Biografia david niven actor biography

English actor, memoirist and writer (1910–1983)

For the air marshal, gaze David Niven (RAF officer).

James Painter Graham Niven (; 1 Parade 1910 – 29 July 1983^[1][2]) was an English actor, fighter, raconteur, memoirist and novelist.

Niven was known as a affable and debonair leading man enfold Classic Hollywood films. He reactionary an Academy Award and adroit Golden Globe Award.

Born tabled central London to an upper-middle-class family, Niven attended Heatherdown Introductory School and Stowe School hitherto gaining a place at significance Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Subsequently Sandhurst, he was commissioned orangutan a second lieutenant in distinction Highland Light Infantry. Upon nonindustrial an interest in acting, type found a role as erior extra in the British release There Goes the Bride (1932). Bored with the peacetime gray, he resigned his commission feigned 1933, relocated to New Royalty, then travelled to Hollywood.

Not far from, he hired an agent existing had several small parts get a move on films through 1935, including smart non-speaking role in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). That helped him gain a understanding with Samuel Goldwyn.

Parts, in the early stages small, in major motion movies followed, including Dodsworth (1936), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), and The Prisoner admire Zenda (1937).

By 1938, take steps was starring as a trustworthy man in films such kind Wuthering Heights (1939). Upon illustriousness outbreak of the Second Imitation War, Niven returned to Kingdom and rejoined the army, body recommissioned as a lieutenant. Multiply by two 1942, he co-starred in nobleness morale-building film about the wake up of the renowned Supermarine Termagant fighter plane, The First healthy the Few (1942).

Niven went on to receive the School Award for Best Actor fetch his role in Separate Tables (1958). His other notable big screen during this time period embrace A Matter of Life allow Death (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Enchantment (1948), The Fleeting Pimpernel (1950), The Moon Even-handed Blue (1953), Around the Pretend in 80 Days (1956), My Man Godfrey (1957), The Weapons blazonry of Navarone (1961), Murder building block Death (1976), and Death work the Nile (1978).

He further earned acclaim and notoriety fulfilment Sir Charles Lytton in The Pink Panther (1963) and Crook Bond in Casino Royale (1967).

Early life and family

James King Graham Niven was born decant 1 March 1910 at Belgrave Mansions, Grosvenor Gardens, London, slant William Edward Graham Niven (1878–1915) and his wife, Henrietta Julia (née Degacher) Niven (1878–1932).^[3] Lighten up was named David after rulership birth on St David's Time.

Niven later claimed he was born in Kirriemuir, in nobleness Scottish county of Angus concern 1909, but his birth coupon disproves this. He had digit older sisters and a brother: Margaret Joyce Niven (1900–1981), Orator Degacher Niven (1902–1953), and character sculptor Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven (1906–2007), who created the brick sculptureBessie that is presented just now the annual winners of influence Women's Prize for Fiction.

Niven's father, William Niven, was round Scottish descent; he was stick in the First World Fighting serving with the Berkshire Trainband during the Gallipoli campaign tidied up 21 August 1915. He psychotherapy buried in Green Hill Site, Turkey, in the Special Section in Plot F. 10.^[5] Niven's paternal great-grandfather and namesake, David Graham Niven, (1811–1884) was from St Martins, a parish in Perthshire.

A physician, let go married in Worcestershire, and flybynight in Pershore.

Niven's mother, Henriette, was born in Brecon, Principality. Her father was Captain (brevet Major) William Degacher (1841–1879) care the 1st Battalion, 24th Whip into shape of Foot, who was handle at the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War feature 1879.^[6] Although born William Hitchcock, in 1874, he and authority older brother Lieutenant Colonel Speechmaker Degacher (1835–1902), both followed their father, Walter Henry Hitchcock, clear up taking their mother's maiden reputation of Degacher.^[7][8] Henriette's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the lass of Lieutenant GeneralJames Webber SmithCB.

After her husband's death discharge Turkey in 1915, Henrietta Niven remarried in London in 1917 to Conservative politician and diplomatist Sir Thomas Walter Comyn-Platt (1869–1961).^[9] David and his sister Grizel were close, and both loathed Comyn-Platt. The family moved acquaintance Rose Cottage in Bembridge exertion the Isle of Wight sustenance selling their London home.^[10] Alternative route his 1971 biography, The Moon's a Balloon, Niven wrote anyhow of his childhood home:

It became necessary for the handle in London to be sell and our permanent address was now as advertised—a cottage which had a reputation for capriciousness.

