Jean-Luc Godard, the man who revolutionized the New Wave of French cinema, has died by assisted suicide at 91, BBC News reports.

In a statement shared by his lawyer, the Franco-Swiss director chose to end his life after a long battle with "multiple invalidating illnesses".

His family said in a statement that Godard passed away at his property in the Swiss town of Rolle, on Lake Geneva, and revealed that he will be cremated and there will be no official ceremony.

The French paper Libération shared an unidentified source close to the family who said: "He was not sick, he was simply exhausted. So he had made the decision to end it. It was his decision and it was important for him that it be known."

Despite euthanasia being illegal in Switzerland, the practice of assisted dying -  helping someone take their own life - is controlled in the country and allowed if proposed with the reason.

The legendary director began his career as a film critic before stepping behind the camera with his 1960's À bout de souffle (Breathless), starring the glamourous Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo.

The acclaimed film's script was semi-improvised, displaying Godard's sense of direction by his use of hand-held camerawork, and his swift and daring jump cuts.

According to the BBC, the director once said about the film: "It was a film that took everything that cinema had done - girls, gangsters, cars - exploded all this and put an end, once and for all, to the old style."

His rise to prominence as a pioneer of the 1960s French New Wave film movement,  arguably being the most influential French filmmaker of the post-war era, influenced a generation of other directors from Martin Scorsese to Quentin Tarantino.

Tarantino named his production company A Band Apart, in reference to Godard's film Bande à Part. He also sang words of praise for the iconic director's impact on him in his field of work.

"Godard is one who taught me the fun and the freedom and the joy of breaking rules… I consider Godard to be to cinema what Bob Dylan was to music," the 59-year-old American filmmaker said.

In addition to this, Scorsese, 79, also named Godard's 1963 film Contempt, starring Brigitte Bardot, as one of his 10 favorite movies.

In a 2014 interview with Criterion, the Taxi Driver director wrote that the film was "one of the most moving films of its era" and that Godard was "the great modern visual artist of cinema".

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, took to Twitter after the announcement of Godard's passing and said that he "had the vision of a genius".

"He was like an apparition in French cinema. Then he became a master of it. Jean-Luc Godard, the most iconoclastic of New Wave filmmakers, invented a resolutely modern, intensely free art. We have lost a national treasure, a man who had the vision of a genius," he added.

According to Libération, Godard’s revealed his views on death during his 2014 appearance on Swiss TV at the Cannes festival.

The director shared that he would not want to continue living at any cost if he found himself in alarming straits, saying:  "If I’m too ill, I don’t have any desire to be lugged around in a wheelbarrow ... not at all."

When he was asked whether he could envision choosing assisted dying, he replied: "yes", but added "for now", saying that the choice was "still very difficult".

Our thoughts are with Godard's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Keystone Press / Alamy

Gina Lollobrigida - a legendary actor who dominated European cinema in the 1950s and 1960s - has sadly passed away at the age of 95.

Per BBC News, Lollobrigida's death has been confirmed by the Italian news agency Ansa.

Until today, she remained one of the longest-surviving high-profile international stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood and remains one of the greatest sex symbols in cinema.

Her acting career spanned over six decades, with some of her most notable roles including The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956), Solomon and Sheba (1959), and Come September (1961).

Additionally, Lollobrigida starred opposite some of the biggest names in the industry's history, including Frank Sinatra, Errol Flynn, Rock Hudson, and Humphrey Bogart.

At the age of 90, Lollobrigida's illustrious career was honored when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

She said at the time: "I was moved because I didn’t expect that after so many years, my god, the love is still on. It's unbelievable."

Other career highlights include a 1961 Golden Globe win (and an additional two nominations), three David di Donatello awards, two Nastro d'Argento awards, six Bambi awards, and a BAFTA nomination.

As she began to step away from acting, Lollobrigida would pursue a career in photojournalism.

But as BBC News reports, the acting legend didn't just opt for a career change for fun. In fact, Lollobrigida stunned the world when she scooped an interview and photoshoot with Cuban leader Fidel Castro in the 1970s.

After spending 12 days with the leader, Lollobrigida would later go on to say: "He didn't interest me as a political leader but as a man. He realized that I hadn't gone there to attack him and he readily accepted me."

Discussing her history of romantic relationships back in 2018, Lollobrigida revealed: "I never decided to have an important relationship, only friendships. Unfortunately, love, when you’re famous, the men can be jealous. It’s not easy. Sometimes it’s bad enough to be a beautiful woman, a normal woman."

Nevertheless, that didn't stop Lollobrigida from being showered with attention.

BBC News states that film producer and business mogul Howard Hughes frequently proposed to Lollobrigida, and she even claimed that Prince Rainier of Monaco would voice his interest in her - despite being married to Grace Kelly.

"He would make passes at me in front of her, in their home," Lollobrigida once claimed.

