Biography of david niven

English actor, memoirist and penman (1910–1983)

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

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

Niven was known as a finelooking and debonair leading man detain Classic Hollywood films. He conventional an Academy Award and unembellished Golden Globe Award.

Born carry central London to an upper-middle-class family, Niven attended Heatherdown Elementary School and Stowe School previously gaining a place at distinction Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Sustenance Sandhurst, he was commissioned likewise a second lieutenant in glory Highland Light Infantry. Upon growing an interest in acting, take action found a role as stick in extra in the British pick up There Goes the Bride (1932). Bored with the peacetime host, he resigned his commission attach importance to 1933, relocated to New Dynasty, then travelled to Hollywood.

Just about, he hired an agent survive had several small parts cage films through 1935, including boss non-speaking role in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). That helped him gain a corporate with Samuel Goldwyn.

Parts, firstly small, in major motion flicks followed, including Dodsworth (1936), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), and The Prisoner make famous Zenda (1937).

By 1938, crystal-clear was starring as a primary man in films such brand Wuthering Heights (1939). Upon nobility outbreak of the Second Area War, Niven returned to Kingdom and rejoined the army, build on recommissioned as a lieutenant. Purchase 1942, he co-starred in goodness morale-building film about the come to life of the renowned Supermarine Ballbreaker fighter plane, The First attention to detail the Few (1942).

Niven went on to receive the Institution Award for Best Actor schedule his role in Separate Tables (1958). His other notable movies during this time period involve A Matter of Life contemporary Death (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Enchantment (1948), The Shifty Pimpernel (1950), The Moon Evaluation Blue (1953), Around the Globe in 80 Days (1956), My Man Godfrey (1957), The Escutcheon of Navarone (1961), Murder manage without Death (1976), and Death assume the Nile (1978).

He besides earned acclaim and notoriety doing Sir Charles Lytton in The Pink Panther (1963) and Apostle Bond in Casino Royale (1967).

Early life and family

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

Niven later claimed he was born in Kirriemuir, in prestige Scottish county of Angus pulsate 1909, but his birth credentials disproves this. He had one older sisters and a brother: Margaret Joyce Niven (1900–1981), h Degacher Niven (1902–1953), and excellence sculptor Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven (1906–2007), who created the bay sculptureBessie that is presented skin the annual winners of primacy Women's Prize for Fiction.

Niven's father, William Niven, was pan Scottish descent; he was attach in the First World Clash serving with the Berkshire National guard during the Gallipoli campaign put out 21 August 1915. He problem buried in Green Hill Necropolis, Turkey, in the Special Commemorative Section in Plot F. 10.^[5] Niven's paternal great-grandfather and namesake, David Graham Niven, (1811–1884) was from St Martins, a provincial in Perthshire.

A physician, unwind married in Worcestershire, and fleeting in Pershore.

Niven's mother, Henriette, was born in Brecon, Cymru. Her father was Captain (brevet Major) William Degacher (1841–1879) warning sign the 1st Battalion, 24th Regulate of Foot, who was deal with at the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War suspend 1879.^[6] Although born William Hitchcock, in 1874, he and king older brother Lieutenant Colonel Physicist Degacher (1835–1902), both followed their father, Walter Henry Hitchcock, advance taking their mother's maiden fame of Degacher.^[7][8] Henriette's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the colleen of Lieutenant GeneralJames Webber SmithCB.

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

It became necessary for the back-to-back in London to be put on the market and our permanent address was now as advertised—a cottage which had a reputation for mercurialness.

When the East wind blew, the front door got jammed and when the West atmosphere blew, the back door could not be opened—only the united weight of the family seemed to keep it anchored drop a line to the ground. I adored on the same plane and was happier there prevail over I had ever been, enormously because, with a rare flare of genius, my mother unmistakable that during the holidays she would be alone with disallow children.

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

Literary editor and biographer, Gospeler Lord, wrote in Niv: Righteousness Authorised Biography of David Niven, that Comyn-Platt and Niven's dam may have been in put down affair well before her husband's death in 1915 and dump Comyn-Platt was actually Niven's ecological father, a supposition that esoteric some support among Niven's siblings.

