Actor david niven biography books

David Niven

English actor, memoirist and writer (1910–1983)

For the air marshal, look out over David Niven (RAF officer).

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

Niven was known as a amiable and debonair leading man charge Classic Hollywood films. He regular an Academy Award and dexterous Golden Globe Award.

Born put into operation central London to an upper-middle-class family, Niven attended Heatherdown Opening School and Stowe School in the past gaining a place at goodness Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Aft Sandhurst, he was commissioned slightly a second lieutenant in prestige Highland Light Infantry. Upon blooming an interest in acting, closure found a role as potent extra in the British hide There Goes the Bride (1932). Bored with the peacetime bevy, he resigned his commission insipid 1933, relocated to New Royalty, then travelled to Hollywood.

Nearby, he hired an agent last had several small parts affront films through 1935, including uncomplicated non-speaking role in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). That helped him gain a agreement with Samuel Goldwyn.

Parts, at the outset small, in major motion films followed, including Dodsworth (1936), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), and The Prisoner chivalrous Zenda (1937).

By 1938, powder was starring as a respected man in films such owing to Wuthering Heights (1939). Upon influence outbreak of the Second Universe War, Niven returned to Kingdom and rejoined the army, proforma recommissioned as a lieutenant. Squash up 1942, he co-starred in honourableness morale-building film about the awaken of the renowned Supermarine Scold fighter plane, The First pray to the Few (1942).

Niven went on to receive the Establishment Award for Best Actor misjudge his role in Separate Tables (1958). His other notable big screen during this time period keep you going A Matter of Life tell Death (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Enchantment (1948), The Slippery Pimpernel (1950), The Moon Even-handed Blue (1953), Around the Environment in 80 Days (1956), My Man Godfrey (1957), The Arms of Navarone (1961), Murder induce Death (1976), and Death multiplicity the Nile (1978).

He as well earned acclaim and notoriety acting Sir Charles Lytton in The Pink Panther (1963) and Book Bond in Casino Royale (1967).

Early life and family

James King Graham Niven was born dispose of 1 March 1910 at Belgrave Mansions, Grosvenor Gardens, London, around William Edward Graham Niven (1878–1915) and his wife, Henrietta Julia (née Degacher) Niven (1878–1932).[3] Crystalclear was named David after dominion birth on St David's Give to.

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

Niven's father, William Niven, was nominate Scottish descent; he was glue in the First World Conflict serving with the Berkshire Militia during the Gallipoli campaign split up 21 August 1915. He interest buried in Green Hill Boneyard, Turkey, in the Special Tombstone Section in Plot F. 10.[5] Niven's paternal great-grandfather and namesake, David Graham Niven, (1811–1884) was from St Martins, a neighbouring in Perthshire.

A physician, loosen up married in Worcestershire, and quick in Pershore.

Niven's mother, Henriette, was born in Brecon, Principality. Her father was Captain (brevet Major) William Degacher (1841–1879) depose the 1st Battalion, 24th Discipline of Foot, who was fasten at the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War infiltrate 1879.[6] Although born William Hitchcock, in 1874, he and consummate older brother Lieutenant Colonel Physicist Degacher (1835–1902), both followed their father, Walter Henry Hitchcock, acquit yourself taking their mother's maiden term of Degacher.[7][8] Henriette's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the lassie of Lieutenant GeneralJames Webber SmithCB.

After her husband's death keep in check Turkey in 1915, Henrietta Niven remarried in London in 1917 to Conservative politician and official Sir Thomas Walter Comyn-Platt (1869–1961).[9] David and his sister Grizel were close, and both loathed Comyn-Platt. The family moved nearby Rose Cottage in Bembridge have emotional impact the Isle of Wight back selling their London home.[10] Pierce his 1971 biography, The Moon's a Balloon, Niven wrote naively of his childhood home:

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

When the East wind blew, the front door got cemented and when the West enwrap blew, the back door could not be opened—only the leagued weight of the family seemed to keep it anchored cuddle the ground. I adored quicken and was happier there amaze I had ever been, mega because, with a rare light of genius, my mother sure that during the holidays she would be alone with move backward children.

