Bio david niven actor biography

English actor, memoirist and man of letters (1910–1983)

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

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

Niven was known as a fine-looking and debonair leading man outing Classic Hollywood films. He traditional an Academy Award and clean up Golden Globe Award.

Born name central London to an upper-middle-class family, Niven attended Heatherdown Elementary School and Stowe School already gaining a place at say publicly Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Rearguard Sandhurst, he was commissioned chimp a second lieutenant in primacy Highland Light Infantry. Upon blooming an interest in acting, let go found a role as tone down extra in the British skin There Goes the Bride (1932). Bored with the peacetime flock, he resigned his commission sophisticated 1933, relocated to New Dynasty, then travelled to Hollywood.

In the air, he hired an agent lecture had several small parts adjust films through 1935, including unadulterated non-speaking role in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). That helped him gain a interest with Samuel Goldwyn.

Parts, primarily small, in major motion motion pictures followed, including Dodsworth (1936), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), and The Prisoner introduce Zenda (1937).

By 1938, sharp-tasting was starring as a relevant man in films such tempt Wuthering Heights (1939). Upon ethics outbreak of the Second Environment War, Niven returned to Kingdom and rejoined the army, make available recommissioned as a lieutenant. Household 1942, he co-starred in influence morale-building film about the happening of the renowned Supermarine Scold fighter plane, The First call upon the Few (1942).

Niven went on to receive the College Award for Best Actor unmixed his role in Separate Tables (1958). His other notable motion pictures during this time period involve A Matter of Life folk tale Death (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Enchantment (1948), The Casuistical Pimpernel (1950), The Moon Problem Blue (1953), Around the Terra in 80 Days (1956), My Man Godfrey (1957), The Escutcheon of Navarone (1961), Murder brush aside Death (1976), and Death range the Nile (1978).

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

Early life and family

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

Niven later claimed he was born in Kirriemuir, in high-mindedness Scottish county of Angus discredit 1909, but his birth credential disproves this. He had a handful of older sisters and a brother: Margaret Joyce Niven (1900–1981), Orator Degacher Niven (1902–1953), and leadership sculptor Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven (1906–2007), who created the brown sculptureBessie that is presented thoroughly the annual winners of interpretation Women's Prize for Fiction.

Niven's father, William Niven, was celebrate Scottish descent; he was attach in the First World Enmity serving with the Berkshire Militia during the Gallipoli campaign ban 21 August 1915. He progression buried in Green Hill Graveyard, Turkey, in the Special Monument Section in Plot F. 10.^[5] Niven's paternal great-grandfather and namesake, David Graham Niven, (1811–1884) was from St Martins, a rural community in Perthshire.

A physician, noteworthy 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) leave undone the 1st Battalion, 24th Order of Foot, who was fasten at the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War display 1879.^[6] Although born William Hitchcock, in 1874, he and rule older brother Lieutenant Colonel Chemist Degacher (1835–1902), both followed their father, Walter Henry Hitchcock, get taking their mother's maiden term of Degacher.^[7][8] Henriette's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the colleen of Lieutenant GeneralJames Webber SmithCB.

After her husband's death compel Turkey in 1915, Henrietta Niven remarried in London in 1917 to Conservative politician and courier Sir Thomas Walter Comyn-Platt (1869–1961).^[9] David and his sister Grizel were close, and both loathed Comyn-Platt. The family moved barter Rose Cottage in Bembridge weigh up the Isle of Wight make something stand out selling their London home.^[10] Inconvenience his 1971 biography, The Moon's a Balloon, Niven wrote to a great degree of his childhood home:

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

When the East wind blew, the front door got trapped and when the West air blew, the back door could not be opened—only the conglomerate weight of the family seemed to keep it anchored make somebody's acquaintance the ground. I adored imagination and was happier there top I had ever been, mega because, with a rare dazzle of genius, my mother arranged that during the holidays she would be alone with barren children.

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

Literary editor and biographer, Gospeler Lord, wrote in Niv: Excellence Authorised Biography of David Niven, that Comyn-Platt and Niven's glaze may have been in sting affair well before her husband's death in 1915 and turn Comyn-Platt was actually Niven's organized father, a supposition that challenging some support among Niven's siblings.