Our thoughts go out to Lollobrigida's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: CHROMORANGE / franz perc / Alamy

Emilie Dequenne, a popular actress, has sadly passed away aged 43.

Dequenne, an acclaimed Belgian actress, passed away following a battle with a rare form of cancer.

The actress, known for her roles in BBC’s The Missing and the Cannes-winning film Rosetta, died on Sunday in a hospital just outside of Paris, her family and agent confirmed, per the Daily Mail.

In October 2023, Dequenne publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the adrenal gland.

Despite the devastating diagnosis, she fought with resilience, and in April 2024, she shared an uplifting health update: "I was close to forgetting because I was leaving the hospital today after 13 days... What a tough battle," she wrote on social media.

Her announcement that she was in complete remission gave fans hope that she was on the road to recovery.

She even spoke about her determination to return to her career and embrace life once again.

But tragically, her health took a turn for the worse when the cancer relapsed later that year.

On December 1, 2024, Dequenne acknowledged her deteriorating condition during an interview on French television show TF1, saying: "I know I will not live as long as planned."

Born on August 29, 1981, in Belgium, Dequenne’s career skyrocketed in 1999 when she starred in the Dardenne brothers’ film Rosetta.

Her powerful performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival - a role that cemented her as a rising star in European cinema.

Over the years, she showcased her versatility in a range of films, including Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001, directed by Christophe Gans), A Housekeeper (2002, directed by Claude Berri), The Very Merry Widows (2003, directed by Catherine Corsini), The Girl on the Train (2009), and Our Children (2012, which won her the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes).

She also attended the 2010 Cannes Film Festival for the Special Screening of Franck Richard’s The Pack.

In 2024, she returned to Cannes to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her Rosetta victory and to promote her final film, Survive, an English-language disaster movie.

In what would become her final role, Dequenne starred in Survive, a dystopian drama centered on a mother protecting her family.

Shockingly, she later revealed that she had no idea she was sick while filming.

Speaking to The Action, she reflected on how being a mother shaped her approach to the film: "I can't explain, but when you became a mother, it's like your strength and your power and your braveness completely changed. And you see life through another vision.

"And that's what completely attracted me when I read the script, is that for me, it was really realistic, actually despite the fact that, of course, it's dystopic and I love that."

Dequenne also spoke about the bond she formed with the child actors on set, describing how they became a real family off-screen: "We had dinner together. When we came back, we were in the same car to go to the set. We were together, always together.

"And I still got them on the phone. Lisa, who plays my daughter, she's become a very good friend to my daughter. Sometimes she comes home, she sleeps over, and we spend time together."

She is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter.

Featured image credit: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty

Diane Keaton shared a heartbreaking final post on social media before her sudden death at the age of 79.

The legendary actress passed away this week, her family confirmed Saturday in California.

A spokesperson shared: “There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness.”

Keaton's final social media post

Keaton's final Instagram post came back in April, where she shared an image of herself alongside her dog Reggie for world pet day — giving no hint of the private struggles that followed.

The comments are filled with tributes from fans, with one person writing: "A true legend. Thank you for your talent, your animal advocacy, your immeasurable charm. You will be missed."

A second wrote: "Thank you for every time you made me laugh and cry. An American legend and icon. Sending love to your children."

While a third said: "To her family: We loved her. Really loved her. And we're so sorry for your loss, you who knew her and must be devastated."

Tributes from co-stars and Hollywood legends

Following her death, tributes poured in from colleagues and co-stars across generations.

Ben Stiller called her “one of the greatest film actors ever," while Bette Midler, who starred alongside her in The First Wives Club, wrote: “She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!”

Robert De Niro, who worked with Keaton on Marvin’s Room, told The Hollywood Reporter: “I am very sad to hear of Diane’s passing… She will be missed. May she rest in peace.”

Leonardo DiCaprio, who appeared with her in Marvin’s Room at the start of his career, shared: “Diane Keaton was one of a kind. Brilliant, funny, and unapologetically herself… I had the honor of working with her at 18. She will be deeply missed.”

Private struggles behind the scenes

Keaton had not been seen in public for some time, making her death all the more shocking.

A confidant explained: “In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening,” per PEOPLE.

One possible signal of changing circumstances appeared in March, when Keaton unexpectedly listed her beloved Los Angeles “dream home” for $29 million — surprising many who believed she’d never leave.

Over the years, Keaton was often seen strolling through her Brentwood neighborhood, dog in tow, wearing her trademark hat and oversized sunglasses. But in recent months, neighbors say she faded from view.

Our thoughts are with Keaton's loved ones during this difficult time.

Featured image credit: Gilbert Flores / Getty

A digital artist has revealed what some of the most beloved celebrities would look like if they were still alive today.

Many singers, actors, and other celebrities have left fans heartbroken after leaving this world way too soon.

Prominent figures like Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee, and Michael Jackson may no longer be with us, but each one left a rich legacy that keeps their spirit alive.

