David Niven

Many people around the world strongly believe that David is one of the best, charismatic, and charming actors ever seen on screen. David Niven was an English actor who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘Separate Tables.’ Popular in both Europe and the United States, he was an accomplished actor in stage and motion pictures. Born in London, he was sent to the prestigious Heatherdown Preparatory School from where he was expelled due to his mischievous nature. He proceeded to attend the Royal Military College, Sandhurst and embarked on a military career as a second lieutenant in the British Army. He did not like the army life and gained notoriety for his rebellious behavior which angered his seniors. Tired of the military, he quit his job and moved to the United States in search of a better future. Venturing into Hollywood in the mid-1930s, he soon established himself as a reliable supporting actor in films such as ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ and ‘The Prisoner of Zenda.’

A successful actor by the time World War II broke out, he chose to return home and rejoin the army. He resumed his acting career after the war and was even more successful than before. He was also the author of four books in addition to being an actor. David Niven won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy in 1953 for the film ‘The Moon Is Blue.’ In 1958, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Major Pollock in ‘Separate Tables.’ The 1960s saw him acting in ‘The Guns of Navarone’ (1961), ‘The Pink Panther’ (1963), and ‘Where the Spies Are’ (1965). In 1967 he played the role of Sir James Bond 007, a legendary British spy, in ‘Casino Royale.’ A highly active individual, he continued acting well into the 1970s even though he was aging by now. Some of his later movies were ‘Murder by Death’ (1976), ‘Death on the Nile’ (1978) and ‘The Sea Wolves’ (1980).

Famous David Niven Quotes

Actors don’t retire. They just get offered fewer roles.

Many of our feelings of satisfaction or dissatisfaction have their roots in how we compare ourselves to others. When we compare ourselves to those who have more, we feel bad. When we compare ourselves to those who have less, we feel grateful. Even though the truth is we have exactly the same life either way, our feelings about our life can vary tremendously based on who we compare ourselves with. Compare yourself with those examples that are meaningful but that make you feel comfortable with who you are and what you have.

Personal Life

This blog would not be long enough to write about Niven's life in detail. He met and married Primula "Primmie" Susan Rollo in 1940. The happily married couple was blessed with two sons in quick succession. Tragedy struck the family when Primmie died in a freak accident in 1946. A few years later he married Hjördis Paulina Tersmeden, a Swedish fashion model. The couple adopted two daughters, one of whom was rumored to be David’s secret love child with a teenage girl. David Niven began suffering from health problems during the early 1980s. In February 1983, using a false name to avoid publicity, Niven was hospitalized for 10 days, ostensibly for a digestive problem. Afterward, he returned to his chalet at Château-d'Oex. His condition continued to decline, but he refused to return to the hospital, and his family supported his decision. He died at his chalet from ALS on 29 July 1983 at age 73, the same day as his The Prisoner of Zenda and A Matter of Life and Death co-star Raymond Massey. He was survived by his four children and his second wife. Niven is buried in Château-d'Oex Cemetery in Château-d Oex, Switzerland.

David Niven chose Switzerland as his residence for several reasons. One primary factor was Switzerland's neutrality, offering a stable and peaceful environment, particularly during times of political unrest or conflict. Additionally, Switzerland's picturesque landscapes, serene surroundings, and high quality of life appealed to Niven's preferences for a quieter, more private lifestyle away from the bustling entertainment industry. The country's favorable tax policies for foreigners were also known to attract individuals seeking financial benefits. Overall, Switzerland offered Niven a tranquil and secure retreat, away from the spotlight of Hollywood, making it an ideal place for him to reside.