Pierre Deny, the respected French actor who became known to international viewers through his role in Emily in Paris, has died at the age of 69.
His daughters confirmed that Deny passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, after what they described as a sudden and severe case of ALS, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Source: People
Born in 1956, Deny built a long and admired career in French entertainment. He first made his name on stage during the 1980s before becoming a familiar and trusted presence on French television.
Across several decades, he appeared in more than 60 television productions, earning recognition for roles in popular series such as Under the Sun, Une Femme d’Honneur, Cinq Soeurs, Plus Belle La Vie, and Tomorrow Is Ours.
Source: AgencesArtistiques
For many French viewers, Deny was especially remembered as Renaud Dumaze in Tomorrow Is Ours, a role he played in more than 300 episodes. His work on the long-running drama made him a beloved face to audiences who followed his career for years.
In recent years, Deny reached a much wider international audience through Emily in Paris. In the Netflix series, he played Louis de Léon, the powerful CEO of the luxury fashion group JVMA. His character appeared alongside major cast members including Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, and Paul Forman.
Source: People
Following the news of Deny’s death, Paul Forman, who plays Nicolas de Léon in Emily in Paris, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram Stories. Forman said he was heartbroken by the loss and described working with Deny as a privilege. He also remembered Deny for both his warmth and his talent.
Forman, 32, posted the message alongside a black-and-white photo of Deny, adding that his thoughts were with the actor’s family and loved ones.
Source: SoapCentral
The tribute comes during an emotional period for Emily in Paris fans. Earlier this month, Lily Collins confirmed that production had begun on the sixth and final season of the series. The announcement already marked a bittersweet moment for viewers, and Deny’s passing has added another layer of sadness for those who admired his work.
Deny’s death followed his battle with ALS, also known as Charcot disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells and can severely impact movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing over time.
In recent years, ALS has affected several well-known figures in entertainment and sports, including Eric Dane and Kenneth Mitchell, bringing wider public attention to the disease and the people living with it.
Pierre Deny leaves behind a career defined by dedication, range, and quiet strength. From the French stage to beloved television dramas and finally to a global Netflix audience, his work touched viewers across generations and countries.