What if they were alive today? How would they look? That's what online creator Hidreley Diao asked himself before he created portraits that provide an interesting glimpse into that fantasy.

Using the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Diao showcased a series that helps us see what would've happened if these celebrities had the opportunity to age gracefully.

Princess Diana: July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997

The 36-year-old Princess of Wales - who became an international icon due to her activism and glamour - shocked the world when she tragically died in a car accident on August 31, 1997.

Despite her untimely death, her legacy is still being carried through charitable organizations such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, and the work of her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Here's what Diana would look like if she were alive today: 

Marilyn Monroe: June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962

Monroe was an actress/singer who became one of the world's most iconic figures. She is remembered both for being a sex symbol in Hollywood and for her tragic personal and professional struggles within the industry.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she was one of the most marketable Hollywood stars, starring in several commercially successful films that grossed $200 million.

The late cultural icon sadly died at her Los Angeles home on August 5, 1962, at only 36 years old. An empty bottle of sleeping pills was found by her bed.

Here's what Monroe would look like if she were alive today: 

Freddie Mercury:  September 5, 1946 - November 24, 1991

The late British singer-songwriter - who was open about his bisexuality - achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen, alongside Brian May, Roger Taylor, and later John Deacon.

Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona, his impressive four-octave vocal range, and his operatic masterpiece 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

The late rockstar tragically died from AIDS-related bronchial pneumonia at his London mansion on November 24, 1991, at the age of just 45 years old.

The day before his death, on November 23, 1991, Mercury released a statement, which read: "I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV-positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me."

"However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease," he added.

Here's what Mercury would look like if he were alive today: 

Elvis Presley: January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977

Presley was a popular singer widely known as the "King of Rock and Roll" and one of rock music’s prevalent performers from the mid-1950s until his death.

Throughout his remarkable career, the late icon helped popularize rock 'n' roll music in the US and won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings.

A major musical force, he had 18 Number 1 singles, including 'Don’t Be Cruel,' 'Good Luck Charm,' and 'Suspicious Minds,' as well as numerous gold and platinum albums.

On the morning of August 16, 1977, Presley died of heart failure at the age of 42. It was later ruled that his death was related to his prescription drug abuse.

He was buried on the Graceland property, near the gravesites of his mother, father, and grandmother Minnie Mae Hood Presley.

Here's what Presley would look like if he were alive today: 

Tupac Shakur: June 16, 1971 - September 13, 1996

Considered one of the most influential hip-hop icons of all time, Tupac is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

Born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members, the late rapper's conscious rap lyrical content addressed social injustice, violence, and the marginalization of Black Americans.

During the later part of his career, Tupac signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records, and became heavily involved in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry.

On September 7, 1996, he was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas and succumbed to injuries six days later. He died at age 25.

Following his murder, rapper Notorious B.I.G. was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud but he was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later.

Despite his short career, the rap icon was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame in 2002 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Rolling Stone ranked him among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, and he was also awarded a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Here's what Tupac would look like if he were alive today: 

Bruce Lee: November 27, 1940 - July 20, 1973

Lee was an American-born actor who was known for his martial arts skills that helped popularize martial arts films in the 1970s. He became renowned throughout the world due to the portrayal of Cantonese culture in his movies and for fighting against Asian stereotypes in the United States.

With a career spanning Hong Kong and the United States, Lee starred in feature-length Hong Kong martial arts films in the early 1970s: Lo Wei's The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Golden Harvest's The Way of the Dragon (1972), Golden Harvest and Warner Brothers' Enter the Dragon (1973) and The Game of Death (1978).

On July 20, 1973, just one month before the premiere of Enter the Dragon, Lee sadly passed away in Hong Kong, China, at the age of 32.

The official cause of his unexpected death was a brain edema discovered in an autopsy to have been caused by a strange reaction to a prescription painkiller he was reportedly taking for a back injury.

Here's what Lee would look like if he were alive today:

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Known as the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson was a best-selling American singer, songwriter, and dancer.

He began his career as the lead singer of his family’s popular group, the Jackson 5, alongside brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy. The group scored four consecutive number-one pop hits with 'I Want You Back,' 'ABC,' 'The Love You Save,' and 'I’ll Be There'.

Jackson went on to embark on a solo career of extraordinary worldwide success, delivering hits from the albums Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987).

Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums in history, having sold 67 million copies worldwide and 34 million units in the United States. The album stayed on the charts for 80 weeks and spawned seven Top 10 hits, including 'Thriller,' 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It,' 'Human Nature,' 'Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'' and 'P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).'

Throughout his career, Jackson garnered 38 Grammy Award nominations and 13 wins. He was also honored with the 1993 Grammy Legend Award, his 2001 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The late icon tragically died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home. An official coroner’s report revealed the father-of-three's cause of death was acute propofol intoxication.

Here's what Jackson would look like if he were alive today:

To see more of Hidreley Diao's work, check out his Instagram page.

Featured image credit: Rob Verhorst / Getty