In a review of Lord's book, Hugh Massingberd from The Spectator stated photographic evidence upfront show a strong physical mob between Niven and Comyn-Platt lapse "would appear to confirm these theories, though photographs can commonly be misleading."^[11] Niven is alleged to have revealed that grace knew Comyn-Platt was his essential father a year before realm own death in 1983.^[12]

After mother remarried, Niven's stepfather difficult him sent away to lodging school.

In The Moon's undiluted Balloon, Niven described the sinister, isolation, and abuse he endured as a six-year-old. He oral that older pupils would popularly assault younger boys, while position schoolmasters were not much mention. Niven wrote of one perverse teacher:

Mr Croome, when flair tired of pulling ears central out of our heads (I still have one that fatherland out almost at right-angles gratitude to this son of neat bitch) and delivering, for leadership smallest mistake in Latin disfranchise, backhanded slaps that knocked work out off one's bench, delighted delicate saying, 'Show me the share that wrote this' — as a result bringing down the sharp accept of a heavy ruler area the offending wrist.^[13]

Years later, rearguard joining the British Army, top-hole vengeful Niven decided to go back to the boarding school chance pay a call on Well-known Croome but he found influence place abandoned and empty.^[13]

While appearance school – as was customary for honesty time – Niven received many instances endorsement corporal punishment owing to wreath inclination for pranks.

It was this behaviour that finally destroy to his expulsion from jurisdiction next school, Heatherdown Preparatory Academy, at the age of 10½. This ended his chances promulgate Eton College, a significant wave to his family. After devoted to pass the naval happening exam because of his formidableness with maths, Niven attended Emancipationist School, a newly created bring to light school led by headmaster Tabulate.

F. Roxburgh, who was like chalk and cheese any of Niven's previous headmasters. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their precede names, allowed them bicycles, suggest encouraged and nurtured their remote interests. Niven later wrote, "How he did this, I shall never know, but he obligated every single boy at depart school feel that what blooper said and what he frank were of real importance evaluation the headmaster."^[13]

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

Furious, her father brief her to a London nursing home for a secret discontinuation. "All hell broke loose," hero Elizabeth Duckworth, the Whigham race cook. Margaret Whigham adored Niven until the day he died; she was among the Important person guests at his London monument service in 1983.^[14]

Military service

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

He did victoriously at Sandhurst, which gave him the "officer and gentleman" outcome that was his trademark. Significant requested assignment to the Sauceboat and Sutherland Highlanders or high-mindedness Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), then jokingly wrote on justness form, as his third alternative, "anything but the Highland Become peaceful Infantry" (because that regiment wore tartan trews rather than nobleness kilt).

Having completed his qualifications, he was commissioned as clever second lieutenant in the Country Army on 30 January 1930, and assigned to the Towering Light Infantry (HLI).^[15] He served with them for two eld in Malta and then defend a few months in Dover. In Malta, he became companionship with the maverick Michael Trubshawe, and served under Roy Urquhart, future commander of the Country 1st Airborne Division.^[16] On 21 October 1956, in an event of the game show What's My Line?, Niven, as exceptional member of the celebrity fortification, was reacquainted with one familiar his former enlisted men.

Alexanders McGeachin was a guest gift when his turn in excellence questioning came up, Niven recognizance, "Were you in a noted British regiment on Malta?" Associate McGeachin affirmed that he was, Niven quipped, "Did you possess the misfortune to have jam as your officer?" At go off at a tangent point, Niven had a transient but pleasant reunion.^[17]

Niven grew dead beat of the peacetime army.

Hunt through promoted to lieutenant on 1 January 1933,^[18] he saw clumsy opportunity for further advancement. Wreath ultimate decision to resign came after a lengthy lecture dig up machine guns, which was meddling with his plans for barbecue with a particularly attractive pubescent lady. At the end flash the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if present were any questions.

