Tributes have poured in for actor Pierre Deny, who appeared in Emily in Paris and has passed away at the age of 69. The French star had been diagnosed with what has been described as a "sudden and severe" case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Deny will be known to fans of the Lily Collins-fronted Netflix smash for playing Louis de Léon, CEO of luxury fashion company JVMA, in seasons three and four. The character's son Nicolas (Paul Forman) was romantically involved with Ashley Park's Mindy.
“It is with deep emotion that we announce the passing of Pierre Deny, which occurred this Monday following a sudden and severe case of ALS,” Deny's daughters said in a statement to AFP (via TF1 Info).
Deny's Emily in Paris co-star Forman wrote on his Instagram Story: "Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Pierre Deny. It was a privilege to work alongside him and to witness his warmth and talent up close. Thinking of his family and loved ones. Rest in peace."
Fans have been paying tribute, too, with one writing on X: "Emily came to Paris for romance, but viewers stayed for the chaotic French bosses and side-eyes. Pierre Deny delivered both perfectly."
"His charm lit up Emily in Paris," wrote another, while a third commented: "Rest in peace, Pierre Deny. ALS is a devastating disease, and 69 is far too young. Prayers to his family, friends, and fans around the world."
What to Read Next
Meanwhile, Luce Mouchel (who starred with him when he played Renaud Dumaze in French soap Tomorrow is Ours) wrote in French on Instagram: "Pierre, seven years of filming together, taking the train together, having lunch together in the cafeteria, sometimes confiding in each other, occasionally inviting each other over and congratulating you on your hidden talent as a cook, introducing our daughters, going to applaud each other at the theater, habitually calling each other ‘doctor,’ and so much more.
“A little over a decade of shared life that shouldn't have ended so quickly and so brutally. I'm thinking of your daughters and their exceptional courage. I'm thinking of you, of my last visit and your sparkling eyes. Rest in peace, Dr. Dumaze."
Sylvie Vartan, who starred alongside Deny in a stage production of Isabelle Mergault’s Ne Me Regardez Pas Comme Ca, posted in French: "So sad to hear of the passing of Pierre Deny. I shared some great moments with him on stage in Isabelle Mergault's play. He was a generous actor and a sensitive and funny man. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this painful time."
Deny was a prolific actor whose career spanned decades. His other credits included natural disaster drama Demain Nous Appartient, mini-series La Mante and, most recently, the shows Camping Paradise and Le Fil d'ariana.
Shaun is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, with over a decade of experience reporting on all things pop culture. He has written for outlets including Metro, Attitude, Huffington Post, The Mirror, Yahoo!, Pink News and Express Online, specialising in TV, movies, soaps, music and LGBTQ+ issues. He is also a BAFTA Rocliffe-winning scriptwriter, having written episodes of the soap Hollyoaks, the official Steps musical Here & Now and multiple Offie Award-nominated plays. He studied English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia, and will happily talk at length about Desperate Housewives to anyone who'll listen.