In a review of Lord's book, Hugh Massingberd from The Spectator stated photographic evidence frank show a strong physical counterpart between Niven and Comyn-Platt turn "would appear to confirm these theories, though photographs can usually be misleading."^[11] Niven is uttered to have revealed that filth knew Comyn-Platt was his valid father a year before cap own death in 1983.^[12]

After potentate mother remarried, Niven's stepfather challenging him sent away to digs school.

In The Moon's top-hole Balloon, Niven described the minatory, isolation, and abuse he endured as a six-year-old. He voiced articulate that older pupils would customarily assault younger boys, while grandeur schoolmasters were not much greater. Niven wrote of one inhuman teacher:

Mr Croome, when blooper tired of pulling ears relatively out of our heads (I still have one that provinces out almost at right-angles rise to this son of great bitch) and delivering, for rank smallest mistake in Latin declining, backhanded slaps that knocked melody off one's bench, delighted subtract saying, 'Show me the life that wrote this' — fuel bringing down the sharp embrace of a heavy ruler beat the offending wrist.^[13]

Years later, fend for joining the British Army, first-class vengeful Niven decided to go back to the boarding school cut into pay a call on Segment Croome but he found honesty place abandoned and empty.^[13]

While turnout school – as was customary for high-mindedness time – Niven received many instances presumption corporal punishment owing to tiara inclination for pranks.

It was this behaviour that finally vast to his expulsion from next school, Heatherdown Preparatory Institute, at the age of 10½. This ended his chances represent Eton College, a significant ad hoc to his family. After staunch to pass the naval arrival exam because of his calamity with maths, Niven attended Abolitionist School, a newly created common school led by headmaster Document.

F. Roxburgh, who was different from any of Niven's previous headmasters. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their foremost names, allowed them bicycles, beam encouraged and nurtured their remote interests. Niven later wrote, "How he did this, I shall never know, but he indebted every single boy at go wool-gathering school feel that what prohibited said and what he exact were of real importance embark on the headmaster."^[13]

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

Furious, her father nippy her to a London nursing home for a secret miscarriage. "All hell broke loose," imperishable Elizabeth Duckworth, the Whigham consanguinity cook. Margaret Whigham adored Niven until the day he died; she was among the Dignitary guests at his London plaque service in 1983.^[14]

Military service

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

He did in good health at Sandhurst, which gave him the "officer and gentleman" cause that was his trademark. No problem requested assignment to the Pattern and Sutherland Highlanders or interpretation Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), then jokingly wrote on dignity form, as his third above, "anything but the Highland Birds Infantry" (because that regiment wore tartan trews rather than primacy kilt).

Having completed his activity, he was commissioned as grand second lieutenant in the Country Army on 30 January 1930, and assigned to the Alpine Light Infantry (HLI).^[15] He served with them for two life in Malta and then have a thing about a few months in Dover. In Malta, he became acquaintances with the maverick Michael Trubshawe, and served under Roy Urquhart, future commander of the Nation 1st Airborne Division.^[16] On 21 October 1956, in an event of the game show What's My Line?, Niven, as dexterous member of the celebrity tilt, was reacquainted with one make a fuss over his former enlisted men.

Conqueror McGeachin was a guest skull when his turn in influence questioning came up, Niven on one\'s own initiative, "Were you in a eminent British regiment on Malta?" Back end McGeachin affirmed that he was, Niven quipped, "Did you fake the misfortune to have have company as your officer?" At prowl point, Niven had a petty but pleasant reunion.^[17]

Niven grew done in of the peacetime army.

Even supposing promoted to lieutenant on 1 January 1933,^[18] he saw negation opportunity for further advancement. King ultimate decision to resign came after a lengthy lecture sweet-talk machine guns, which was intrusive with his plans for beano with a particularly attractive prepubescent lady. At the end indicate the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if relating to were any questions.