Showing justness typical rebelliousness of his steady years, Niven asked, "Could jagged tell me the time, sir? I have to catch ingenious train."^[16]

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

L. Catchword. Rose, DSO, MC).^[19] With Rose's assistance, Niven was allowed switch over escape from a first-floor skylight. He then headed for description United States. While crossing rectitude Atlantic, Niven resigned his authorisation by telegram on 6 Sept 1933.^[20] In New York Infiltrate, Niven began a brief meticulous unsuccessful career in whisky business, followed by a stint crop horse rodeo promotion in Ocean City, New Jersey.

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

Film career

1935–1938: Early roles

When Niven presented himself at Central Oust, he learned that he called for a work permit to populate and work in the Pooled States. Since this required desertion the US, he went limit Mexico, where he worked whilst a "gun-man", cleaning and polish the rifles of visiting English hunters.

He received his district alien visa from the Indweller consulate when his birth docket arrived from Britain. He requited to the US and was accepted by Central Casting whereas "Anglo-Saxon Type No. 2,008." Mid the initial films in which he can be seen hold Barbary Coast (1935) and Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). Noteworthy secured a small role be grateful for A Feather in Her Hat (1935) at Columbia before recurrent to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a orderly role, billed as David Nivens, in Rose Marie (1936).

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Niven's role in Mutiny on the Bounty brought him to the attention of self-governing film producer Samuel Goldwyn, who signed him to a problem and established his career. On Goldwyn, Niven again had uncluttered small role in Splendor (1935). He was lent to MGM for a minor part complicated Rose Marie (1936), then undiluted larger one in Palm Springs (1936) at Paramount.

His greatest sizeable role for Goldwyn came in Dodsworth (1936), playing copperplate man who flirts with Ill fortune Chatterton. In that same era he was again loaned register, to 20th Century Fox persist play Bertie Wooster in Thank You, Jeeves! (1936), before in the end landing a sizeable role bit a soldier in The Extend of the Light Brigade (1936) at Warners, an Imperial exam film starring his housemate file the time, Errol Flynn.

Niven was fourth billed in Beloved Enemy (1936) for Goldwyn, germaneness Merle Oberon with whom stylishness became romantically involved. Universal down at heel him in We Have Wither Moments (1937) and he abstruse another good supporting role well-off David O. Selznick's The Jailbird of Zenda (1937).

1938–1939: Respected man

Fox Studios gave him glory lead in a B description, Dinner at the Ritz (1938) and he again had spick supporting role in Bluebeard's 8th Wife (1938) directed by Painter Lubitsch at Paramount.

Niven was one of the four heroes in John Ford's Four Private soldiers and a Prayer (1938), too with Fox. He remained capable Fox to play the almost all of a fake love weary in Three Blind Mice (1938). Niven joined what became important as the Hollywood Raj, swell group of British actors imprison Hollywood which included Rex Player, Boris Karloff, Stan Laurel, Saint Rathbone, Ronald Colman, Leslie Howard,^[21] and C.

Aubrey Smith. According to his autobiography, Errol Flynn and he were firm guests and rented Rosalind Russell's boarding house at 601 North Linden Try as a bachelor pad.

Niven graduated to star parts fall "A" films with The Brink Patrol (1938) remake at Warners; although he was billed beneath Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone, it was a leading position and the film did matchless business.

Niven was reluctant back take a supporting part eliminate Wuthering Heights (1939) for Filmmaker, but eventually relented and magnanimity film was a big come off. RKO borrowed him to terrain Ginger Rogers' leading man enjoy the romantic comedy Bachelor Mother (1939), which was another expansive hit.

Goldwyn used him locate support Gary Cooper in picture adventure tale The Real Glory (1939), and Walter Wanger signature him opposite Loretta Young all the rage Eternally Yours (1939). Finally, Filmmaker granted Niven a lead eat away, the title role as loftiness eponymous gentleman safe-cracker in Raffles (1939).

1939–1945: Second World War

The day after Britain declared conflict on Germany in 1939, Niven returned home and rejoined distinction British Army.

He was duck among British stars in Feel in doing so; the Nation Embassy advised most actors progress to stay.^[22]

Niven was recommissioned as grand lieutenant in the Rifle Host (Prince Consort's Own) on 25 February 1940,^[23] and was chosen to a motor training plurality. He wanted something more uninteresting, however, and transferred to interpretation Commandos.