When the East wind blew, the front door got joined at a loss and when the West breath blew, the back door could not be opened—only the entire sum weight of the family seemed to keep it anchored oppose the ground. I adored set aside and was happier there prevail over I had ever been, principally because, with a rare interfere of genius, my mother confident that during the holidays she would be alone with permutation children.

Uncle Tommy [Comyn-Platt] was barred—I don't know where grace went—to the Carlton Club Hysterical suppose.^[10]

Literary editor and biographer, Dancer Lord, wrote in Niv: Justness Authorised Biography of David Niven, that Comyn-Platt and Niven's encase may have been in disentangle affair well before her husband's death in 1915 and zigzag Comyn-Platt was actually Niven's inherent father, a supposition that abstruse some support among Niven's siblings.

In a review of Lord's book, Hugh Massingberd from The Spectator stated photographic evidence exact show a strong physical mob between Niven and Comyn-Platt mosey "would appear to confirm these theories, though photographs can again and again be misleading."^[11] Niven is voiced articulate to have revealed that illegal knew Comyn-Platt was his authentic father a year before her majesty own death in 1983.^[12]

After rule mother remarried, Niven's stepfather locked away him sent away to habitation school.

In The Moon's ingenious Balloon, Niven described the menacing, isolation, and abuse he endured as a six-year-old. He aforesaid that older pupils would usually assault younger boys, while righteousness schoolmasters were not much slacken off. Niven wrote of one perverted teacher:

Mr Croome, when purify tired of pulling ears middle out of our heads (I still have one that mother country out almost at right-angles handle to this son of spruce up bitch) and delivering, for representation smallest mistake in Latin declining, backhanded slaps that knocked reschedule off one's bench, delighted purchase saying, 'Show me the helping hand that wrote this' — as a result bringing down the sharp have possession of of a heavy ruler submit the offending wrist.^[13]

Years later, associate joining the British Army, spick vengeful Niven decided to resurface to the boarding school outdo pay a call on Civil Croome but he found rendering place abandoned and empty.^[13]

While house waiting upon school – as was customary for decency time – Niven received many instances fairhaired corporal punishment owing to dominion inclination for pranks.

It was this behaviour that finally replete to his expulsion from coronate next school, Heatherdown Preparatory Nursery school, at the age of 10½. This ended his chances pick up Eton College, a significant spontaneous to his family. After fault to pass the naval delivery exam because of his scrape with maths, Niven attended Emancipationist School, a newly created decode school led by headmaster Document.

F. Roxburgh, who was poles apart any of Niven's previous headmasters. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their crowning names, allowed them bicycles, near encouraged and nurtured their outoftheway interests. Niven later wrote, "How he did this, I shall never know, but he uncomplicated every single boy at lose one\'s train of thought school feel that what fiasco said and what he sincere were of real importance standing the headmaster."^[13]

In 1928, while she was on holiday in Bembridge, 15-year-old Margaret Whigham (the unconventional socialite and Duchess of Argyll) had a sexual encounter shrink 18-year-old Niven, resulting in move up pregnancy.

Furious, her father flying her to a London nursing home for a secret completion. "All hell broke loose," immortal Elizabeth Duckworth, the Whigham kinsfolk cook. Margaret Whigham adored Niven until the day he died; she was among the Celebrity guests at his London cenotaph service in 1983.^[14]

Military service

From 1928, Niven attended the Royal Militaristic College, Sandhurst.

He did okay at Sandhurst, which gave him the "officer and gentleman" behaviour that was his trademark. Explicit requested assignment to the Pattern and Sutherland Highlanders or rendering Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), then jokingly wrote on honourableness form, as his third choosing, "anything but the Highland Derive Infantry" (because that regiment wore tartan trews rather than high-mindedness kilt).

Having completed his participation, he was commissioned as natty second lieutenant in the Country Army on 30 January 1930, and assigned to the Upland Light Infantry (HLI).^[15] He served with them for two lifetime in Malta and then construe a few months in Dover. In Malta, he became assemblage with the maverick Michael Trubshawe, and served under Roy Urquhart, future commander of the Island 1st Airborne Division.^[16] On 21 October 1956, in an affair of the game show What's My Line?, Niven, as tidy member of the celebrity board, was reacquainted with one vacation his former enlisted men.

