Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo
Full Name and Common Aliases
Greta Lovisa Gustafsson was born on September 18, 1905, in Stockholm, Sweden. She is commonly known as Greta Garbo.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: September 18, 1905, in Stockholm, Sweden
Died: April 15, 1990, in New York City, USA
Nationality and Profession(s)
Greta Garbo was a Swedish-born actress who rose to international fame during the 1920s and 1930s. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Stockholm, Gustafsson's early life was marked by hardship and poverty. Her father, Karl Alfred Gustafsson, was a merchant who struggled to make ends meet. In 1918, at the age of 13, Greta began working as an office clerk while attending school.
Greta's entry into acting began in 1922 when she joined the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. Her early performances were often uncredited and minor roles. However, it was her striking appearance and captivating on-screen presence that eventually caught the attention of film industry professionals.
Major Accomplishments
During her illustrious career, Greta Garbo appeared in 28 films, including classics such as 'Anna Karenina' (1935), 'Ninotchka' (1939), and 'Grand Hotel' (1932). She won one Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'Ninotchka'.
Greta's commitment to her craft was evident in her rigorous preparation and dedication to each role. Her intense focus on character development and immersion allowed her to convincingly portray complex characters.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Greta Garbo's most notable works include:
Anna Karenina (1935) - a drama film where she played the title role
Ninotchka (1939) - a romantic comedy film for which she won an Academy Award
* Grand Hotel (1932) - a drama film that showcased her versatility as an actress
Greta's impact on the film industry cannot be overstated. She paved the way for future generations of actresses and helped establish the 'artistic actor' movement, where actors sought to push boundaries through their performances.
Impact and Legacy
Greta Garbo's influence extends beyond her on-screen presence. Her commitment to artistic expression and refusal to compromise on her values have inspired countless individuals in the entertainment industry.
In recognition of her contributions to cinema, Greta was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. She was also appointed Commander of the Order of Vasa by King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Greta Garbo's quotes and statements are often cited because they reveal her introspective nature, commitment to artistic integrity, and willingness to challenge societal norms. Her most famous quote is: 'I was born when it was darker than usual.'
Quotes by Greta Garbo
Why haven’t I got a husband and children?” mused Greta Garbo to the Dutchess of Windsor, “I never met a man I could marry.
Being a movie star, and this applies to all of them, means being looked at from every possible direction. You are never left at peace, you’re just fair game.
I don’t want to be a silly temptress. I cannot see any sense in getting dressed up and doing nothing but tempting men in pictures.
Why should you care for a woman like me? I’m always nervous or sick, or sad or too gay.
How can one change one’s entire life and build a new one on one moment of love? And yet, that’s what you make me want to close my eyes and do.
All alike, you men. You only want the satisfaction of being through with us first, that’s all. So far I’ve had the good fortune of beating you to it. So I am heartless.