He was assigned amount a training base at Inverailort House in the Western Upland. Niven later claimed credit patron bringing future Major GeneralSir Parliamentarian Laycock to the Commandos. Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Affaire Regiment, better known as "Phantom". He was promoted to war-substantive captain on 18 August 1941.^[24]

Niven also worked with the Flock Film and Photographic Unit.

Enthrone work included a small dissection in the deception operation dump used minor actor M. Dynasty. Clifton James to impersonate GeneralSir Bernard Montgomery. During his job with the AFPU, Peter Player, one of the script-writers, locked away to pose as Niven's civilized. Niven explained in his journals that there was no heroic way that he, a lieutenant-colonel, and Ustinov, who was unique a private, could associate, attention than as an officer delighted his subordinate, hence their peculiar "act".

In 1978, Niven predominant Ustinov would star together mosquito a film adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile.

He acted in two wartime films not formally associated toy the AFPU, but both through with a firm view terminate winning support for the Brits war effort, especially in rendering United States.

These were The First of the Few (1942), directed by Leslie Howard, bracket The Way Ahead (1944), booked by Carol Reed. Ustinov additionally played a large supporting r“le as a Frenchman in The Way Ahead.

Niven was additionally given a significant if to a large extent unheralded role in the masterpiece of SHAEF's military radio efforts conceived to provide entertainment know American, British and Canadian buttress in England and Europe.

Bundle 1944 he worked extensively tackle the BBC and SHAEF disturb expand these broadcast efforts. Stylishness also worked extensively with Greater Glenn Miller, whose Army Unjust Force big band, formed handset the US, was performing allow broadcasting for troops in England. Niven played a role gravel the operation to move primacy Miller band to France onetime to Miller's December 1944 ending while flying over the Frankly Channel.

On 14 March 1944, Niven was promoted war-substantive greater (temporary lieutenant-colonel).^[25] He took measurement in the Alliedinvasion of Normandy in June 1944, although take steps was sent to France various days after D-Day. He served in "Phantom", a secret examination and signals unit which remain and reported enemy positions,^[26] near kept rear commanders informed coming together changing battle lines.

Niven was posted at one time smash into Chilham in Kent.

Niven locked away particular scorn for those magazine columnists covering the war who typed out self-glorifying and extravagantly florid prose about their uncommon wartime experiences. Niven stated, "Anyone who says a bullet sings past, hums past, flies, pings, or whines past, has under no circumstances heard one – they go crack!" Earth gave a few details matching his war experience in emperor autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon: his private conversations with Winston Churchill, the bombing of Writer, and what it was approximating entering Germany with the career forces.

Niven first met Author at a dinner party put in February 1940. Churchill singled him out from the crowd allow stated, "Young man, you blunt a fine thing to supply up your film career almost fight for your country. Cast you, had you not result in so – it would have been despicable."^[16]

A few stories have surfaced.

Cart to lead his men befall action, Niven eased their rigidity by telling them, "Look, complete chaps only have to spat this once. But I'll take to do it all rest again in Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" Asked by suspicious Inhabitant sentries during the Battle give an account of the Bulge who had won the World Series in 1943, he answered, "Haven't the foggiest idea, but I did co-star with Ginger Rogers in Bachelor Mother!"^[27]

Niven ended the war monkey a lieutenant-colonel.

On his transmit to Hollywood after the bloodshed, he received the Legion be unable to find Merit, an American military decoration.^[28] It honoured Niven's work impossible to tell apart setting up the BBC Connected Expeditionary Forces Programme, a beam news and entertainment station reserve the Allied forces.^[29][30]

1946–1950: Postwar career

Niven resumed his career while get done in England, playing the subtract in A Matter of Being and Death (1946), from honourableness team of Powell and Pressburger.

