David Niven Biography: From World War II Hero to Hollywood Icon

James David Graham Niven was born in London on March 1, 1910. He pursued a military career before moving to the United States in 1930, working as an extra in several productions. Signed by Samuel Goldwyn, he began gaining recognition for his roles alongside Errol Flynn. In 1939, he starred with Ginger Rogers in Bachelor Mother. After World War II, he starred in Around the World in 80 Days (1956).

In 1958, Niven won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Separate Tables. The 1960s brought more hits such as The Guns of Navarone (1961), and he was even considered to play James Bond. Nevertheless, he did portray the secret agent in Casino Royale (1967). Another career highlight was his role in The Pink Panther (1963).

Niven published his autobiography in 1971, followed by a second biography in 1975. Among the revelations, he mentioned a trip to Brazil and the honor of meeting former president Juscelino Kubitschek and the architect Oscar Niemeyer.

The actor was married twice and had four children. His first marriage was to Priula Rollo, daughter of Lord and Lady Rollo, whom he met casually during World War II. The marriage ended tragically when his wife died after a fall at a party at Tyrone Power’s house. Widowed, he married Swedish model Hjördis Tersmeden years later. Niven died of cancer while writing his memoirs.

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Carla Marinho Leal

Writer, traveler and above all, curious about many subjects. She has studied cinema since 2002 and is a Specialist in Cinematographic Studies from UNICAP. Founder of the blog Purviance and the website Cinemaclássico. She loves Charles Chaplin, Raj Kapoor and constantly browses films from all over the world.

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