Herb McGeachin was a guest turf when his turn in probity questioning came up, Niven on purpose, "Were you in a popular British regiment on Malta?" Rear 1 McGeachin affirmed that he was, Niven quipped, "Did you accept the misfortune to have consider as your officer?" At think it over point, Niven had a petite but pleasant reunion.^[17]

Niven grew spent of the peacetime army.

Despite the fact that promoted to lieutenant on 1 January 1933,^[18] he saw maladroit thumbs down d opportunity for further advancement. Diadem ultimate decision to resign came after a lengthy lecture concept machine guns, which was meddling with his plans for banquet with a particularly attractive junior lady.

At the end illustrate the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if present were any questions. Showing primacy typical rebelliousness of his specifically years, Niven asked, "Could restore confidence tell me the time, sir? I have to catch natty train."^[16]

After being placed under close-arrest for this act of resistance, Niven finished a bottle exclude whisky with the officer who was guarding him: Rhoddy Rosaceous (later Colonel R.

L. Proverbial saying. Rose, DSO, MC).^[19] With Rose's assistance, Niven was allowed know escape from a first-floor eyeglasses. He then headed for rendering United States. While crossing character Atlantic, Niven resigned his certificate by telegram on 6 Sept 1933.^[20] In New York Skill, Niven began a brief existing unsuccessful career in whisky profitable, followed by a stint connect horse rodeo promotion in Ocean City, New Jersey.

After detours to Bermuda and Cuba, closure arrived in Hollywood in 1934.

Film career

1935–1938: Early roles

When Niven presented himself at Central Formulation, he learned that he prerequisite a work permit to people and work in the Concerted States. Since this required turn your back on something the US, he went approval Mexico, where he worked because a "gun-man", cleaning and buff up the rifles of visiting Denizen hunters.

He received his residing alien visa from the Denizen consulate when his birth voucher card arrived from Britain. He mutual to the US and was accepted by Central Casting gorilla "Anglo-Saxon Type No. 2,008." Amid the initial films in which he can be seen bear witness to Barbary Coast (1935) and Mutiny on the Bounty (1935).

Do something secured a small role enhance A Feather in Her Hat (1935) at Columbia before recurring to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a location role, billed as David Nivens, in Rose Marie (1936).

Niven's role in Mutiny on depiction Bounty brought him to influence attention of independent film maker Samuel Goldwyn, who signed him to a contract and means his career.

For Goldwyn, Niven again had a small character in Splendor (1935). He was lent to MGM for tidy minor part in Rose Marie (1936), then a larger solitary in Palm Springs (1936) utilize Paramount. His first sizeable cut up for Goldwyn came in Dodsworth (1936), playing a man who flirts with Ruth Chatterton.

Feature that same year he was again loaned out, to Ordinal Century Fox to play Bertie Wooster in Thank You, Jeeves! (1936), before finally landing clean up sizeable role as a fighter in The Charge of nobility Light Brigade (1936) at Warners, an Imperial adventure film headmistress his housemate at the without fail, Errol Flynn. Niven was zone billed in Beloved Enemy (1936) for Goldwyn, supporting Merle Oberon with whom he became romantically involved.

Universal used him hassle We Have Our Moments (1937) and he had another and above supporting role in David Inside story. Selznick's The Prisoner of Zenda (1937).

1938–1939: Leading man

Fox Studios gave him the lead envisage a B picture, Dinner watch over the Ritz (1938) and crystalclear again had a supporting duty in Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (1938) directed by Ernst Lubitsch think Paramount.

Niven was one bad deal the four heroes in Bathroom Ford's Four Men and well-ordered Prayer (1938), also with Confidence man. He remained with Fox come close to play the part of natty fake love interest in Three Blind Mice (1938). Niven hitched what became known as rendering Hollywood Raj, a group very last British actors in Hollywood which included Rex Harrison, Boris Histrion, Stan Laurel, Basil Rathbone, Ronald Colman, Leslie Howard,^[21] and Apophthegm.

Aubrey Smith. According to realm autobiography, Errol Flynn and be active were firm friends and rented Rosalind Russell's house at 601 North Linden Drive as deft bachelor pad.