The film was critically professional, popular in England and was selected as the first Queenlike Film Performance. Niven returned lecture to Hollywood and encountered tragedy what because his first wife died care for falling down a flight confront stairs at a party. Filmmaker lent him to play Priest Burr in Magnificent Doll (1946) opposite Ginger Rogers, then come into contact with Paramount for The Perfect Marriage (1947) with Loretta Young final Enterprise Productions for The Else Love (1947).

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

Niven returned to England conj at the time that Goldwyn lent him to Vanquisher Korda to play the give a ring role in Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948), a notorious box disclose flop. Back in Hollywood Niven was in Goldwyn's Enchantment (1948) with Teresa Wright.

At Starter Bros he was in unornamented comedy A Kiss in rectitude Dark (1948) with Jane Wyman, then he appeared opposite Shirley Temple in the comedy A Kiss for Corliss (1949). Nobody of these films was sign up at the box office title Niven's career was struggling.

He returned to Britain to exert the title role in The Elusive Pimpernel (1950) from Statesman and Pressberger, which was be acquainted with have been financed by Filmmaker and Goldwyn.

Goldwyn pulled employment and the film did howl appear in the US bring back three years. Niven had topping long, complex relationship with Filmmaker, who gave him his cardinal start, but the dispute make money on The Elusive Pimpernel and Niven's demands for more money facade to a long estrangement halfway the two in the 1950s.^[31]

1951–1964: Renewed acclaim

Niven struggled for well-ordered while to recapture his earlier position.

He supported Mario Lanza in a musical at MGM, The Toast of New Orleans (1950). He then went dissertation England and appeared in trim musical with Vera-Ellen, Happy Put in Lovely (1951); it was diminutive seen in the US on the other hand was a big hit stop off Britain. He had a get somebody on your side role in MGM's Soldiers Three (1951) similar to those absolutely in his career.

Niven difficult to understand a far better part welloff the British war film Appointment with Venus (1952), which was popular in England. The Lass Says No (1952) was grand poorly received American comedy extra the time. Niven decided difficulty try Broadway, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson in Nina (1951–52). Decency play ran for only 45 performances but it was special to by Otto Preminger, who contracted to cast Niven in nobleness film version of the take place The Moon Is Blue (1953).

As preparation Preminger, who confidential directed the play in Unusual York, insisted that Niven come on stage in the Westside Coast run. The Moon Disintegration Blue, a sex comedy, became notorious when it was unfastened without a Production Code Wrap record of Approval; it was uncut big hit and Niven won a Golden Globe Award let in his role.^{[citation needed]}

Niven's next infrequent films were made in England: The Love Lottery (1954), span comedy; Carrington V.C. (1954), marvellous drama that earned Niven shipshape and bristol fashion BAFTA nomination for Best Actor; Happy Ever After (1954), a-one comedy with Yvonne de Carlo, which was hugely popular mosquito Britain.

In Hollywood, he difficult to understand a thankless role as primacy villain in an MGM hero, The King's Thief (1955). Why not? had a better part pulsate The Birds and the Bees (1956), portraying a conman rejoicing a remake of The Muslim Eve (1941), in which Niven played a third-billed supporting segregate under American television comedian Martyr Gobel and leading ladyMitzi Gaynor.

Niven also appeared in character British romantic comedyThe Silken Affair (1956) with Geneviève Page illustriousness same year.

Niven's professional chances were restored when cast because Phileas Fogg in Around decency World in 80 Days (1956), a huge hit at description box office.

It also won the Academy Award for Unlimited Picture. He followed it mount Oh, Men! Oh, Women! (1957); The Little Hut (1957), use the writer of The Hanger-on is Blue and a outcome at the box office; My Man Godfrey (1957), a eccentric comedy; and Bonjour Tristesse (1958), for Preminger. Niven worked assume television.

He appeared several age on various short-drama shows forward was one of the "four stars" of the dramatic hotchpotch seriesFour Star Playhouse, appearing unite 33 episodes. The show was produced by Four Star Urgency, which was co-owned and supported by Niven, Ida Lupino, Detective Powell and Charles Boyer. Grandeur show ended in 1955, on the other hand Four Star Television became natty highly successful TV production company.^{[citation needed]}

Niven is the only informer to win an Academy Prize 1 at the ceremony he was hosting.^[32] He won the 1958 Academy Award for Best Affair for his role as Greater David Angus Pollock in Separate Tables, his only nomination bring an Oscar.

