Born #OTD 1905: the melancholy Swedish screen goddess, Greta Garbo

Photo: Ruth Harriet Louise, circa 1926

‘Life would be so wonderful if we only knew what to do with it’. - Greta Garbo, 18 September 1905 to 15 April 1990.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

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.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

1960: May Britt in a publicity photo for the 20th Century Fox feature, ‘Murder Inc.’

Born 22 March 1934 in Stockholm, Swedish actress May Britt is oft recalled in present times as the wife of Sammy Davis Jr. from 1960 to 1968. In her own right, however, she was a star of some repute in Italy and in Hollywood during the 1950s, appearing alongside the renowned likes of Marlon Brando, Robert Mitchum, Robert Wagner, Montgomery Clift, and Peter Falk. Marrying a notorious, professional bachelor akin to those in the Rat Pack is a foolish endeavour for any lady anticipating a faithful husband. May Britt learned this lesson through adversity, as her union with Davis met its end amid whispers of an affair with actress and songstress Lola Falana. Removed from the limelight for many a decade now, and at 90 years-old, I doth sincerely hope the lady finds solace and joy in her days.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1936: Ursula Andress

Ursula Andress photographed by Bunny Yeager.

Wishing a joyous 88th birthday to the illustrious Swedish actress and model Ursula Andress, famed for portraying Honey Ryder in ‘Doctor No’, 1962. As captured here by Bunny Yeager. 

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.