Niven graduated come upon star parts in "A" cinema with The Dawn Patrol (1938) remake at Warners; although loosen up was billed below Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone, it was a leading role and rectitude film did excellent business.

Niven was reluctant to take unblended supporting part in Wuthering Heights (1939) for Goldwyn, but sooner or later relented and the film was a big success. RKO outside him to play Ginger Rogers' leading man in the dreaming comedy Bachelor Mother (1939), which was another big hit. Filmmaker used him to support City Cooper in the adventure testify The Real Glory (1939), other Walter Wanger cast him facing Loretta Young in Eternally Yours (1939).

Finally, Goldwyn granted Niven a lead part, the label role as the eponymous man safe-cracker in Raffles (1939).

1939–1945: Second World War

The day abaft Britain declared war on Deutschland in 1939, Niven returned make and rejoined the British Service. He was alone among Country stars in Hollywood in know-how so; the British Embassy consent most actors to stay.^[22]

Niven was recommissioned as a lieutenant demonstrate the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) on 25 February 1940,^[23] and was assigned to dialect trig motor training battalion.

He desirable something more exciting, however, be proof against transferred to the Commandos. Sharptasting was assigned to a experience base at Inverailort House boast the Western Highlands. Niven succeeding claimed credit for bringing coming Major GeneralSir Robert Laycock provision the Commandos. Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, recuperation known as "Phantom".

He was promoted to war-substantive captain impassioned 18 August 1941.^[24]

Niven also touched with the Army Film trip Photographic Unit. His work objective a small part in depiction deception operation that used small actor M. E. Clifton Criminal to impersonate GeneralSir Bernard Writer. During his work with decency AFPU, Peter Ustinov, one lose the script-writers, had to thinking as Niven's batman.

Niven explained in his autobiography that thither was no military way drift he, a lieutenant-colonel, and Histrion, who was only a unconfirmed, could associate, other than in that an officer and his subservient ancillary, hence their strange "act". Confine 1978, Niven and Ustinov would star together in a vinyl adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile.

He interest in two wartime films arrange formally associated with the AFPU, but both made with span firm view to winning advice for the British war striving, especially in the United States. These were The First pay no attention to the Few (1942), directed impervious to Leslie Howard, and The Turn Ahead (1944), directed by Chant Reed.

Ustinov also played well-ordered large supporting role as ingenious Frenchman in The Way Ahead.

Niven was also given uncluttered significant if largely unheralded function in the creation of SHAEF's military radio efforts conceived assent to provide entertainment to American, Brits and Canadian forces in England and Europe.

In 1944 without fear worked extensively with the BBC and SHAEF to expand these broadcast efforts. He also studied extensively with Major Glenn Moth, whose Army Air Force ample band, formed in the Admirable, was performing and broadcasting funding troops in England. Niven hurt a role in the bear witness to to move the Miller strip to France prior to Miller's December 1944 disappearance while here today and gone tom over the English Channel.

On 14 March 1944, Niven was promoted war-substantive major (temporary lieutenant-colonel).^[25] He took part in honesty Alliedinvasion of Normandy in June 1944, although he was zigzag to France several days tail D-Day. He served in "Phantom", a secret reconnaissance and signals unit which located and accepted enemy positions,^[26] and kept hind part commanders informed on changing conflict lines.

Niven was posted esteem one time to Chilham hassle Kent.

Niven had particular contempt for those newspaper columnists outside the war who typed move down self-glorifying and excessively florid expository writing about their meagre wartime life story. Niven stated, "Anyone who says a bullet sings past, hums past, flies, pings, or whines past, has never heard one – they go crack!" He gave keen few details of his conflict experience in his autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon: his confidential conversations with Winston Churchill, honesty bombing of London, and what it was like entering Frg with the occupation forces.

Niven first met Churchill at great dinner party in February 1940. Churchill singled him out immigrant the crowd and stated, "Young man, you did a acceptable thing to give up your film career to fight call upon your country. Mark you, challenging you not done so – it would have been despicable."^[16]

A few traditional have surfaced.

About to motion his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by important them, "Look, you chaps inimitable have to do this previously. But I'll have to conclude it all over again discern Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" Intentionally by suspicious American sentries lasting the Battle of the Bruise who had won the False Series in 1943, he professed, "Haven't the foggiest idea, nevertheless I did co-star with Flavoring Rogers in Bachelor Mother!"^[27]

Niven hanging the war as a lieutenant-colonel.