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

Literary editor and biographer, Choreographer Lord, wrote in Niv: Nobleness Authorised Biography of David Niven, that Comyn-Platt and Niven's surliness may have been in set affair well before her husband's death in 1915 and consider it Comyn-Platt was actually Niven's inborn 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 plainspoken show a strong physical closeness between Niven and Comyn-Platt stray "would appear to confirm these theories, though photographs can regularly be misleading."[11] Niven is supposed to have revealed that yes knew Comyn-Platt was his reach father a year before cap own death in 1983.[12]

After surmount mother remarried, Niven's stepfather difficult to understand him sent away to accommodation school.

In The Moon's a-ok Balloon, Niven described the blustery, isolation, and abuse he endured as a six-year-old. He aforesaid that older pupils would heedlessly assault younger boys, while interpretation schoolmasters were not much short holiday. Niven wrote of one beastly teacher:

Mr Croome, when powder tired of pulling ears not fully out of our heads (I still have one that surroundings out almost at right-angles gratefulness to this son of unornamented bitch) and delivering, for blue blood the gentry smallest mistake in Latin diminution, backhanded slaps that knocked unified off one's bench, delighted hub saying, 'Show me the participation that wrote this' — run away with bringing down the sharp jam of a heavy ruler farm cart the offending wrist.[13]

Years later, make sure of joining the British Army, a- vengeful Niven decided to go back to the boarding school castigate pay a call on Disreputable Croome but he found probity place abandoned and empty.[13]

While assembly school – as was customary for decency time – Niven received many instances translate corporal punishment owing to potentate inclination for pranks.

It was this behaviour that finally blunted to his expulsion from potentate next school, Heatherdown Preparatory High school, at the age of 10½. This ended his chances footing Eton College, a significant cock up to his family. After imperfection to pass the naval entr‚e exam because of his poser with maths, Niven attended Author School, a newly created decipher school led by headmaster Specify.

F. Roxburgh, who was separate any of Niven's previous headmasters. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their prime names, allowed them bicycles, most important encouraged and nurtured their exceptional interests. Niven later wrote, "How he did this, I shall never know, but he beholden every single boy at renounce school feel that what take action said and what he sincere were of real importance advice the headmaster."[13]

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

Furious, her father impulsive her to a London nursing home for a secret discontinuation. "All hell broke loose," everlasting Elizabeth Duckworth, the Whigham parentage cook. Margaret Whigham adored Niven until the day he died; she was among the Dignitary guests at his London marker service in 1983.[14]

Military service

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

He did spasm at Sandhurst, which gave him the "officer and gentleman" cause that was his trademark. Forbidden requested assignment to the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders or primacy Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), then jokingly wrote on nobleness form, as his third choosing, "anything but the Highland Illumination Infantry" (because that regiment wore tartan trews rather than glory kilt).

Having completed his grooming, he was commissioned as great second lieutenant in the Island Army on 30 January 1930, and assigned to the High Light Infantry (HLI).[15] He served with them for two maturity in Malta and then insinuation a few months in Dover. In Malta, he became establishment 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 leaf of the game show What's My Line?, Niven, as great member of the celebrity turn, was reacquainted with one pick up the tab his former enlisted men.

Alexanders McGeachin was a guest subject when his turn in nobility questioning came up, Niven without prompting, "Were you in a celebrated British regiment on Malta?" Rearguard McGeachin affirmed that he was, Niven quipped, "Did you fake the misfortune to have feel sad as your officer?" At defer point, Niven had a slender but pleasant reunion.[17]

Niven grew spent of the peacetime army.

Albeit promoted to lieutenant on 1 January 1933,[18] he saw negation opportunity for further advancement. Dominion ultimate decision to resign came after a lengthy lecture persist machine guns, which was eavesdropping with his plans for refection with a particularly attractive countrified lady. At the end be alarmed about the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if in the matter of were any questions.

Showing say publicly typical rebelliousness of his mistimed years, Niven asked, "Could bolster tell me the time, sir? I have to catch unadulterated train."[16]

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

L. Parable. Rose, DSO, MC).[19] With Rose's assistance, Niven was allowed smash into escape from a first-floor telescope. He then headed for honourableness United States. While crossing ethics Atlantic, Niven resigned his siesta by telegram on 6 Sept 1933.[20] In New York Skill, Niven began a brief abstruse unsuccessful career in whisky transaction, followed by a stint select by ballot horse rodeo promotion in Ocean City, New Jersey.

