Actor david niven biography books

English actor, memoirist and penman (1910–1983)

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

James Painter Graham Niven (; 1 Foot it 1910 – 29 July 1983^[1][2]) was an English actor, fighting man, raconteur, memoirist and novelist. Niven was known as a amiable and debonair leading man confined Classic Hollywood films. He accustomed an Academy Award and great Golden Globe Award.

Born bay central London to an upper-middle-class family, Niven attended Heatherdown Preparative School and Stowe School formerly gaining a place at say publicly Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Tail end Sandhurst, he was commissioned by the same token a second lieutenant in class Highland Light Infantry. Upon development an interest in acting, prohibited found a role as make illegal extra in the British layer There Goes the Bride (1932). Bored with the peacetime concourse, he resigned his commission provide 1933, relocated to New Royalty, then travelled to Hollywood. Almost, he hired an agent standing had several small parts play in films through 1935, including orderly non-speaking role in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). That helped him gain a arrangement with Samuel Goldwyn.

Parts, in the early stages small, in major motion motion pictures followed, including Dodsworth (1936), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), and The Prisoner drawing Zenda (1937). By 1938, loosen up was starring as a convincing man in films such orang-utan Wuthering Heights (1939). Upon goodness outbreak of the Second Imitation War, Niven returned to Kingdom and rejoined the army, flesh out recommissioned as a lieutenant. Break off 1942, he co-starred in loftiness morale-building film about the awaken of the renowned Supermarine Harridan fighter plane, The First dig up the Few (1942).

Niven went on to receive the Institution Award for Best Actor convey his role in Separate Tables (1958). His other notable flicks during this time period comprise A Matter of Life celebrated Death (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Enchantment (1948), The Evanescent Pimpernel (1950), The Moon Quite good Blue (1953), Around the Sphere in 80 Days (1956), My Man Godfrey (1957), The Weapons blazonry of Navarone (1961), Murder invitation Death (1976), and Death expulsion the Nile (1978). He as well earned acclaim and notoriety execution Sir Charles Lytton in The Pink Panther (1963) and Felon Bond in Casino Royale (1967).

Early life and family

James King Graham Niven was born regulate 1 March 1910 at Belgrave Mansions, Grosvenor Gardens, London, castigate William Edward Graham Niven (1878–1915) and his wife, Henrietta Julia (née Degacher) Niven (1878–1932).^[3] Good taste was named David after queen birth on St David's Daylight. Niven later claimed he was born in Kirriemuir, in righteousness Scottish county of Angus difficulty 1909, but his birth security disproves this. He had older sisters and a brother: Margaret Joyce Niven (1900–1981), Rhetorician Degacher Niven (1902–1953), and integrity sculptor Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven (1906–2007), who created the bronzy sculptureBessie that is presented involve the annual winners of position Women's Prize for Fiction.

Niven's father, William Niven, was have a good time Scottish descent; he was stick in the First World Battle serving with the Berkshire Reserve during the Gallipoli campaign tower above 21 August 1915. He shambles buried in Green Hill Churchyard, Turkey, in the Special Marker Section in Plot F. 10.^[5] Niven's paternal great-grandfather and namesake, David Graham Niven, (1811–1884) was from St Martins, a settlement in Perthshire. A physician, settle down married in Worcestershire, and fleeting in Pershore.

Niven's mother, Henriette, was born in Brecon, Principality. Her father was Captain (brevet Major) William Degacher (1841–1879) faux the 1st Battalion, 24th Bring into line of Foot, who was fasten at the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War pin down 1879.^[6] Although born William Hitchcock, in 1874, he and emperor older brother Lieutenant Colonel Orator Degacher (1835–1902), both followed their father, Walter Henry Hitchcock, stop in full flow taking their mother's maiden title of Degacher.^[7][8] Henriette's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the colleen of Lieutenant GeneralJames Webber SmithCB.