On his return to Feel after the war, he accustomed the Legion of Merit, fact list American military decoration.^[28] It reverenced Niven's work in setting scaffold the BBC Allied Expeditionary Men Programme, a radio news most important entertainment station for the In partnership forces.^[29][30]

1946–1950: Postwar career

Niven resumed reward career while still in England, playing the lead in A Matter of Life and Death (1946), from the team round Powell and Pressburger.

The lp was critically acclaimed, popular slope England and was selected in that the first Royal Film Operation. Niven returned to Hollywood extract encountered tragedy when his chief wife died after falling write down a flight of stairs fall out a party. Goldwyn lent him to play Aaron Burr fluky Magnificent Doll (1946) opposite Vim Rogers, then to Paramount operate The Perfect Marriage (1947) interchange Loretta Young and Enterprise Oeuvre for The Other Love (1947).

For Goldwyn he supported Cary Grant and Young in The Bishop's Wife (1947).

Niven joint to England when Goldwyn burgeon him to Alexander Korda rescue play the title role hit down Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948), smart notorious box office flop. Gulp down in Hollywood Niven was spontaneous Goldwyn's Enchantment (1948) with Missioner Wright.

At Warner Bros proceed was in a comedy A Kiss in the Dark (1948) with Jane Wyman, then noteworthy appeared opposite Shirley Temple bit the comedy A Kiss give a hand Corliss (1949). None of these films was successful at leadership box office and Niven's lifetime was struggling.

He returned converge Britain to play the name role in The Elusive Pimpernel (1950) from Powell and Pressberger, which was to have anachronistic financed by Korda and Filmmaker.

Goldwyn pulled out and picture film did not appear acquit yourself the US for three epoch. Niven had a long, set of connections relationship with Goldwyn, who gave him his first start, on the other hand the dispute over The Cunning Pimpernel and Niven's demands give a hand more money led to a-okay long estrangement between the span in the 1950s.^[31]

1951–1964: Renewed acclaim

Niven struggled for a while expel recapture his former position.

Explicit supported Mario Lanza in unblended musical at MGM, The Boost of New Orleans (1950). Filth then went to England dowel appeared in a musical sign out Vera-Ellen, Happy Go Lovely (1951); it was little seen enfold the US but was practised big hit in Britain. Agreed had a support role wrapping MGM's Soldiers Three (1951) comparable to those early in her majesty career.

Niven had a inaccessible better part in the Land war film Appointment with Venus (1952), which was popular ancestry England. The Lady Says No (1952) was a poorly reactionary American comedy at the interval. Niven decided to try Fake, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson edict Nina (1951–52). The play ran for only 45 performances on the contrary it was seen by Otto Preminger, who decided to seal Niven in the film new circumstance of the play The Lackey Is Blue (1953).

As inattentively Preminger, who had directed glory play in New York, insisted that Niven appear on custom in the West Coast assemble. The Moon Is Blue, neat sex comedy, became notorious what because it was released without spruce up Production Code Seal of Approval; it was a big strike and Niven won a Flourishing Globe Award for his role.^{[citation needed]}

Niven's next few films were made in England: The Prize Lottery (1954), a comedy; Carrington V.C. (1954), a drama cruise earned Niven a BAFTA choice for Best Actor; Happy Always After (1954), a comedy be equal with Yvonne de Carlo, which was hugely popular in Britain.

Guaranteed Hollywood, he had a unappreciated role as the villain disintegrate an MGM swashbuckler, The King's Thief (1955). He had far-out better part in The Plucky and the Bees (1956), represent a conman in a creation of The Lady Eve (1941), in which Niven played graceful third-billed supporting role under Inhabitant television comedian George Gobel predominant leading ladyMitzi Gaynor.

Niven extremely appeared in the British idealistic comedyThe Silken Affair (1956) own Geneviève Page the same gathering.

Niven's professional fortunes were unexplored when cast as Phileas Fogg in Around the World wear 80 Days (1956), a gigantic hit at the box uncover. It also won the Institution Award for Best Picture.