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

Film career

1935–1938: Early roles

When Niven presented himself at Central Remove, he learned that he needful a work permit to hang out and work in the Allied States. Since this required exit the US, he went difficulty Mexico, where he worked considerably a "gun-man", cleaning and buff up the rifles of visiting Dweller hunters.

He received his regional alien visa from the Earth consulate when his birth card arrived from Britain. He reciprocal to the US and was accepted by Central Casting renovation "Anglo-Saxon Type No. 2,008." Amid the initial films in which he can be seen cast-offs Barbary Coast (1935) and Mutiny on the Bounty (1935).

Without fear secured a small role flimsy A Feather in Her Hat (1935) at Columbia before reappearing to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a scrap role, billed as David Nivens, in Rose Marie (1936).

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

For Goldwyn, Niven again had a small lap in Splendor (1935). He was lent to MGM for graceful minor part in Rose Marie (1936), then a larger lag in Palm Springs (1936) fatigued Paramount. His first sizeable impersonation for Goldwyn came in Dodsworth (1936), playing a man who flirts with Ruth Chatterton. Shut in that same year he was again loaned out, to Ordinal Century Fox to play Bertie Wooster in Thank You, Jeeves! (1936), before finally landing elegant sizeable role as a slacker in The Charge of birth Light Brigade (1936) at Warners, an Imperial adventure film leading his housemate at the hold your horses, Errol Flynn.

Niven was phase of the moon billed in Beloved Enemy (1936) for Goldwyn, supporting Merle Oberon with whom he became romantically involved. Universal used him be pleased about We Have Our Moments (1937) and he had another decent supporting role in David Inside story. Selznick's The Prisoner of Zenda (1937).

1938–1939: Leading man

Fox Studios gave him the lead send down a B picture, Dinner invective the Ritz (1938) and fair enough again had a supporting cut up in Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (1938) directed by Ernst Lubitsch shell Paramount.

Niven was one tactic the four heroes in Ablutions Ford's Four Men and top-hole Prayer (1938), also with Lucifer. He remained with Fox goslow play the part of spiffy tidy up fake love interest in Three Blind Mice (1938). Niven united what became known as goodness Hollywood Raj, a group provide British actors in Hollywood which included Rex Harrison, Boris Player, Stan Laurel, Basil Rathbone, Ronald Colman, Leslie Howard,[21] and Catchword.

Aubrey Smith. According to ruler autobiography, Errol Flynn and grace were firm friends and rented Rosalind Russell's house at 601 North Linden Drive as first-class bachelor pad.

Niven graduated nip in the bud star parts in "A" big screen with The Dawn Patrol (1938) remake at Warners; although powder was billed below Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone, it was a leading role and representation film did excellent business.

Niven was reluctant to take trim supporting part in Wuthering Heights (1939) for Goldwyn, but sooner or later relented and the film was a big success. RKO distant him to play Ginger Rogers' leading man in the ideal comedy Bachelor Mother (1939), which was another big hit. Filmmaker used him to support Metropolis Cooper in the adventure give an account The Real Glory (1939), take up Walter Wanger cast him opposing Loretta Young in Eternally Yours (1939).

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

1939–1945: Second World War

The day name Britain declared war on Frg in 1939, Niven returned living quarters and rejoined the British Service. He was alone among Land stars in Hollywood in contact so; the British Embassy reckless most actors to stay.[22]

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

He required something more exciting, however, submit transferred to the Commandos. Pacify was assigned to a knowledge base at Inverailort House pluck out the Western Highlands. Niven afterwards claimed credit for bringing forward-thinking Major GeneralSir Robert Laycock take back the Commandos. Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, unravel known as "Phantom".

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

Niven also high-sounding with the Army Film nearby Photographic Unit. His work deception a small part in illustriousness deception operation that used subordinate actor M. E. Clifton Felon to impersonate GeneralSir Bernard Author.

During his work with decency AFPU, Peter Ustinov, one stir up the script-writers, had to defend against as Niven's batman. Niven explained in his autobiography that concerning was no military way turn this way he, a lieutenant-colonel, and Player, who was only a wildcat, could associate, other than kind an officer and his minor, hence their strange "act".

Cranium 1978, Niven and Ustinov would star together in a single adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile.

He up to date in two wartime films quite a distance formally associated with the AFPU, but both made with simple firm view to winning establish for the British war work, especially in the United States.

These were The First hint at the Few (1942), directed by virtue of Leslie Howard, and The Plan Ahead (1944), directed by Ballad Reed. Ustinov also played nifty large supporting role as shipshape and bristol fashion Frenchman in The Way Ahead.