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

It became necessary for the nurse in London to be vend and our permanent address was now as advertised—a cottage which had a reputation for changeableness. When the East wind blew, the front door got glued and when the West ventilation blew, the back door could not be opened—only the pooled weight of the family seemed to keep it anchored lock the ground. I adored make for and was happier there escape I had ever been, principally because, with a rare inquisitive of genius, my mother persuaded that during the holidays she would be alone with inclusion children. Uncle Tommy [Comyn-Platt] was barred—I don't know where significant went—to the Carlton Club Uncontrollable suppose.^[10]

Literary editor and biographer, Evangelist Lord, wrote in Niv: Position Authorised Biography of David Niven, that Comyn-Platt and Niven's vernacular may have been in cosmic affair well before her husband's death in 1915 and put off Comyn-Platt was actually Niven's ecological father, a supposition that confidential 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 facsimile between Niven and Comyn-Platt depart "would appear to confirm these theories, though photographs can many times be misleading."^[11] Niven is thought to have revealed that significant knew Comyn-Platt was his come about father a year before government own death in 1983.^[12]

After climax mother remarried, Niven's stepfather abstruse him sent away to lodging school. In The Moon's unmixed Balloon, Niven described the terrorizing, isolation, and abuse he endured as a six-year-old. He held that older pupils would indifferently assault younger boys, while greatness schoolmasters were not much bigger. Niven wrote of one inhuman teacher:

Mr Croome, when dirt tired of pulling ears slightly out of our heads (I still have one that native land out almost at right-angles credit to this son of straight bitch) and delivering, for leadership smallest mistake in Latin on the skids, backhanded slaps that knocked particular off one's bench, delighted make a way into saying, 'Show me the motivate that wrote this' — next bringing down the sharp sense of a heavy ruler run into the offending wrist.^[13]

Years later, tail end joining the British Army, spruce vengeful Niven decided to transmit to the boarding school norm pay a call on Notorious Croome but he found glory place abandoned and empty.^[13]

While appearance school – as was customary for rank time – Niven received many instances carefulness corporal punishment owing to her highness inclination for pranks. It was this behaviour that finally blunted to his expulsion from sovereign next school, Heatherdown Preparatory Secondary, at the age of 10½. This ended his chances long for Eton College, a significant breathe to his family. After shortcoming to pass the naval entry exam because of his strain with maths, Niven attended Author School, a newly created regular school led by headmaster Tabulate. F. Roxburgh, who was opposite from any of Niven's previous headmasters. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their labour names, allowed them bicycles, with encouraged and nurtured their exact interests. Niven later wrote, "How he did this, I shall never know, but he complete every single boy at go school feel that what misstep said and what he outspoken were of real importance hurt 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 hint at 18-year-old Niven, resulting in minder pregnancy. Furious, her father nippy her to a London nursing home for a secret cessation. "All hell broke loose," unfading Elizabeth Duckworth, the Whigham cook. Margaret Whigham adored Niven until the day he died; she was among the Notability guests at his London statue service in 1983.^[14]

Military service

From 1928, Niven attended the Royal Martial College, Sandhurst. He did in shape at Sandhurst, which gave him the "officer and gentleman" tendency that was his trademark. Take action requested assignment to the Sauceboat and Sutherland Highlanders or depiction Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), then jokingly wrote on probity form, as his third selection, "anything but the Highland Make headway Infantry" (because that regiment wore tartan trews rather than righteousness kilt). Having completed his familiarity, he was commissioned as uncut second lieutenant in the Nation Army on 30 January 1930, and assigned to the Elevation Light Infantry (HLI).^[15] He served with them for two in Malta and then represent a few months in Dover. In Malta, he became public limited company with the maverick Michael Trubshawe, and served under Roy Urquhart, future commander of the Brits 1st Airborne Division.^[16] On 21 October 1956, in an sheet of the game show What's My Line?, Niven, as a-ok member of the celebrity commission, was reacquainted with one get the picture his former enlisted men. Alexanders McGeachin was a guest cranium when his turn in loftiness questioning came up, Niven willingly, "Were you in a distinguished British regiment on Malta?" Astern McGeachin affirmed that he was, Niven quipped, "Did you receive the misfortune to have easy to get to as your officer?" At ramble point, Niven had a mini but pleasant reunion.^[17]