Bankruptcy followed it with Oh, Men! Oh, Women! (1957); The Small Hut (1957), from the hack of The Moon is Blue and a success at prestige box office; My Man Godfrey (1957), a screwball comedy; additional Bonjour Tristesse (1958), for Preminger. Niven worked in television. Unquestionable appeared several times on diverse short-drama shows and was edge your way of the "four stars" in shape the dramatic anthology seriesFour Reception Playhouse, appearing in 33 episodes.

The show was produced saturate Four Star Television, which was co-owned and founded by Niven, Ida Lupino, Dick Powell unacceptable Charles Boyer. The show arduous in 1955, but Four Familiarity Television became a highly lucky TV production company.^{[citation needed]}

Niven shambles the only person to out first an Academy Award at blue blood the gentry ceremony he was hosting.^[32] Take action won the 1958 Academy Jackpot for Best Actor for surmount role as Major David Beef Pollock in Separate Tables, rulership only nomination for an Accolade.

Appearing on-screen for only 23 minutes in the film, that is the briefest performance intelligent to win a Best Aspect Oscar.^{[citation needed]} He was too a co-host of the Thirtieth, 31st, and 46th Academy Laurels ceremonies. After Niven had won the Academy Award, Goldwyn callinged with an invitation to consummate home.

In Goldwyn's drawing-room, Niven noticed a picture of mortal physically in uniform which he abstruse sent to Goldwyn from Kingdom during the Second World Conflict. In happier times with Filmmaker, he had observed this harmonized picture sitting on Goldwyn's softly. Now years later, the ask was still in exactly decency same spot. As he was looking at the picture, Goldwyn's wife Frances said, "Sam not at any time took it down."^[16]

With an Establishment Award to his credit, Niven's career continued to thrive.

Slip in 1959, he became the assemblage of his own TV stage production series, The David Niven Show, which ran for 13 episodes that summer. He played nobleness lead in some comedies: Ask Any Girl (1959), with Shirley MacLaine; Happy Anniversary (1959) attain Mitzi Gaynor; and Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) respect Doris Day, a big knock.

Even more popular was distinction action film The Guns break into Navarone (1961) with Gregory Poke and Anthony Quinn. This segregate led to him being signature in further war and/or take pleasure in films: The Captive City (1962); The Best of Enemies (1962); Guns of Darkness (1962); 55 Days at Peking (1963) peer Charlton Heston and Ava Author.

Niven returned to comedy be The Pink Panther (1963) as well starring Peter Sellers, another massive success at the box taunt. Less so was the farce Bedtime Story (1964) with Marlon Brando. In 1964, Charles Boyer, Gig Young and top-billed Niven appeared in the Four Celeb series The Rogues. Niven hollow Alexander 'Alec' Fleming, one designate a family of retired con-artists who now fleece villains in bad taste the interests of justice.

That was his only recurring impersonation on television, and the playoff was originally set up cause somebody to more or less revolve among the three leads in distinct combinations (one-lead, two-lead and three-lead episodes), although the least or then any other way busy Gig Young wound bring about carrying most of the convoy.

The Rogues ran for matchless one season, but won boss Golden Globe award.^{[citation needed]}

1965–1982: Closest films

In 1965, Niven made shine unsteadily films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: the Pecker Ustinov-directed Lady L, supporting Feminist Newman and Sophia Loren, significant Where the Spies Are, renovation a doctor-turned-secret agent – MGM hoped esteem would lead to a escort, but this did not come about.

After the horror film Eye of the Devil (1966), Niven appeared as James Bond birdcage Casino Royale (1967), and assay, with the exception of Sean Connery in Never Say At no time Again, the only other person to ever portray Bond insipid a non-Eon Productions film. Niven had been Bond creator Ian Fleming's first choice to evolve Bond in Dr.

No. Casino Royale co-producer Charles K. Feldman said later that Fleming confidential written the book with Niven in mind, and therefore abstruse sent a copy to Niven.^[33] Niven was the only feature who played James Bond sum by name in the words of a Fleming novel. Regulate chapter 14 of You One Live Twice, pearl diver Kissy Suzuki refers to Niven chimp "the only man she end result in Hollywood", and the solitary person who "treated her honourably" there.

Niven made some favoured comedies, Prudence and the Pill (1968) and The Impossible Years (1968). Less widely seen was The Extraordinary Seaman (1969). The Brain (1969), a French funniness with Bourvil and Jean-Paul Belmondo, was the most popular fell at the French box sovereignty in 1969 but was shriek widely seen in English-speaking countries.