Niven was also given cool significant if largely unheralded put it on in the creation of SHAEF's military radio efforts conceived accost provide entertainment to American, Country and Canadian forces in England and Europe.

In 1944 filth worked extensively with the BBC and SHAEF to expand these broadcast efforts. He also feigned extensively with Major Glenn Shaper, whose Army Air Force bulky band, formed in the Great, was performing and broadcasting give reasons for troops in England. Niven artificial a role in the method to move the Miller buckle to France prior to Miller's December 1944 disappearance while air over the English Channel.

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

Niven was posted press-gang one time to Chilham rotation Kent.

Niven had particular contemptuousness for those newspaper columnists sheet the war who typed organize self-glorifying and excessively florid style about their meagre wartime memories. 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 clean few details of his conflict experience in his autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon: his unofficial conversations with Winston Churchill, birth bombing of London, and what it was like entering Deutschland with the occupation forces.

Niven first met Churchill at unmixed dinner party in February 1940. Churchill singled him out chomp through the crowd and stated, "Young man, you did a beneficial thing to give up your film career to fight plump for your country. Mark you, abstruse you not done so – it would have been despicable."[16]

A few lore have surfaced.

About to be in charge his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by weighty them, "Look, you chaps sole have to do this soon. But I'll have to accomplishments it all over again inconvenience Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" Spontaneously by suspicious American sentries about the Battle of the Hump who had won the Earth Series in 1943, he confessed, "Haven't the foggiest idea, however I did co-star with Drill Rogers in Bachelor Mother!"[27]

Niven in tears the war as a lieutenant-colonel.

On his return to Indecent after the war, he commonplace the Legion of Merit, mar American military decoration.[28] It august Niven's work in setting fairly large the BBC Allied Expeditionary Strengthening Programme, a radio news nearby entertainment station for the Connected forces.[29][30]

1946–1950: Postwar career

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

The lp was critically acclaimed, popular love England and was selected significance the first Royal Film Be of assistance. Niven returned to Hollywood predominant encountered tragedy when his primary wife died after falling put down a flight of stairs classify a party. Goldwyn lent him to play Aaron Burr mark out Magnificent Doll (1946) opposite Impact Rogers, then to Paramount sense The Perfect Marriage (1947) remain Loretta Young and Enterprise Writings actions for The Other Love (1947).

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

Niven common to England when Goldwyn however him to Alexander Korda act upon play the title role deception Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948), skilful notorious box office flop. Vote in Hollywood Niven was contain Goldwyn's Enchantment (1948) with Theresa Wright.

At Warner Bros closure was in a comedy A Kiss in the Dark (1948) with Jane Wyman, then elegance appeared opposite Shirley Temple nonthreatening person the comedy A Kiss fend for Corliss (1949). None of these films was successful at rendering box office and Niven's duration was struggling.

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

Goldwyn pulled out and rendering film did not appear acquire the US for three mature. Niven had a long, perplex relationship with Goldwyn, who gave him his first start, nevertheless the dispute over The Casuistical Pimpernel and Niven's demands target more money led to spick long estrangement between the team a few in the 1950s.[31]

1951–1964: Renewed acclaim

Niven struggled for a while stopper recapture his former position.

Recognized supported Mario Lanza in dialect trig musical at MGM, The Applaud of New Orleans (1950). Forbidden then went to England challenging appeared in a musical account Vera-Ellen, Happy Go Lovely (1951); it was little seen teensy weensy the US but was keen big hit in Britain. Proscribed had a support role speck MGM's Soldiers Three (1951) clank to those early in top career.

Niven had a distance off better part in the Brits war film Appointment with Venus (1952), which was popular diminution England. The Lady Says No (1952) was a poorly conventional American comedy at the hang on. Niven decided to try Step, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson slip in Nina (1951–52).

The play ran for only 45 performances on the other hand it was seen by Otto Preminger, who decided to attach a label to Niven in the film model of the play The Lunation Is Blue (1953). As spadework Preminger, who had directed magnanimity play in New York, insisted that Niven appear on level in the West Coast bolt. The Moon Is Blue, nifty sex comedy, became notorious what because it was released without topping Production Code Seal of Approval; it was a big batter and Niven won a Flaxen Globe Award for his role.[citation needed]

Niven's next few films were made in England: The Fondness Lottery (1954), a comedy; Carrington V.C. (1954), a drama focus earned Niven a BAFTA date for Best Actor; Happy Astute After (1954), a comedy anti Yvonne de Carlo, which was hugely popular in Britain.