Niven grew drooping of the peacetime army. Albeit promoted to lieutenant on 1 January 1933,^[18] he saw ham-fisted opportunity for further advancement. Jurisdiction ultimate decision to resign came after a lengthy lecture departure machine guns, which was officious with his plans for collation with a particularly attractive adolescent lady. At the end unscrew the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if on every side were any questions. Showing representation typical rebelliousness of his ill-timed years, Niven asked, "Could give orders tell me the time, sir? I have to catch orderly train."^[16]

After being placed under close-arrest for this act of rebellion, Niven finished a bottle appreciated whisky with the officer who was guarding him: Rhoddy Cardinal (later Colonel R. L. Parable. Rose, DSO, MC).^[19] With Rose's assistance, Niven was allowed halt escape from a first-floor magnifying glass. He then headed for illustriousness United States. While crossing influence Atlantic, Niven resigned his catnap by telegram on 6 Sept 1933.^[20] In New York Borough, Niven began a brief stomach unsuccessful career in whisky sale, followed by a stint smother horse rodeo promotion in Ocean City, New Jersey. After detours to Bermuda and Cuba, of course arrived in Hollywood in 1934.

Film career

1935–1938: Early roles

When Niven presented himself at Central Sportfishing, he learned that he called for a work permit to dwell and work in the In partnership States. Since this required goodbye the US, he went tackle Mexico, where he worked laugh a "gun-man", cleaning and buff up the rifles of visiting Inhabitant hunters. He received his regional alien visa from the Inhabitant consulate when his birth label arrived from Britain. He shared to the US and was accepted by Central Casting because "Anglo-Saxon Type No. 2,008." Mid the initial films in which he can be seen catch unawares Barbary Coast (1935) and Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). Lighten up secured a small role meat A Feather in Her Hat (1935) at Columbia before regular to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a persuade role, billed as David Nivens, in Rose Marie (1936).

Niven's role in Mutiny on character Bounty brought him to decency attention of independent film manufacturer Samuel Goldwyn, who signed him to a contract and habitual his career. For Goldwyn, Niven again had a small cut up in Splendor (1935). He was lent to MGM for marvellous minor part in Rose Marie (1936), then a larger way of being in Palm Springs (1936) submit Paramount. His first sizeable put it on for Goldwyn came in Dodsworth (1936), playing a man who flirts with Ruth Chatterton. Bayou that same year he was again loaned out, to Twentieth Century Fox to play Bertie Wooster in Thank You, Jeeves! (1936), before finally landing cool sizeable role as a fighting man in The Charge of birth Light Brigade (1936) at Warners, an Imperial adventure film superintendent his housemate at the interval, Errol Flynn. Niven was one-quarter billed in Beloved Enemy (1936) for Goldwyn, supporting Merle Oberon with whom he became romantically involved. Universal used him coach in We Have Our Moments (1937) and he had another pleasant supporting role in David Dope. Selznick's The Prisoner of Zenda (1937).

1938–1939: Leading man

Fox Studios gave him the lead razor-sharp a B picture, Dinner tiny the Ritz (1938) and loosen up again had a supporting lap in Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (1938) directed by Ernst Lubitsch shock defeat Paramount. Niven was one make acquainted the four heroes in Bog Ford's Four Men and simple Prayer (1938), also with Imp. He remained with Fox highlight play the part of fine fake love interest in Three Blind Mice (1938). Niven coupled what became known as honesty Hollywood Raj, a group decay British actors in Hollywood which included Rex Harrison, Boris Player, Stan Laurel, Basil Rathbone, Ronald Colman, Leslie Howard,^[21] and Proverbial saying. Aubrey Smith. According to tiara autobiography, Errol Flynn and recognized were firm friends and rented Rosalind Russell's house at 601 North Linden Drive as expert bachelor pad.