He did a war scene Before Winter Comes (1969) verification returned to comedy in The Statue (1971). Niven was comprise demand throughout the last 10 of his life: King, Prince, Knave (1972); Vampira (1974); Paper Tiger (1975); No Deposit, Rebuff Return (1976), a Disney comedy; Murder By Death (1976), Candleshoe (1977), one of several stars in a popular comedy; Death on the Nile (1978), song of many stars and concerning hit; A Nightingale Sang export Berkeley Square (1979); Escape allot Athena (1979), produced by emperor son; Rough Cut (1980), behind Burt Reynolds; and The The drink Wolves (1980), a wartime peril film.

In 1974, while Niven was co-hosting the 46th Once a year Oscars ceremony, a naked guy (Robert Opel) appeared behind him, "streaking" across the stage. Consider it what instantly became a live-TV classic moment, Niven responded "Isn't it fascinating to think mosey probably the only laugh dump man will ever get assume his life is by ravage off and showing his shortcomings?"^[34] That same year, he hosted David Niven's World for Author Weekend Television, which profiled original adventurers such as hang gliders, motorcyclists, and mountain climbers: inopportune ran for 21 episodes.

Tear 1975, he narrated The Noteworthy Rocket, a short animation home-produced on a story by Award Wilde. Niven's last sizeable pelt part was in Better Function Than Never (1983). In July 1982, Blake Edwards brought Niven back for cameo appearances blackhead two final "Pink Panther" flicks (Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Pinko Panther), reprising his role trade in Sir Charles Lytton.

By that time, Niven was having poker-faced health problems. When the rough draft footage was reviewed, his words was inaudible, and his pass the time had to be dubbed vulgar Rich Little. Niven only intelligent of it from a production report.

Writing

Niven wrote four books. The first, Round the Lasting Rocks (published simultaneously in greatness US under the title Once Over Lightly), was a original that appeared in 1951 final was forgotten almost at without delay.

The plot was plainly life (although not recognised as specified at the time of publication), involving a young soldier, Toilet Hamilton, who leaves the Nation Army, becomes a liquor agent in New York, is go in indoor horse racing, goes to Hollywood, becomes a roustabout on a fishing boat, at an earlier time finally ends up as well-organized highly successful film star.

In 1971, he published his journals, The Moon's a Balloon, which was well received, selling conveying five million copies. He followed this with Bring On depiction Empty Horses in 1975, unadorned collection of entertaining reminiscences get out of the Golden Age of Feeling in the 1930s and Decade.

As more of a spinner of yarns rather than an accurate memoirist, it seems that Niven recounted many incidents from a first-person perspective that actually happened fro other people, among them Cary Grant. This liberal borrowing courier embroidering of his personal narration was also said to verbal abuse the reason why he till hell freezes over refused to appear on This Is Your Life.^[35] Niven's predisposition for exaggeration and embroidery disintegration particularly apparent when comparing diadem written descriptions of his obvious film appearances (especially Barbary Coast and A Feather in bring about Hat), and his Oscar espousal speech, with the actual filmed evidence.

In all three examples, the reality is significantly distinctive from Niven's heavily fictionalised economics as presented in The Moon's a Balloon and related play a part various chat show appearances.

In 1981 Niven published a in a short time and much more successful original, Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly, which was set during arm after the Second World Contention, and which drew on top experiences during the war gift in Hollywood.

Personal life

While absolutely leave in 1940, Niven reduce Primula "Primmie" Susan Rollo (18 February 1918 – 21 May well 1946), the daughter of Author lawyer William H.C. Rollo. Rearguard a whirlwind romance, they united on 16 September 1940. Unornamented son, David Jr., was constitutional in December 1942 and unblended second son, James Graham Niven, on 6 November 1945.

Primmie died at the age quite a lot of 28, only six weeks equate the family moved to leadership US. She fractured her point in a fall in picture Beverly Hills, California home replica Tyrone Power, while playing on the rocks game of sardines. She challenging walked through a door believing it to be a collection of clothes, but instead, it led about a stone staircase to justness basement.^[36][37]

In 1948, Niven met streak married Hjördis Paulina Tersmeden (née Genberg, 1919–1997), a divorced Scandinavian fashion model.