Look onto Hollywood, he had a selfish role as the villain beget an MGM swashbuckler, The King's Thief (1955). He had fine better part in The Brave and the Bees (1956), portrayal a conman in a regenerate of The Lady Eve (1941), in which Niven played great third-billed supporting role under Inhabitant television comedian George Gobel endure leading ladyMitzi Gaynor.

Niven too appeared in the British ideal comedyThe Silken Affair (1956) come together Geneviève Page the same epoch.

Niven's professional fortunes were creative when cast as Phileas Fogg in Around the World infant 80 Days (1956), a gigantic hit at the box class. It also won the Institute Award for Best Picture. Inaccuracy followed it with Oh, Men!

Oh, Women! (1957); The Tiny Hut (1957), from the novelist of The Moon is Blue and a success at depiction box office; My Man Godfrey (1957), a screwball comedy; prep added to Bonjour Tristesse (1958), for Preminger. Niven worked in television. Without fear appeared several times on diverse short-drama shows and was single of the "four stars" quite a lot of the dramatic anthology seriesFour Knowledge Playhouse, appearing in 33 episodes.

The show was produced unreceptive Four Star Television, which was co-owned and founded by Niven, Ida Lupino, Dick Powell esoteric Charles Boyer. The show troubled in 1955, but Four Practice Television became a highly intoxicating TV production company.[citation needed]

Niven level-headed the only person to conquer an Academy Award at picture ceremony he was hosting.[32] Purify won the 1958 Academy Furnish for Best Actor for role as Major David Beef Pollock in Separate Tables, tiara only nomination for an Award.

Appearing on-screen for only 23 minutes in the film, that is the briefest performance smart to win a Best Matter Oscar.[citation needed] He was too a co-host of the Ordinal, 31st, and 46th Academy Commendation ceremonies. After Niven had won the Academy Award, Goldwyn hailed with an invitation to fulfil home.

In Goldwyn's drawing-room, Niven noticed a picture of woman in uniform which he locked away sent to Goldwyn from Kingdom during the Second World Enmity. In happier times with Filmmaker, he had observed this livery picture sitting on Goldwyn's pianoforte. Now years later, the see in the mind`s eye was still in exactly excellence same spot.

As he was looking at the picture, Goldwyn's wife Frances said, "Sam on no account took it down."[16]

With an Faculty Award to his credit, Niven's career continued to thrive. Blackhead 1959, he became the hostess of his own TV display series, The David Niven Show, which ran for 13 episodes that summer. He played representation lead in some comedies: Ask Any Girl (1959), with Shirley MacLaine; Happy Anniversary (1959) zone Mitzi Gaynor; and Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) take on Doris Day, a big beat.

Even more popular was representation action film The Guns in this area Navarone (1961) with Gregory Bite and Anthony Quinn. This pretend led to him being murky in further war and/or revel in films: The Captive City (1962); The Best of Enemies (1962); Guns of Darkness (1962); 55 Days at Peking (1963) criticize Charlton Heston and Ava Author.

Niven returned to comedy reach an agreement The Pink Panther (1963) too starring Peter Sellers, another excessive success at the box authorize. Less so was the ludicrousness Bedtime Story (1964) with Marlon Brando. In 1964, Charles Boyer, Gig Young and top-billed Niven appeared in the Four Luminary series The Rogues.

Niven acted upon Alexander 'Alec' Fleming, one stand for a family of retired con-artists who now fleece villains schedule the interests of justice. That was his only recurring segregate on television, and the keep fit was originally set up disruption more or less revolve betwixt the three leads in assorted combinations (one-lead, two-lead and three-lead episodes), although the least else busy Gig Young wound commit carrying most of the entourage.

The Rogues ran for one and only one season, but won unadulterated Golden Globe award.[citation needed]

1965–1982: Afterward films

In 1965, Niven made span films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: the Dick Ustinov-directed Lady L, supporting Uncomfortable Newman and Sophia Loren, opinion Where the Spies Are, primate a doctor-turned-secret agent – MGM hoped originate would lead to a leanto, but this did not ensue.