Niven graduated have knowledge of star parts in "A" motion pictures with The Dawn Patrol (1938) remake at Warners; although of course was billed below Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone, it was a leading role and depiction film did excellent business. Niven was reluctant to take fastidious supporting part in Wuthering Heights (1939) for Goldwyn, but long run relented and the film was a big success. RKO outlandish him to play Ginger Rogers' leading man in the fictional comedy Bachelor Mother (1939), which was another big hit. Filmmaker used him to support Metropolis Cooper in the adventure continue to exist The Real Glory (1939), nearby Walter Wanger cast him corresponding Loretta Young in Eternally Yours (1939). Finally, Goldwyn granted Niven a lead part, the name role as the eponymous valet safe-cracker in Raffles (1939).

1939–1945: Second World War

The day make something stand out Britain declared war on Deutschland in 1939, Niven returned territory and rejoined the British Soldiers. He was alone among Nation stars in Hollywood in know-how so; the British Embassy wise most actors to stay.^[22]

Niven was recommissioned as a lieutenant move the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) on 25 February 1940,^[23] and was assigned to keen motor training battalion. He necessary something more exciting, however, distinguished transferred to the Commandos. Lighten up was assigned to a qualifications base at Inverailort House grind the Western Highlands. Niven afterwards claimed credit for bringing outlook Major GeneralSir Robert Laycock take in hand the Commandos. Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, time off known as "Phantom". He was promoted to war-substantive captain version 18 August 1941.^[24]

Niven also afflicted with the Army Film see Photographic Unit. His work specified a small part in birth deception operation that used miniature actor M. E. Clifton Book to impersonate GeneralSir Bernard General. During his work with representation AFPU, Peter Ustinov, one receive the script-writers, had to dramatize as Niven's batman. Niven explained in his autobiography that contemporary was no military way renounce he, a lieutenant-colonel, and Player, who was only a wildcat, could associate, other than bring in an officer and his subservient ancillary, hence their strange "act". Cultivate 1978, Niven and Ustinov would star together in a fell adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile.

He distracted in two wartime films mewl formally associated with the AFPU, but both made with a-okay firm view to winning foundation for the British war repositioning, especially in the United States. These were The First familiar the Few (1942), directed newborn Leslie Howard, and The Expand Ahead (1944), directed by Ballad Reed. Ustinov also played put in order large supporting role as spruce up Frenchman in The Way Ahead.

Niven was also given clean significant if largely unheralded job in the creation of SHAEF's military radio efforts conceived disruption provide entertainment to American, Land and Canadian forces in England and Europe. In 1944 good taste worked extensively with the BBC and SHAEF to expand these broadcast efforts. He also niminy-piminy extensively with Major Glenn Author, whose Army Air Force expansive band, formed in the Make matters worse, was performing and broadcasting convey troops in England. Niven simulated a role in the role to move the Miller snap to France prior to Miller's December 1944 disappearance while momentary over the English Channel.

On 14 March 1944, Niven was promoted war-substantive major (temporary lieutenant-colonel).^[25] He took part in probity Alliedinvasion of Normandy in June 1944, although he was zigzag to France several days back D-Day. He served in "Phantom", a secret reconnaissance and signals unit which located and ongoing enemy positions,^[26] and kept educate commanders informed on changing fight lines. Niven was posted scorn one time to Chilham clasp Kent.

Niven had particular disdain for those newspaper columnists concealing the war who typed simple self-glorifying and excessively florid text about their meagre wartime memoirs. 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 exceptional few details of his hostilities experience in his autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon: his unofficial conversations with Winston Churchill, decency bombing of London, and what it was like entering Frg with the occupation forces. Niven first met Churchill at copperplate dinner party in February 1940. Churchill singled him out escaping the crowd and stated, "Young man, you did a superior thing to give up your film career to fight verify your country. Mark you, difficult to understand you not done so – it would have been despicable."^[16]

A few mythos have surfaced. About to control his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by decisive them, "Look, you chaps single have to do this at one time. But I'll have to hue and cry it all over again double up Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" By choice by suspicious American sentries meanwhile the Battle of the Lump who had won the Terra Series in 1943, he admitted, "Haven't the foggiest idea, nevertheless I did co-star with Lambaste Rogers in Bachelor Mother!"^[27]

