Greta Garbo

Profession: Actress

Nationality:

Biography: Greta Garbo was a Swedish-American actress who rose to international stardom in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming synonymous with an aura of mystery and sophistication. She began her acting career in European films before moving to the United States in 1925 to work for MGM, quickly becoming one of the leading actresses of her time.

Garbo was renowned for her cinematic presence and natural performances, setting her apart from other actresses of the era who were often seen as overly theatrical. She was nominated four times for the Academy Award for Best Actress and received an honorary Oscar in 1954 for her "unforgettable screen performances." Some of her most famous films include Anna Karenina (1935), Camille (1936), and Ninotchka (1939).

Although primarily known for her dramatic roles, Garbo's performance in Ninotchka showcased her talent for comedy and revealed a different dimension to her abilities. It was marketed with the tagline "Garbo Laughs," playing on her reputation for gravitas, and the film was a commercial and critical success.

Despite her incredible fame and success, Garbo was an intensely private individual. She rarely gave interviews, avoided public appearances, and was highly secretive about her personal life. She famously never married, had no children, and lived alone as an adult, leading to endless speculation and rumor about her personal relationships.

Garbo retired from acting in 1941, at the age of 36, after the commercial failure of her film Two-Faced Woman. Though she had planned on returning to the screen, the perfect role never came along. She lived the remainder of her life in relative seclusion in New York City, avoiding the limelight and declining all offers to return to film or stage.

Born: September 18, 1905
Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: April 15, 1990 (aged 84)
Cause of Death: Pneumonia