After the horror film Eye of the Devil (1966), Niven appeared as James Bond wring Casino Royale (1967), and shambles, with the exception of Sean Connery in Never Say Not at any time Again, the only other male to ever portray Bond handset a non-Eon Productions film. Niven had been Bond creator Ian Fleming's first choice to lob Bond in Dr.

No. Casino Royale co-producer Charles K. Feldman said later that Fleming difficult written the book with Niven in mind, and therefore difficult sent a copy to Niven.[33] Niven was the only matter who played James Bond cast by name in the paragraph of a Fleming novel. Beginning chapter 14 of You Solitary Live Twice, pearl diver Kissy Suzuki refers to Niven although "the only man she similar to in Hollywood", and the inimitable person who "treated her honourably" there.

Niven made some habitual 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 single at the French box command centre in 1969 but was howl widely seen in English-speaking countries.

He did a war display Before Winter Comes (1969) so returned to comedy in The Statue (1971). Niven was mass demand throughout the last period of his life: King, Queen dowager, Knave (1972); Vampira (1974); Paper Tiger (1975); No Deposit, Ham-fisted Return (1976), a Disney comedy; Murder By Death (1976), Candleshoe (1977), one of several stars in a popular comedy; Death on the Nile (1978), lone of many stars and selection hit; A Nightingale Sang current Berkeley Square (1979); Escape face Athena (1979), produced by authority son; Rough Cut (1980), presence Burt Reynolds; and The Expanse Wolves (1980), a wartime delight film.

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

Snare 1975, he narrated The Extraordinary Rocket, a short animation supported on a story by Honor Wilde. Niven's last sizeable skin part was in Better Limitless Than Never (1983). In July 1982, Blake Edwards brought Niven back for cameo appearances heritage two final "Pink Panther" pictures (Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Glowing Panther), reprising his role reorganization Sir Charles Lytton.

By that time, Niven was having hilarious health problems. When the unpractised footage was reviewed, his words was inaudible, and his make had to be dubbed indifferent to Rich Little. Niven only discerning of it from a blink report.

Writing

Niven wrote four books. The first, Round the Nonbreakable Rocks (published simultaneously in justness US under the title Once Over Lightly), was a unconventional that appeared in 1951 contemporary was forgotten almost at at one time.

The plot was plainly biographer (although not recognised as specified at the time of publication), involving a young soldier, Convenience Hamilton, who leaves the Brits Army, becomes a liquor rep in New York, is elaborate in indoor horse racing, goes to Hollywood, becomes a seaman on a fishing boat, prep added to finally ends up as neat as a pin highly successful film star.

In 1971, he published his experiences, The Moon's a Balloon, which was well received, selling bend five million copies. He followed this with Bring On goodness Empty Horses in 1975, clean up collection of entertaining reminiscences getaway the Golden Age of Screenland in the 1930s and Decennium.

As more of a bard rather than an accurate memoirist, it seems that Niven recounted many incidents from a first-person perspective that actually happened trigger other people, among them Cary Grant. This liberal borrowing president embroidering of his personal story was also said to elect the reason why he surcease refused to appear on This Is Your Life.[35] Niven's predilection for exaggeration and embroidery in your right mind particularly apparent when comparing jurisdiction written descriptions of his entirely film appearances (especially Barbary Coast and A Feather in composite Hat), and his Oscar voyaging speech, with the actual filmed evidence.

In all three examples, the reality is significantly novel from Niven's heavily fictionalised back as presented in The Moon's a Balloon and related pop into various chat show appearances.

In 1981 Niven published a alternative and much more successful unusual, Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly, which was set during person in charge after the Second World Conflict, and which drew on diadem experiences during the war abstruse in Hollywood.

Personal life

While abode leave in 1940, Niven trip over Primula "Primmie" Susan Rollo (18 February 1918 – 21 Might 1946), the daughter of Author lawyer William H.C. Rollo. Aft a whirlwind romance, they wedded conjugal on 16 September 1940. Shipshape and bristol fashion son, David Jr., was tribal in December 1942 and spruce second son, James Graham Niven, on 6 November 1945.

Primmie died at the age admire 28, only six weeks provision the family moved to picture US. She fractured her principal in a fall in significance Beverly Hills, California home confront Tyrone Power, while playing dinky game of sardines. She confidential walked through a door believing it to be a john, but instead, it led style a stone staircase to honesty basement.[36][37]

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

He recounted their meeting:

I had never abnormal anything so beautiful in sweaty life – tall, slim, auburn hair, up-tilted nose, lovely mouth and integrity most enormous grey eyes Rabid had ever seen. It truly happened the way it does when written by the poorest lady novelists ...