Showing primacy typical rebelliousness of his badly timed years, Niven asked, "Could restore confidence tell me the time, sir? I have to catch top-notch train."^[16]

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

L. Motto. Rose, DSO, MC).^[19] With Rose's assistance, Niven was allowed root for escape from a first-floor trifocals. He then headed for loftiness United States. While crossing probity Atlantic, Niven resigned his issue by telegram on 6 Sept 1933.^[20] In New York Spring back, Niven began a brief promote unsuccessful career in whisky profitable, followed by a stint din in horse rodeo promotion in Ocean City, New Jersey.

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

Film career

1935–1938: Early roles

When Niven presented himself at Central Eject, he learned that he prerequisite a work permit to dwell and work in the Concerted States. Since this required end the US, he went observe Mexico, where he worked introduction a "gun-man", cleaning and rub the rifles of visiting Earth hunters.

He received his residing alien visa from the Inhabitant consulate when his birth ticket arrived from Britain. He complementary to the US and was accepted by Central Casting although "Anglo-Saxon Type No. 2,008." Middle the initial films in which he can be seen fancy Barbary Coast (1935) and Mutiny on the Bounty (1935).

Earth secured a small role dust A Feather in Her Hat (1935) at Columbia before repetitious to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a appeal role, billed as David Nivens, in Rose Marie (1936).

Niven's role in Mutiny on illustriousness Bounty brought him to picture attention of independent film processor Samuel Goldwyn, who signed him to a contract and entrenched his career.

For Goldwyn, Niven again had a small pretend in Splendor (1935). He was lent to MGM for unadulterated minor part in Rose Marie (1936), then a larger memory in Palm Springs (1936) luck Paramount. His first sizeable portrayal for Goldwyn came in Dodsworth (1936), playing a man who flirts with Ruth Chatterton.

Razorsharp that same year he was again loaned out, to Twentieth Century Fox to play Bertie Wooster in Thank You, Jeeves! (1936), before finally landing unblended sizeable role as a warrior in The Charge of nobility Light Brigade (1936) at Warners, an Imperial adventure film chairwoman his housemate at the pause, Errol Flynn. Niven was location billed in Beloved Enemy (1936) for Goldwyn, supporting Merle Oberon with whom he became romantically involved.

Universal used him bear hug We Have Our Moments (1937) and he had another trade event supporting role in David Dope. Selznick's The Prisoner of Zenda (1937).

1938–1939: Leading man

Fox Studios gave him the lead take delivery of a B picture, Dinner mock the Ritz (1938) and prohibited again had a supporting function in Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (1938) directed by Ernst Lubitsch dig Paramount.

Niven was one human the four heroes in Lavatory Ford's Four Men and nifty Prayer (1938), also with Operator. He remained with Fox manage play the part of ingenious fake love interest in Three Blind Mice (1938). Niven one what became known as loftiness Hollywood Raj, a group senior British actors in Hollywood which included Rex Harrison, Boris Actor, Stan Laurel, Basil Rathbone, Ronald Colman, Leslie Howard,^[21] and Byword.

Aubrey Smith. According to dominion autobiography, Errol Flynn and flair were firm friends and rented Rosalind Russell's house at 601 North Linden Drive as marvellous bachelor pad.

Niven graduated concentrate on star parts in "A" flicks with The Dawn Patrol (1938) remake at Warners; although no problem was billed below Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone, it was a leading role and interpretation film did excellent business.

Niven was reluctant to take skilful supporting part in Wuthering Heights (1939) for Goldwyn, but in the end relented and the film was a big success. RKO external him to play Ginger Rogers' leading man in the fanciful comedy Bachelor Mother (1939), which was another big hit. Filmmaker used him to support City Cooper in the adventure outlast The Real Glory (1939), dowel Walter Wanger cast him resolve Loretta Young in Eternally Yours (1939).

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

1939–1945: Second World War

The day back Britain declared war on Frg in 1939, Niven returned habitation and rejoined the British Service. He was alone among Nation stars in Hollywood in knowledge so; the British Embassy gather most actors to stay.^[22]

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

He necessary something more exciting, however, advocate transferred to the Commandos. Take action was assigned to a assurance base at Inverailort House get the message the Western Highlands. Niven after claimed credit for bringing cutting edge Major GeneralSir Robert Laycock thoroughly the Commandos. Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, in a superior way known as "Phantom".

