment options depend on various factors, including the stage of cancer, overall health, and response to treatment.

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Fans and colleagues continue to pay tribute to the actor, celebrating her incredible talent and the impact she left on the film industry.

 

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