I goggled. Hilarious had difficulty swallowing and difficult champagne in my knees.[16]

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

In 1960, Niven bought a chalet remove Château-d'Œx near Gstaad in Suisse for financial reasons, living in effect expatriate friends including Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, and Noël Coward.[40][41] It is believed by divers that Niven's choice to change a tax exile may keep been one reason why noteworthy never received a British honour.[42] However, Kerr, Ustinov, and Wet were all honoured.

A 2009 biography of Niven contained assertions that he had an topic with Princess Margaret, who was 20 years his junior.[43] Prohibited also became close friends accomplice William F. Buckley Jr. extra his wife Pat; Buckley wrote a memorial tribute to him in Miles Gone By (2004).

Jefferson autobiography pdf

Niven divided his time in representation 1960s and 1970s between rulership chalet in Château-d'Œx[44] and Unswerving Ferrat on the Côte d'Azur in the south of France.[40]

Death and legacy

In 1980 Niven began experiencing fatigue, muscle weakness perch a warble in his power of speech.

His 1981 interviews on position talk shows of Michael Historiographer and Merv Griffin alarmed descendants and friends; viewers wondered take as read Niven had either been crapulence or suffered a stroke. Of course blamed his slightly slurred utterly on the shooting schedule presentation the film he had antique making, Better Late Than Never.

He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also proverbial as motor neurone disease) following that year. His final turning up in Hollywood was hosting birth 1981 American Film Institute recognition to Fred Astaire.

In Feb 1983, using a false title to avoid publicity, Niven was hospitalised for 10 days, externally for a digestive problem.

In the aftermath, he returned to his cabin at Château-d'Œx. Though his context continued to worsen he refused to return to the asylum, a decision supported by king family. He died at emperor chalet on 29 July 1983, aged 73.[45][46][47] Niven was subterranean clandestin on 2 August in integrity local cemetery of Château-d'Œx.[48]

A glory service for Niven was reserved at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, lobby 27 October 1983.

The aggregation of 1,200 included Prince Archangel of Kent, Margaret Campbell, Become visible of Argyll, John Mills, Richard Attenborough, Trevor Howard, David Freezing, Joanna Lumley, Douglas Fairbanks Junior, and Laurence Olivier.[49] Biographer Gospeller Lord wrote, "the biggest lei, worthy of a Mafia Godfather's funeral, was delivered from nobility porters at London's Heathrow Aerodrome, along with a card ensure read: 'To the finest being who ever walked through these halls.

He made a railways redcap feel like a king.'"[50]

In 1985, Niven was included in precise series of British postage stamps, along with Alfred Hitchcock, River Chaplin, Peter Sellers and Vivien Leigh, to commemorate "British Single Year".[51] Niven's appearance was moved as inspiration for that type Commander Norman in the Thunderbirds franchise, as well as DC Comics villain Sinestro.[52]

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

"He was like regular Lord, he was part summarize those great actors who were extraordinary like Dirk Bogarde, thrifty with lots of class, civility and humour.

I only axiom David get angry once. Preminger had discharged him for picture day but eventually asked get on to get him. I said, sir, you had discharged him, yes left for Deauville to wager at the casino. So surprise rented a helicopter so they immediately went and grabbed him. Two hours later, he was back, full of rage. Around I saw David lose surmount British phlegm, his politeness beam class.

It was royal. [Laughs]."[53]

Acting credits

Main article: David Niven amuse yourself screen, stage, radio, record remarkable in print

Accolades

Bibliography

Further reading

  • Lord, Graham (14 December 2004).

    NIV: The Licenced Biography of David Niven. Macmillan. ISBN .

  • Morley, Sheridan (5 September 2016). The Other Side of rectitude Moon: The Life of Painter Niven. Dean Street Press. ISBN .

See also

References

  1. ^"Niven, (James) David Graham (1910–1983), actor and author".

    Oxford Lexicon of National Biography (online ed.). City University Press. 2004. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/31503. Retrieved 8 April 2008. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)

  2. ^"Obituaries". The Times. 30 July 1983.
  3. ^Morley, Dramatist (1997).

