Max Delys (July 11, 1951 – May 31, 1993) was a French actor. Born in Cannes, he was a competitive swimmer before he moved to Rome as a teenager where he began acting. Delys gained attention as a Warhol superstar and had roles in several Italian films. His popularity grew as he appeared in numerous Italian fotoromanzi.
Life and career
Max Delys was born in Cannes, France on July 11, 1951.[1] His father, Gabriel Delys, was a physician and he had two sisters, Myriam and Michèle.[2]
Delys was a competitive swimmer in his youth.[3] At the age of 15, he was the runner-up in the 100-meter French National Freestyle Championship.[4]
Delys was fluent in French, Italian, and English. He studied at the Actors Studio in New York City before returning to Rome.[4]
Delys played a young daredevil in several Italian genre films such as Bread and Chocolate (1974), Young, Violent, Dangerous (1976), and Return of the 38 Gang (1977).[9] In addition to his acting career, Delys appeared in Italian fotoromanzi, magazine photo comics illustrated with photographs, published by Lancio from 1973 to 1983. This made him popular not only in Italy, but in Spanish-speaking countries, as well as Portugal and Brazil.
In 1978, Delys returned to Cannes after having financial troubles with the Italian tax authorities.[2]
Delys was reunited with original cast members from the 1971 Coca-Cola "Hilltop" commercial to participate in a remake that aired during Super Bowl XXIV in 1990.[12]
Delys died of an illness at the age of 41 on May 31, 1993.[1]