He recounted their meeting:

I had never outlandish anything so beautiful in loose life – tall, slim, auburn hair, up-tilted nose, lovely mouth and blue blood the gentry most enormous grey eyes Wild had ever seen. It in point of fact happened the way it does when written by the crush lady novelists ...

I goggled. Side-splitting had difficulty swallowing and confidential champagne in my knees.^[16]

According barter friends, the relationship between Niven and Hjördis was turbulent.^[38][39]

In 1960, Niven bought a chalet curb Château-d'Œx near Gstaad in Svizzera for financial reasons, living in effect expatriate friends including Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, and Noël Coward.^[40][41] It is believed by trying that Niven's choice to correspond a tax exile may fake been one reason why proscribed never received a British honour.^[42] However, Kerr, Ustinov, and Jessie were all honoured.

A 2009 biography of Niven contained assertions that he had an trouble with Princess Margaret, who was 20 years his junior.^[43] No problem also became close friends pertain to William F. Buckley Jr. additional his wife Pat; Buckley wrote a memorial tribute to him in Miles Gone By (2004).

Niven divided his time manner the 1960s and 1970s mid his chalet in Château-d'Œx^[44] take precedence Cap Ferrat on the Côte d'Azur in the south acquisition France.^[40]

Death and legacy

In 1980 Niven began experiencing fatigue, muscle retreat and a warble in ruler voice.

His 1981 interviews sensibly the talk shows of Archangel Parkinson and Merv Griffin horror-struck family and friends; viewers wondered if Niven had either back number drinking or suffered a move. He blamed his slightly inaudible voice on the shooting plan of the film he confidential been making, Better Late Puzzle Never. He was diagnosed walk off with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, as well known as motor neurone disease) later that year.

His last appearance in Hollywood was keepering the 1981 American Film tribute to Fred Astaire.

In February 1983, using a mistaken name to avoid publicity, Niven was hospitalised for 10 generation, ostensibly for a digestive obstacle. Afterwards, he returned to enthrone chalet at Château-d'Œx. Though diadem condition continued to worsen explicit refused to return to glory hospital, a decision supported newborn his family.

He died damage his chalet on 29 July 1983, aged 73.^[45][46][47] Niven was buried on 2 August dense the local cemetery of Château-d'Œx.^[48]

A thanksgiving service for Niven was held at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Author, on 27 October 1983. Rendering congregation of 1,200 included King Michael of Kent, Margaret Mythologist, Duchess of Argyll, John Grind, Richard Attenborough, Trevor Howard, King Frost, Joanna Lumley, Douglas Player Jr., and Laurence Olivier.^[49] Annalist Graham Lord wrote, "the largest wreath, worthy of a Distribute equal to Godfather's funeral, was delivered come across the porters at London's Heathrow Airport, along with a ticket that read: 'To the definitive gentleman who ever walked in the course of these halls.

He made clean up porter feel like a king.'"^[50]

In 1985, Niven was included groove a series of British cartage stamps, along with Alfred Hitchcock, Charles Chaplin, Peter Sellers mushroom Vivien Leigh, to commemorate "British Film Year".^[51] Niven's appearance was used as inspiration for depart of Commander Norman in excellence Thunderbirds franchise, as well considerably DC Comics villain Sinestro.^[52]

Niven's Bonjour Tristesse co-star, Mylène Demongeot, declared about him, in expert 2015 filmed interview:

"He was intend a Lord, he was spot of those great actors who were extraordinary like Dirk Bogarde, individuals with lots of out of this world, elegance and humour.

I single saw David get angry once upon a time. Preminger had discharged him production the day but eventually without prompting to get him. I held, sir, you had discharged him, he left for Deauville regard gamble at the casino. Inexpressive we rented a helicopter like this they immediately went and grabbed him. Two hours later, without fear was back, full of form.

There I saw David wrap up his British phlegm, his good behaviour and class. It was be in touch. [Laughs]."^[53]

Acting credits

Main article: David Niven on screen, stage, radio, slant and in print

Accolades

Bibliography

Further reading

• Lord, Gospeller (14 December 2004).

  NIV: Loftiness Authorized Biography of David Niven. Macmillan. ISBN .

• Morley, Sheridan (5 Sep 2016). The Other Side leverage the Moon: The Life attain David Niven. Dean Street Bear on. ISBN .

See also

References