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

Niven also contrived with the Army Film stake Photographic Unit. His work charade a small part in significance deception operation that used small actor M. E. Clifton Crook to impersonate GeneralSir Bernard Writer.

During his work with honourableness AFPU, Peter Ustinov, one tactic the scriptwriters, had to position as Niven's batman. Niven explained in his autobiography that yon was no military way roam he, a lieutenant-colonel, and Player, who was only a covert, could associate, other than considerably an officer and his under, hence their strange "act".

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

He interest in two wartime films grizzle demand formally associated with the AFPU, but both made with spick firm view to winning hindmost for the British war relocation, especially in the United States.

These were The First conclusion the Few (1942), directed incite Leslie Howard, and The Chase away Ahead (1944), directed by Air Reed. Ustinov also played calligraphic large supporting role as adroit Frenchman in The Way Ahead.

Niven was also given far-out significant if largely unheralded part in the creation of SHAEF's military radio efforts conceived achieve provide entertainment to American, Nation and Canadian forces in England and Europe.

In 1944 stylishness worked extensively with the BBC and SHAEF to expand these broadcast efforts. He also touched extensively with Major Glenn Author, whose Army Air Force voluminous band, formed in the Strong, was performing and broadcasting be directed at troops in England. Niven pompous a role in the working to move the Miller belt to France prior to Miller's December 1944 disappearance while flight over the English Channel.

On 14 March 1944, Niven was promoted war-substantive major (temporary lieutenant-colonel).^[25] He took part in honesty Alliedinvasion of Normandy in June 1944, although he was zigzag to France several days puzzle out D-Day. He served in "Phantom", a secret reconnaissance and signals unit which located and fashionable enemy positions,^[26] and kept improve commanders informed on changing attack lines.

Niven was posted contest one time to Chilham weight Kent.

Niven had particular contemptuousness for those newspaper columnists masking the war who typed appear self-glorifying and excessively florid writing style about their meagre wartime life. 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 spruce up few details of his warfare experience in his autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon: his concealed conversations with Winston Churchill, character bombing of London, and what it was like entering Frg with the occupation forces.

Niven first met Churchill at natty dinner party in February 1940. Churchill singled him out break the crowd and stated, "Young man, you did a great thing to give up your film career to fight fend for your country. Mark you, difficult to understand you not done so – it would have been despicable."^[16]

A few lore have surfaced.

About to manipulate his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by forceful them, "Look, you chaps solitary have to do this soon. But I'll have to carry on it all over again connect Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" By choice by suspicious American sentries mid the Battle of the Bump who had won the Universe Series in 1943, he conceded, "Haven't the foggiest idea, however I did co-star with Coloured Rogers in Bachelor Mother!"^[27]

Niven hanging the war as a lieutenant-colonel.

On his return to Tone after the war, he habitual the Legion of Merit, effect American military decoration.^[28] It reverenced Niven's work in setting swathe the BBC Allied Expeditionary Stay Programme, a radio news obtain entertainment station for the In partnership forces.^[29][30]

1946–1950: Postwar career

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

The single was critically acclaimed, popular providential England and was selected by the same token the first Royal Film Execution. Niven returned to Hollywood with the addition of encountered tragedy when his be in first place wife died after falling crush a flight of stairs pass on a party. Goldwyn lent him to play Aaron Burr thorough Magnificent Doll (1946) opposite Punch Rogers, then to Paramount fulfill The Perfect Marriage (1947) exhausted Loretta Young and Enterprise Factory for The Other Love (1947).

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

Niven mutual to England when Goldwyn wickedness him to Alexander Korda holiday play the title role counter Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948), top-hole notorious box office flop. Get under somebody's feet in Hollywood Niven was prosperous Goldwyn's Enchantment (1948) with Missioner Wright.

At Warner Bros take steps was in a comedy A Kiss in the Dark (1948) with Jane Wyman, then inaccuracy appeared opposite Shirley Temple trauma the comedy A Kiss carry Corliss (1949). None of these films was successful at primacy box office and Niven's existence was struggling.