Appearing on-screen insinuation only 23 minutes in glory film, this is the briefest performance ever to win uncluttered Best Actor Oscar.^{[citation needed]} Significant was also a co-host second the 30th, 31st, and Fortysix Academy Awards ceremonies. After Niven had won the Academy Purse, Goldwyn called with an request to his home.

In Goldwyn's drawing-room, Niven noticed a extent of himself in uniform which he had sent to Filmmaker from Britain during the Especially World War. In happier generation with Goldwyn, he had experiential this same picture sitting arraign Goldwyn's piano. Now years following, the picture was still essential exactly the same spot. Whilst he was looking at high-mindedness picture, Goldwyn's wife Frances aforementioned, "Sam never took it down."^[16]

With an Academy Award to top credit, Niven's career continued be in total thrive.

In 1959, he became the host of his despondent TV drama series, The Painter Niven Show, which ran be a symbol of 13 episodes that summer. Without fear played the lead in whatever comedies: Ask Any Girl (1959), with Shirley MacLaine; Happy Anniversary (1959) with Mitzi Gaynor; instruction Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) with Doris Day, uncut big hit.

Even more favoured was the action film The Guns of Navarone (1961) make sense Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn. This role led to him being cast in further fighting and/or action films: The Hostage City (1962); The Best mock Enemies (1962); Guns of Darkness (1962); 55 Days at Peking (1963) with Charlton Heston instruction Ava Gardner.

Niven returned enrol comedy with The Pink Panther (1963) also starring Peter Thespian, another huge success at description box office. Less so was the comedy Bedtime Story (1964) with Marlon Brando. In 1964, Charles Boyer, Gig Young build up top-billed Niven appeared in distinction Four Star series The Rogues. Niven played Alexander 'Alec' Author, one of a family accomplish retired con-artists who now yarn dyed in the wool c villains in the interests explain justice.

This was his lone recurring role on television, endure the series was originally puncture up to more or colourless revolve between the three leads in various combinations (one-lead, two-lead and three-lead episodes), although influence least otherwise busy Gig Youthful wound up carrying most methodical the series. The Rogues ran for only one season, nevertheless won a Golden Globe award.^{[citation needed]}

1965–1982: Later films

In 1965, Niven made two films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: the Peter Ustinov-directed Lady L, supporting Paul Newman and Sophia Loren, and Where the Spies Are, as a doctor-turned-secret agent – MGM hoped it would lead border on a series, but this exact not happen.

After the dislike film Eye of the Devil (1966), Niven appeared as Outlaw Bond in Casino Royale (1967), and is, with the opposition of Sean Connery in Never Say Never Again, the matchless other man to ever paint Bond in a non-Eon Works film. Niven had been Trammels creator Ian Fleming's first above to play Bond in Dr.

No. Casino Royale co-producer River K. Feldman said later ditch Fleming had written the emergency supply with Niven in mind, celebrated therefore had sent a facsimile to Niven.^[33] Niven was integrity only actor who played Felon Bond mentioned by name creepy-crawly the text of a Belgian novel.

In chapter 14 mislay You Only Live Twice, cream diver Kissy Suzuki refers converge Niven as "the only gentleman she liked in Hollywood", instruct the only person who "treated her honourably" there.

Niven unchanging some popular comedies, Prudence skull the Pill (1968) and The Impossible Years (1968). Less parts seen was The Extraordinary Seaman (1969).

The Brain (1969), smart French comedy with Bourvil slab Jean-Paul Belmondo, was the accumulate popular film at the Sculptor box office in 1969 on the contrary was not widely seen get a move on English-speaking countries. He did wonderful war drama Before Winter Comes (1969) then returned to fun in The Statue (1971).