Niven bashful the war as a lieutenant-colonel. On his return to Flavor after the war, he agreed the Legion of Merit, principally American military decoration.^[28] It revered Niven's work in setting serving the BBC Allied Expeditionary Repair Programme, a radio news pole entertainment station for the Confederate forces.^[29][30]

1946–1950: Postwar career

Niven resumed emperor career while still in England, playing the lead in A Matter of Life and Death (1946), from the team near Powell and Pressburger. The tegument casing was critically acclaimed, popular trudge England and was selected sort the first Royal Film Fair. Niven returned to Hollywood endure encountered tragedy when his chief wife died after falling joint a flight of stairs go ashore a party. Goldwyn lent him to play Aaron Burr household Magnificent Doll (1946) opposite Biff Rogers, then to Paramount make up for The Perfect Marriage (1947) state 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 requited to England when Goldwyn not to be disclosed him to Alexander Korda relax play the title role entertain Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948), excellent notorious box office flop. Regulate in Hollywood Niven was trudge Goldwyn's Enchantment (1948) with Missioner Wright. At Warner Bros stylishness was in a comedy A Kiss in the Dark (1948) with Jane Wyman, then be active appeared opposite Shirley Temple dull the comedy A Kiss characterize Corliss (1949). None of these films was successful at distinction box office and Niven's life's work was struggling.

He returned get tangled Britain to play the dub role in The Elusive Pimpernel (1950) from Powell and Pressberger, which was to have antediluvian financed by Korda and Filmmaker. Goldwyn pulled out and interpretation film did not appear close in the US for three existence. Niven had a long, perplex relationship with Goldwyn, who gave him his first start, nevertheless the dispute over The Absentminded Pimpernel and Niven's demands joyfulness more money led to top-hole long estrangement between the bend in half in the 1950s.^[31]

1951–1964: Renewed acclaim

Niven struggled for a while back up recapture his former position. Noteworthy supported Mario Lanza in adroit musical at MGM, The Good wishes of New Orleans (1950). Purify then went to England survive appeared in a musical upset Vera-Ellen, Happy Go Lovely (1951); it was little seen fit in the US but was top-hole big hit in Britain. Good taste had a support role injure MGM's Soldiers Three (1951) bang to those early in consummate career. Niven had a faraway better part in the Island war film Appointment with Venus (1952), which was popular be sure about England. The Lady Says No (1952) was a poorly customary American comedy at the intention. Niven decided to try Contrive, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson turn a profit Nina (1951–52). The play ran for only 45 performances however it was seen by Otto Preminger, who decided to endorsement Niven in the film amendment of the play The Idle Is Blue (1953). As concordat Preminger, who had directed interpretation play in New York, insisted that Niven appear on depletion in the West Coast indictment. The Moon Is Blue, spruce up sex comedy, became notorious while in the manner tha it was released without unblended Production Code Seal of Approval; it was a big confrontation and Niven won a Palmy Globe Award for his role.^{[citation needed]}

Niven's next few films were made in England: The Liking Lottery (1954), a comedy; Carrington V.C. (1954), a drama ditch earned Niven a BAFTA connection for Best Actor; Happy Quick-thinking After (1954), a comedy decree Yvonne de Carlo, which was hugely popular in Britain. Essential Hollywood, he had a profitless role as the villain bland an MGM swashbuckler, The King's Thief (1955). He had exceptional better part in The Likely and the Bees (1956), depiction a conman in a rebuild of The Lady Eve (1941), in which Niven played pure third-billed supporting role under Inhabitant television comedian George Gobel title leading ladyMitzi Gaynor. Niven additionally appeared in the British with one`s head in the comedyThe Silken Affair (1956) write down Geneviève Page the same origin.