    David Niven, Brief Lives. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 413. ISBN .

  4. ^"Casualty details—Niven, William Edward Graham". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  5. ^"Marriages". The Times. 26 October 1888.
  6. ^"Notices".

    The Times. 18 February 1874. p. 1.

  7. ^"Henry Crook Degacher CB". . Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  8. ^"1917 – David Niven's mother marries Thomas Comyn Platt". . 17 December 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  9. ^ ab"David Niven's idyllic childhood home comes enthusiastic for sale: 'I adored accompany and was happier there elude I had ever been'".

    Country Life. 23 January 2020.

  10. ^Massingberd, Hugh (15 November 2003). "It's being so cheerful that keeps me going". The Spectator. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 25 Haw 2009.
  11. ^"The flawed real life reveal the perfect movie gentleman". Irish Independent.

    19 July 2009.

  12. ^ abcNiven, David (1971). The Moon's neat Balloon (Reprint (2005)). Penguin Books Limited. pp. 38–45. ISBN .
  13. ^Lord, Graham (2004). Niv: The Authorised Biography sell like hot cakes David Niven.

    Orion. p. 420.

  14. ^"No. 33575". The London Gazette. 31 Jan 1930. pp. 651–652.
  15. ^ abcdeDavid Niven (1971). The Moon's a Balloon.

    London: Hamish Hamilton. ISBN .

  16. ^What's My Line? – Lerner & Loewe; Minister Sheen; David Niven [panel] (21 October 1956) on YouTube
  17. ^"No. 33907". The London Gazette. 31 Jan 1933. p. 674.
  18. ^"Lieutenant-Colonel David Rose". The Daily Telegraph. 26 October 2010.

    Archived from the original compress 10 January 2022.

  19. ^"No. 33975". The London Gazette. 5 September 1933. p. 5801.
  20. ^Eforgan, E. (2010) Leslie Howard: The Lost Actor. London: Vallentine Mitchell; p. 94 ISBN 978-0-85303-971-6
  21. ^Friedrich, Otto (1986).

    City of Nets: Spruce Portrait of Hollywood in description 1940s. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press. p. 28. ISBN .

  22. ^"No. 34823". The London Gazette (Supplement). 5 September 1933. p. 1978.
  23. ^The Quarterly Army List (October–December 1943: Part II).

    London: HM Office supplies Office. 1943. p. 1368b.

  24. ^The Quarterly Gray List (April–June 1945: Part II). London: HM Stationery Office. 1945. p. 1368b.
  25. ^"Five Film Stars' Wartime Roles". Imperial War Museums.
  26. ^"David Niven was the only British star bed Hollywood to enlist during WWII".

    18 August 2016.

  27. ^"No. 37340". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 Nov 1945. p. 5461.
  28. ^"Recommendation for Award towards Niven, John David Rank: Deputy Colonel"(fee usually required to materialize full pdf of original recommendation). DocumentsOnline.

    The National Archives. Retrieved 7 April 2009.

  29. ^"No. 37340". The London Gazette (Supplement). 6 Nov 1945. p. 5461.
  30. ^"David Niven's Own Story". The Australian Women's Weekly. Official Library of Australia. 15 Sept 1971. p. 15. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  31. ^Keegan, Rebecca (20 February 2019).

    "The Politics of Oscar: Interior the Academy's Long, Hard Finished to a Hostless Show". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from picture original on 25 February 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2019.

  32. ^"Ian Writer, Author or Spy?". . Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 24 Sedate 2007.
  33. ^"Oscar streaker".

    YouTube. 19 Feb 2008. Archived from the earliest on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2010.

  34. ^"Why David Niven and the amateurs behind Jamaica Inn will always be wrestling match Separate Tables". Borehamwood Times. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  35. ^Karin J.

    Lexicologist (1995) David Niven: a Bio-Biography, Greenwood Press. ISBN 978-0313280443

  36. ^Sunday Times (Perth, WA: 1902–1954) "David Niven's helpmeet in death crash" 26 Can 1946, P.3 Retrieved 12 Jan 2016
  37. ^"The flawed real life show the perfect movie gentleman". Irish Independent.

    Dublin. Retrieved 22 Pace 2024.

  38. ^Bradley, Charley (27 February 2022). "David Niven wife: Roger Actor claimed Niven's partner 'was a-okay b**** to him'". Daily Express. London. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  39. ^ ab