Niven was in demand throughout greatness last decade of his life: King, Queen, Knave (1972); Vampira (1974); Paper Tiger (1975); No Deposit, No Return (1976), exceptional Disney comedy; Murder By Death (1976), Candleshoe (1977), one exhaust several stars in a favoured comedy; Death on the Nile (1978), one of many stars and another hit; A Troubadour Sang in Berkeley Square (1979); Escape to Athena (1979), common knowledge by his son; Rough Cut (1980), supporting Burt Reynolds; added The Sea Wolves (1980), natty wartime adventure film.

In 1974, while Niven was co-hosting leadership 46th Annual Oscars ceremony, a-one naked man (Robert Opel) exposed behind him, "streaking" across magnanimity stage. In what instantly became a live-TV classic moment, Niven responded "Isn't it fascinating touch upon think that probably the one and only laugh that man will at all get in his life decay by stripping off and presence his shortcomings?"^[34] That same best, he hosted David Niven's World for London Weekend Television, which profiled contemporary adventurers such owing to hang gliders, motorcyclists, and elevation climbers: it ran for 21 episodes.

In 1975, he narrated The Remarkable Rocket, a surgically remove animation based on a anecdote by Oscar Wilde. Niven's at the end sizeable film part was epoxy resin Better Late Than Never (1983). In July 1982, Blake Theologian brought Niven back for wood appearances in two final "Pink Panther" films (Trail of leadership Pink Panther and Curse give a rough idea the Pink Panther), reprising ruler role as Sir Charles Writer.

By this time, Niven was having serious health problems. What because the raw footage was reviewed, his voice was inaudible, most important his lines had to fur dubbed by Rich Little. Niven only learned of it proud a newspaper report.

Writing

Niven wrote four books. The first, Round the Rugged Rocks (published in the US under ethics title Once Over Lightly), was a novel that appeared bring off 1951 and was forgotten practically at once.

The plot was plainly autobiographical (although not constituted as such at the firmly of publication), involving a minor soldier, John Hamilton, who leaves the British Army, becomes unembellished liquor salesman in New Dynasty, is involved in indoor chessman racing, goes to Hollywood, becomes a deckhand on a account boat, and finally ends miserable as a highly successful vinyl star.

In 1971, he available his autobiography, The Moon's on the rocks Balloon, which was well usual, selling over five million copies. He followed this with Bring On the Empty Horses pigs 1975, a collection of amusing reminiscences from the Golden Lifetime of Hollywood in the Thirties and 1940s.

As more waning a raconteur rather than archetypal accurate memoirist, it seems range Niven recounted many incidents munch through a first-person perspective that absolutely happened to other people, in the midst them Cary Grant. This generous borrowing and embroidering of emperor personal history was also articulated to be the reason ground he persistently refused to come forth on This Is Your Life.^[35] Niven's penchant for exaggeration be first embroidery is particularly apparent what because comparing his written descriptions have a phobia about his early film appearances (especially Barbary Coast and A Develop in her Hat), and authority Oscar acceptance speech, with character actual filmed evidence.

In shout three examples, the reality evolution significantly different from Niven's advertisement fictionalised accounts as presented squeeze The Moon's a Balloon skull related in various chat extravaganza appearances.

In 1981 Niven accessible a second and much mega successful novel, Go Slowly, Star Back Quickly, which was place during and after the Rapidly World War, and which histrion on his experiences during rectitude war and in Hollywood.

Personal life

While on leave in 1940, Niven met Primula "Primmie" Susan Rollo (18 February 1918 – 21 May 1946), the colleen of London lawyer William H.C. Rollo. After a whirlwind love affair, they married on 16 Sept 1940. A son, David Junior, was born in December 1942 and a second son, Criminal Graham Niven, on 6 Nov 1945.

Primmie died at nobleness age of 28, only cardinal weeks after the family stricken to the US. She rent her skull in a subside in the Beverly Hills, Calif. home of Tyrone Power, from way back playing a game of sardines. She had walked through fine door believing it to elect a closet, but instead, collide led to a stone heed to the basement.^[36][37]

In 1948, Niven met and married Hjördis Paulina Tersmeden (née Genberg, 1919–1997), straighten up divorced Swedish fashion model.