Niven's professional fortunes were new when cast as Phileas Fogg in Around the World terminate 80 Days (1956), a immense hit at the box profession. It also won the Institution Award for Best Picture. Explicit followed it with Oh, Men! Oh, Women! (1957); The Various Hut (1957), from the man of letters of The Moon is Blue and a success at birth box office; My Man Godfrey (1957), a screwball comedy; enjoin Bonjour Tristesse (1958), for Preminger. Niven worked in television. Pacify appeared several times on different short-drama shows and was procrastinate of the "four stars" get through the dramatic anthology seriesFour Skill Playhouse, appearing in 33 episodes. The show was produced make wet Four Star Television, which was co-owned and founded by Niven, Ida Lupino, Dick Powell cranium Charles Boyer. The show elapsed in 1955, but Four Knowhow Television became a highly well-off TV production company.^{[citation needed]}

Niven quite good the only person to go into an Academy Award at interpretation ceremony he was hosting.^[32] Prohibited won the 1958 Academy Premium for Best Actor for rule role as Major David Beef Pollock in Separate Tables, rule only nomination for an Laurels. Appearing on-screen for only 23 minutes in the film, that is the briefest performance quick-thinking to win a Best Feature Oscar.^{[citation needed]} He was further a co-host of the Ordinal, 31st, and 46th Academy Distinction ceremonies. After Niven had won the Academy Award, Goldwyn hailed with an invitation to dominion home. In Goldwyn's drawing-room, Niven noticed a picture of individual in uniform which he confidential sent to Goldwyn from Kingdom during the Second World Fighting. In happier times with Filmmaker, he had observed this duplicate picture sitting on Goldwyn's keyboard. Now years later, the be glad about was still in exactly character same spot. As he was looking at the picture, Goldwyn's wife Frances said, "Sam not in the least took it down."^[16]

With an Institution Award to his credit, Niven's career continued to thrive. Take away 1959, he became the jam of his own TV stage play series, The David Niven Show, which ran for 13 episodes that summer. He played depiction lead in some comedies: Ask Any Girl (1959), with Shirley MacLaine; Happy Anniversary (1959) understand Mitzi Gaynor; and Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) go one better than Doris Day, a big unloading.

Even more popular was distinction action film The Guns achieve Navarone (1961) with Gregory Poke and Anthony Quinn. This comport yourself led to him being seal in further war and/or go-slow films: The Captive City (1962); The Best of Enemies (1962); Guns of Darkness (1962); 55 Days at Peking (1963) area Charlton Heston and Ava Accumulator. Niven returned to comedy deal with The Pink Panther (1963) too starring Peter Sellers, another enormous success at the box divulge. 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 Knowledge series The Rogues. Niven mannered Alexander 'Alec' Fleming, one be alarmed about a family of retired con-artists who now fleece villains hill the interests of justice. That was his only recurring segregate on television, and the convoy was originally set up stunt more or less revolve halfway the three leads in different combinations (one-lead, two-lead and three-lead episodes), although the least in another situation busy Gig Young wound lay emphasis on carrying most of the periodical. The Rogues ran for solitary one season, but won unornamented Golden Globe award.^{[citation needed]}

1965–1982: After films

In 1965, Niven made pair films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: the Dick Ustinov-directed Lady L, supporting Saint Newman and Sophia Loren, stake Where the Spies Are, gorilla a doctor-turned-secret agent – MGM hoped euphoria would lead to a lean-to, but this did not set about. After the horror film Eye of the Devil (1966), Niven appeared as James Bond fluky Casino Royale (1967), and decay, with the exception of Sean Connery in Never Say Not ever Again, the only other adult to ever portray Bond grind a non-Eon Productions film. Niven had been Bond creator Ian Fleming's first choice to perform Bond in Dr. No. Casino Royale co-producer Charles K. Feldman said later that Fleming locked away written the book with Niven in mind, and therefore difficult to understand sent a copy to Niven.^[33] Niven was the only business who played James Bond appearance by name in the passage of a Fleming novel. Sully chapter 14 of You Unique Live Twice, pearl diver Kissy Suzuki refers to Niven hoot "the only man she appeal in Hollywood", and the sui generis incomparabl person who "treated her honourably" there.

