From adoration to ostracism: the American public's betrayal of the radiant and supremely talented actress Ingrid Bergman (born #OTD 1915, also died on this day in 1982)

Ingrid Bergman in 'Casablanca', 1942 Warner Bros. Photo: Everett Collection

In the 1940s, US audiences elevated Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman to a near-saintly status, with her most memorable roles arguably being Ilsa Lund in ‘Casablanca’ and her Academy Award-winning portrayal of Paula Alquist Anton in 1944’s ‘Gaslight’. During the early 1950s, however, the same American public that once adored her turned against her (as is so often their fickle nature). She was harshly criticised and unfairly condemned for having an affair and a child out of wedlock with director Roberto Rossellini, leading to her being ostracised from Hollywood for a few years and forced to remain in exile in Italy. 

Undeterred, Bergman made a triumphant return to Hollywood with her Academy Award-winning role in 1956’s ‘Anastasia’ and remained a revered figure in the industry for the rest of her life. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar again for 1974’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and was nominated once more for 1978’s ‘Autumn Sonata’. Ingrid Bergman departed this mortal coil in London on her 67th birthday after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Despite the ingratitude and self-righteousness displayed by American audiences, Ingrid Bergman’s legacy remains as bright as ever globally, and her name will not be forgotten.

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