Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne has passed away at the age of 43 after a battle with adrenocortical carcinoma. She was diagnosed on March 17, 2025, at Gustave-Roussy Hospital in Villejuif, France.
She is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla Savarese, from her previous relationship with Alexandre Savarese.
Emilie Dequenne rose to fame with her breakthrough role in the Dardenne brothers’ 1999 Palme d’Or-winning film Rosetta, which earned her the Best Actress award at Cannes.
She balanced mainstream success with acclaimed indie performances during her prolific career from 1999 to 2023. Over the years, she has won several awards, including the Un Certain Regard Award for Best Actress and the Magritte Award for Best Actress.
Her role in Christophe Gans’ Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) became a cult hit.
Similarly, her other notable works include The Light, The Girl on the Train, Not My Type, The Pack, Close, and Love Affairs, which showcase her remarkable range across genres.
Emilie Dequenne’s Heartfelt Tribute to Her Daughter at 20
Emilie Dequenne and Belgian DJ Alexandre Savarese married in 1999 and welcomed their daughter, Milla Savarese, on July 17, 2002.
Though their marriage ended in divorce in 2005, the former couple remained dedicated to co-parenting their beloved child.
This is unthinkable! This baby that I love to the moon and back is 20 years old today!!! I often wonder what I did before you. Like you’ve always been there. But most of all, I remember your birth, on July 17, 2002, at 3:02 p.m., as if it were yesterday. We could already see that you are beautiful. Your soul was already radiating so brightly! I love the person you are so much. Keep it up my beautiful child!
Growing up between her mother’s acclaimed acting career and her father’s musical influence, Milla developed a deep passion for the arts.
She carved out her creative path, specializing in makeup and special effects, while also working behind the scenes in film. Her notable credits include Illegal Love, Resignation, and The Things We Say, The Things We Do.
Despite her artistic pursuits, Milla prefers a private life and avoids the spotlight. She shared an especially close bond with her mother, standing by her during her battle with cancer.
After her divorce, Emilie found love again with Michel Ferracci in 2008. Their connection was immediate, and they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in October 2014.
Michel became her steadfast support system, offering unwavering strength throughout her fight against a rare form of cancer.
Emilie Dequenne’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss of a Beloved Star
Emilie Dequenne, the luminous Belgian actress and cherished daughter of Daniel and Brigitte Dequenne, was born on August 29, 1981, in Belœil, Belgium.
Raised alongside her sister, Audrey, Emilie grew into a remarkable talent whose brilliance on screen and warmth in life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Her untimely passing at 42 after a courageous battle with cancer has left her family, friends, and countless admirers heartbroken. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, who will forever cherish the light she brought into their lives.
Beyond the spotlight, Emilie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister. Her family was the center of her world, and she often spoke of the profound joy they brought her.
Her legacy lives on through her loving husband, cherished daughter, adoring parents, and devoted sister, Audrey.
Emilie Dequenne’s kindness, passion, and radiant spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and admired her. Though she is gone too soon, her light will never fade.
Rest in Peace, Emilie Dequenne (1981–2025).