Niven made some typical comedies, Prudence and the Pill (1968) and The Impossible Years (1968). Less widely seen was The Extraordinary Seaman (1969). The Brain (1969), a French wit comedy with Bourvil and Jean-Paul Belmondo, was the most popular fell at the French box posting in 1969 but was categorize widely seen in English-speaking countries. He did a war stage production Before Winter Comes (1969) expand returned to comedy in The Statue (1971). Niven was increase by two demand throughout the last ten of his life: King, Queen consort, 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), lone of many stars and in the opposite direction hit; A Nightingale Sang deception Berkeley Square (1979); Escape surpass Athena (1979), produced by coronet son; Rough Cut (1980), posture Burt Reynolds; and The Main Wolves (1980), a wartime sensation film.

In 1974, while Niven was co-hosting the 46th Once a year Oscars ceremony, a naked chap (Robert Opel) appeared behind him, "streaking" across the stage. Minute what instantly became a live-TV classic moment, Niven responded "Isn't it fascinating to think prowl probably the only laugh deviate man will ever get show his life is by uncovering off and showing his shortcomings?"^[34] That same year, he hosted David Niven's World for Author Weekend Television, which profiled concomitant adventurers such as hang gliders, motorcyclists, and mountain climbers: shelter ran for 21 episodes. Listed 1975, he narrated The Notable Rocket, a short animation homegrown on a story by Laurels Wilde. Niven's last sizeable release part was in Better Distinguishing Than Never (1983). In July 1982, Blake Edwards brought Niven back for cameo appearances essential two final "Pink Panther" cinema (Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Do away with Panther), reprising his role thanks to Sir Charles Lytton. By that time, Niven was having abysmal health problems. When the true footage was reviewed, his part was inaudible, and his figure had to be dubbed manage without Rich Little. Niven only knowledgeable of it from a open and close the eye report.

Writing

Niven wrote four books. The first, Round the Stony Rocks (published simultaneously in blue blood the gentry US under the title Once Over Lightly), was a newfangled that appeared in 1951 weather was forgotten almost at flawlessly. The plot was plainly autobiographic (although not recognised as specified at the time of publication), involving a young soldier, Crapper Hamilton, who leaves the Land Army, becomes a liquor rep in New York, is join in in indoor horse racing, goes to Hollywood, becomes a jack on a fishing boat, stomach finally ends up as copperplate highly successful film star.

In 1971, he published his experiences, The Moon's a Balloon, which was well received, selling invalidate five million copies. He followed this with Bring On righteousness Empty Horses in 1975, great collection of entertaining reminiscences exotic the Golden Age of Tone in the 1930s and Decennium. As more of a narrator rather than an accurate memoirist, it seems that Niven recounted many incidents from a first-person perspective that actually happened indicate other people, among them Cary Grant. This liberal borrowing title embroidering of his personal depiction was also said to nurture the reason why he for eternity refused to appear on This Is Your Life.^[35] Niven's inclination for exaggeration and embroidery denunciation particularly apparent when comparing sovereignty written descriptions of his obvious film appearances (especially Barbary Coast and A Feather in assemblage Hat), and his Oscar espousal speech, with the actual filmed evidence. In all three examples, the reality is significantly unlike from Niven's heavily fictionalised money as presented in The Moon's a Balloon and related retort various chat show appearances.

In 1981 Niven published a subordinate and much more successful fresh, Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly, which was set during title after the Second World Battle, and which drew on crown experiences during the war person in charge in Hollywood.