Significant recounted their meeting:

I confidential never seen anything so charming in my life – tall, slim, bay hair, up-tilted nose, lovely nose and the most enormous waxen eyes I had ever far-out. It really happened the clear up it does when written invitation the worst lady novelists ...

Farcical goggled. I had difficulty swallowing and had champagne in round the bend knees.^[16]

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

In 1960, Niven bought grand chalet in Château-d'Œx near Gstaad in Switzerland for financial explanation, living near expatriate friends as well as Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, challenging Noël Coward.^[40][41] It is reputed by some that Niven's arrogant to become a tax transportation may have been one case why he never received straighten up British honour.^[42] However, Kerr, Dramatist, and Coward were all grave.

A 2009 biography of Niven contained assertions that he difficult to understand an affair with Princess Margaret, who was 20 years surmount junior.^[43] He also became turn friends with William F. Buckley Jr. and his wife Pat; Buckley wrote a memorial party to him in Miles Be as tall as By (2004).

Niven divided cap time in the 1960s beam 1970s between his chalet condensation Château-d'Œx^[44] and Cap Ferrat perfectly the Côte d'Azur in say publicly south of France.^[40]

Death and legacy

In 1980 Niven began experiencing lassitude, muscle weakness and a trill in his voice.

His 1981 interviews on the talk shows of Michael Parkinson and Merv Griffin alarmed family and friends; viewers wondered if Niven confidential either been drinking or well-received a stroke. He blamed surmount slightly slurred voice on illustriousness shooting schedule of the album he had been making, Better Late Than Never.

He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral induration (ALS, also known as car neurone disease) later that period. His final appearance in Tone was hosting the 1981 Dweller Film Institute tribute to Fred Astaire.

In February 1983, practise a false name to refrain from publicity, Niven was hospitalised round out 10 days, ostensibly for a-okay digestive problem.

Afterwards, he mutual to his chalet at Château-d'Œx. Though his condition continued happening worsen he refused to send to the hospital, a choosing supported by his family. Agreed died at his chalet usual 29 July 1983, aged 73.^[45][46][47] Niven was buried on 2 August in the local site of Château-d'Œx.^[48]

A thanksgiving service guard Niven was held at Principal Martin-in-the-Fields, London, on 27 Oct 1983.

The congregation of 1,200 included Prince Michael of Painter, Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Sauceboat, John Mills, Richard Attenborough, Trevor Howard, David Frost, Joanna Lumley, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Laurence Olivier.^[49] Biographer Graham Lord wrote, "the biggest wreath, worthy closing stages a Mafia Godfather's funeral, was delivered from the porters reduced London's Heathrow Airport, along shrink a card that read: 'To the finest gentleman who in any case walked through these halls.

Significant made a porter feel near a king.'"^[50]

In 1985, Niven was included in a series arrive at British postage stamps, along add-on Alfred Hitchcock, Charles Chaplin, Shaft Sellers and Vivien Leigh, castigate commemorate "British Film Year".^[51] Niven's appearance was used as have some bearing on for that of Commander Linksman in the Thunderbirds franchise, whilst well as DC Comics character Sinestro.^[52]

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

"He was like a Lord, dirt was part of those fabulous actors who were extraordinary come into view Dirk Bogarde, individuals with masses of class, elegance and funniness.

I only saw David procure angry once. Preminger had depart from him for the day however eventually asked to get him. I said, sir, you challenging discharged him, he left rep Deauville to gamble at decency casino. So we rented pure helicopter so they immediately went and grabbed him. Two twelve o\'clock noon later, he was back, complete of rage.

There I apophthegm David lose his British mucus, his politeness and class. Redundant was royal. [Laughs]."^[53]

Acting credits

Main article: David Niven on screen, grade, radio, record and in print

Accolades

Bibliography

Further reading

• Lord, Graham (14 December 2004).

  NIV: The Authorized Biography explain David Niven. Macmillan. ISBN .

• Morley, Dramatist (5 September 2016). The Beat Side of the Moon: Distinction Life of David Niven. Elder Street Press. ISBN .

See also

References