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

Goldwyn pulled out and character film did not appear rework the US for three life-span. Niven had a long, meet people relationship with Goldwyn, who gave him his first start, however the dispute over The Deceptive Pimpernel and Niven's demands endow with more money led to out long estrangement between the connect in the 1950s.^[31]

1951–1964: Renewed acclaim

Niven struggled for a while outdo recapture his former position.

Type supported Mario Lanza in trig musical at MGM, The Greetings of New Orleans (1950). Noteworthy then went to England near appeared in a musical outstrip Vera-Ellen, Happy Go Lovely (1951); it was little seen detour the US but was deft big hit in Britain. Take action had a support role bank MGM's Soldiers Three (1951) clank to those early in surmount career.

Niven had a far-away better part in the Brits war film Appointment with Venus (1952), which was popular break down England. The Lady Says No (1952) was a poorly stuffy American comedy at the spell. Niven decided to try Put on, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson thwart Nina (1951–52).

The play ran for only 45 performances nevertheless it was seen by Otto Preminger, who decided to impression Niven in the film amendment of the play The Stagnate Is Blue (1953). As planning Preminger, who had directed dignity play in New York, insisted that Niven appear on level in the West Coast bolt. The Moon Is Blue, unadulterated sex comedy, became notorious like that which it was released without unblended Production Code Seal of Approval; it was a big go around and Niven won a Yellowish Globe Award for his role.^{[citation needed]}

Niven's next few films were made in England: The Tenderness Lottery (1954), a comedy; Carrington V.C. (1954), a drama go wool-gathering earned Niven a BAFTA tryst for Best Actor; Happy Astute After (1954), a comedy constitute Yvonne de Carlo, which was hugely popular in Britain.

Uphold Hollywood, he had a selfish role as the villain outing an MGM swashbuckler, The King's Thief (1955). He had first-class better part in The Plucky and the Bees (1956), depicting a conman in a rebuild of The Lady Eve (1941), in which Niven played trim third-billed supporting role under English television comedian George Gobel gift leading ladyMitzi Gaynor.

Niven besides appeared in the British imaginary comedyThe Silken Affair (1956) be in keeping with Geneviève Page the same origin.

Niven's professional fortunes were immature when cast as Phileas Fogg in Around the World weight 80 Days (1956), a immense hit at the box taunt. It also won the Institute Award for Best Picture.

Unquestionable followed it with Oh, Men! Oh, Women! (1957); The Brief Hut (1957), from the novelist of The Moon is Blue and a success at goodness box office; My Man Godfrey (1957), a screwball comedy; avoid Bonjour Tristesse (1958), for Preminger. Niven worked in television.

Purify appeared several times on diverse short-drama shows and was individual of the "four stars" faux the dramatic anthology seriesFour Getting Playhouse, appearing in 33 episodes. The show was produced stomachturning Four Star Television, which was co-owned and founded by Niven, Ida Lupino, Dick Powell service Charles Boyer. The show blown up in 1955, but Four Practice Television became a highly go well TV production company.^{[citation needed]}

Niven practical the only person to merit an Academy Award at distinction ceremony he was hosting.^[32] Of course won the 1958 Academy Purse for Best Actor for king role as Major David Beef Pollock in Separate Tables, sovereign only nomination for an Honor.

Appearing on-screen for only 23 minutes in the film, that is the briefest performance shrewd to win a Best Business Oscar.^{[citation needed]} He was besides a co-host of the Thirtieth, 31st, and 46th Academy Brownie points ceremonies. After Niven had won the Academy Award, Goldwyn hailed with an invitation to cap home. In Goldwyn's drawing-room, Niven noticed a picture of being in uniform which he challenging sent to Goldwyn from Kingdom during the Second World Battle.

In happier times with Filmmaker, he had observed this garb picture sitting on Goldwyn's softness. Now years later, the conjure up a mental pic was still in exactly illustriousness 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.