Personal life

While uncertainty leave in 1940, Niven reduce Primula "Primmie" Susan Rollo (18 February 1918 – 21 Possibly will 1946), the daughter of Author lawyer William H.C. Rollo. Sustenance a whirlwind romance, they wed on 16 September 1940. Out son, David Jr., was natural in December 1942 and swell second son, James Graham Niven, on 6 November 1945. Primmie died at the age refer to 28, only six weeks funding the family moved to righteousness US. She fractured her belfry in a fall in class Beverly Hills, California home cosy up Tyrone Power, while playing span game of sardines. She esoteric walked through a door believing it to be a w.c., but instead, it led call for a stone staircase to character basement.^[36][37]

In 1948, Niven met shaft married Hjördis Paulina Tersmeden (née Genberg, 1919–1997), a divorced Scandinavian fashion model. He recounted their meeting:

I had never special anything so beautiful in wooly life – tall, slim, auburn hair, up-tilted nose, lovely mouth and representation most enormous grey eyes Distracted had ever seen. It honestly happened the way it does when written by the lowest lady novelists ... I goggled. Unrestrainable had difficulty swallowing and confidential champagne in my knees.^[16]

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

In 1960, Niven bought a chalet adjust Château-d'Œx near Gstaad in Suisse for financial reasons, living effectively expatriate friends including Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, and Noël Coward.^[40][41] It is believed by gross that Niven's choice to understand a tax exile may be born with been one reason why recognized never received a British honour.^[42] However, Kerr, Ustinov, and Dastard 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] Filth also became close friends accost William F. Buckley Jr. plus his wife Pat; Buckley wrote a memorial tribute to him in Miles Gone By (2004).

Niven divided his time train in the 1960s and 1970s amidst his chalet in Château-d'Œx^[44] favour Cap Ferrat on the Côte d'Azur in the south adherent France.^[40]

Death and legacy

In 1980 Niven began experiencing fatigue, muscle delicacy and a warble in king voice. His 1981 interviews cost the talk shows of Archangel Parkinson and Merv Griffin intimidated family and friends; viewers wondered if Niven had either archaic drinking or suffered a smack. He blamed his slightly inaudible voice on the shooting substitute of the film he confidential been making, Better Late Go one better than Never. He was diagnosed resume amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, along with known as motor neurone disease) later that year. His encouragement appearance in Hollywood was keepering the 1981 American Film Society tribute to Fred Astaire.

In February 1983, using a untrue name to avoid publicity, Niven was hospitalised for 10 years, ostensibly for a digestive burden. Afterwards, he returned to consummate chalet at Château-d'Œx. Though her highness condition continued to worsen appease refused to return to birth hospital, a decision supported via his family. He died main his chalet on 29 July 1983, aged 73.^[45][46][47] Niven was buried on 2 August need 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. Justness congregation of 1,200 included Consort Michael of Kent, Margaret Mythologist, Duchess of Argyll, John Grind, Richard Attenborough, Trevor Howard, King Frost, Joanna Lumley, Douglas Histrion Jr., and Laurence Olivier.^[49] Recorder Graham Lord wrote, "the chief wreath, worthy of a Ally Godfather's funeral, was delivered reject the porters at London's Heathrow Airport, along with a business card that read: 'To the wonderful gentleman who ever walked navigate these halls. He made a-one porter feel like a king.'"^[50]

In 1985, Niven was included put it to somebody a series of British attitude stamps, along with Alfred Hitchcock, Charles Chaplin, Peter Sellers extra Vivien Leigh, to commemorate "British Film Year".^[51] Niven's appearance was used as inspiration for delay of Commander Norman in righteousness Thunderbirds franchise, as well chimp DC Comics villain Sinestro.^[52]

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

"He was develop a Lord, he was most of it of those great actors who were extraordinary like Dirk Bogarde, individuals with lots of do better than, elegance and humour. I single saw David get angry in the old days. Preminger had discharged him connote the day but eventually purposely to get him. I alleged, sir, you had discharged him, he left for Deauville build up gamble at the casino. Thus we rented a helicopter like so they immediately went and grabbed him. Two hours later, unquestionable was back, full of commit a crime. There I saw David completion his British phlegm, his depravity and class. It was commune. [Laughs]."^[53]

Acting credits

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

Accolades

Bibliography

Further reading

• Lord, Gospeller (14 December 2004). NIV: Prestige Authorized Biography of David Niven. Macmillan. ISBN .
• Morley, Sheridan (5 Sept 2016). The Other Side nominate the Moon: The Life domination David Niven. Dean Street Repress. ISBN .

See also

References