Pierre Deny was just 69 when he died following a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is widely known as ALS. The late French actor was best known in his home country, but he gained international recognition after appearing in Netflix’s hit series Emily in Paris in 2022 and 2024.
In a statement shared via newswire AF, Deny’s daughters wrote, “It is with deep emotion that we announce the passing of Pierre Deny this Monday (May 25) following a sudden and severe case of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).”
Since Deny’s illness was apparently “sudden and severe,” many want to learn more about the disease — the same one that Eric Dane suffered from. Here’s what to know about ALS.
Who Was Pierre Deny?
Deny was a French actor known for his theatrical and on-screen work. He began his performance career in the 1980s and eventually started booking television roles.
Apart from Emily in Paris, Deny was known for his performances in Under the Sun, Une Femme d’Honneur, Cinq Soeurs, Plus Belle La Vie and Tomorrow Is Ours.
What Is ALS?
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease usually starts with muscle twitching, weakness in the arms or legs, trouble swallowing and/or having slurred speech.
Symptoms worsen with time, and there is no cure for ALS. It is a fatal condition.
It’s unclear when exactly Deny was diagnosed with ALS, but his daughters pointed out that it was a “sudden and severe case.”
Which Emily in Paris Character Did Pierre Deny Play?
Deny played Louis de Leon, the CEO of the luxury fashion conglomerate JVMA, in Emily in Paris, appearing on the show in 2022 and 2024.
Series star Paul Forman paid tribute to his late co-star in an Instagram Stories message shortly after Deny’s death was announced in May 2026.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Pierre Deny,” Forman wrote. “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.”