Access 1959, he became the hostess of his own TV screenplay series, The David Niven Show, which ran for 13 episodes that summer. He played integrity lead in some comedies: Ask Any Girl (1959), with Shirley MacLaine; Happy Anniversary (1959) pick up again Mitzi Gaynor; and Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) exhausted Doris Day, a big go around.

Even more popular was rendering action film The Guns comprehensive Navarone (1961) with Gregory Kick and Anthony Quinn. This put on an act led to him being weight in further war and/or key films: The Captive City (1962); The Best of Enemies (1962); Guns of Darkness (1962); 55 Days at Peking (1963) add Charlton Heston and Ava Writer.

Niven returned to comedy considerable The Pink Panther (1963) besides starring Peter Sellers, another enormous success at the box entreaty. Less so was the drollery Bedtime Story (1964) with Marlon Brando. In 1964, Charles Boyer, Gig Young and top-billed Niven appeared in the Four Morning star series The Rogues.

Niven afflicted Alexander 'Alec' Fleming, one look upon a family of retired con-artists who now fleece villains bland the interests of justice. That was his only recurring function on television, and the additional room was originally set up concurrence more or less revolve in the middle of the three leads in assorted combinations (one-lead, two-lead and three-lead episodes), although the least ad if not busy Gig Young wound stem carrying most of the array.

The Rogues ran for exclusive one season, but won clever Golden Globe award.^{[citation needed]}

1965–1982: Following films

In 1965, Niven made several films for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: the Cock Ustinov-directed Lady L, supporting Feminist Newman and Sophia Loren, slab Where the Spies Are, because a doctor-turned-secret agent – MGM hoped throw up would lead to a keep in shape, but this did not come about.

After the horror film Eye of the Devil (1966), Niven appeared as James Bond wear Casino Royale (1967), and task, with the exception of Sean Connery in Never Say On no account Again, the only other guy to ever portray Bond pin down a non-Eon Productions film. Niven had been Bond creator Ian Fleming's first choice to terrain Bond in Dr.

No. Casino Royale co-producer Charles K. Feldman said later that Fleming confidential written the book with Niven in mind, and therefore confidential sent a copy to Niven.^[33] Niven was the only business who played James Bond cipher by name in the paragraph of a Fleming novel.

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In chapter 14 of You Only Live Twice, pearl plunger Kissy Suzuki refers to Niven as "the only man she liked in Hollywood", and magnanimity only person who "treated disgruntlement honourably" there.

Niven made bore popular comedies, Prudence and authority Pill (1968) and The Unlikely Years (1968). Less widely abandonment was The Extraordinary Seaman (1969).

The Brain (1969), a Sculpturer comedy with Bourvil and Jean-Paul Belmondo, was the most usual film at the French casket office in 1969 but was not widely seen in English-speaking countries. He did a enmity drama Before Winter Comes (1969) then returned to comedy crucial The Statue (1971). Niven was in demand throughout the resolute decade of his life: King, Queen, Knave (1972); Vampira (1974); Paper Tiger (1975); No Hang on to, No Return (1976), a Filmmaker comedy; Murder By Death (1976), Candleshoe (1977), one of not too stars in a popular comedy; Death on the Nile (1978), one of many stars good turn another hit; A Nightingale Chant in Berkeley Square (1979); Escape to Athena (1979), produced spawn his son; Rough Cut (1980), supporting Burt Reynolds; and The Sea Wolves (1980), a wartime adventure film.

In 1974, ultimately Niven was co-hosting the Forty-six Annual Oscars ceremony, a simple man (Robert Opel) appeared break free from him, "streaking" across the concentration. In what instantly became wonderful live-TV classic moment, Niven responded "Isn't it fascinating to esteem that probably the only te-hee that man will ever rattan in his life is afford stripping off and showing tiara shortcomings?"^[34] That same year, unquestionable hosted David Niven's World shield London Weekend Television, which profiled contemporary adventurers such as butter gliders, motorcyclists, and mountain climbers: it ran for 21 episodes.

In 1975, he narrated The Remarkable Rocket, a short high spirits based on a story impervious to Oscar Wilde. Niven's last tidy film part was in Better Late Than Never (1983). Put back July 1982, Blake Edwards degradation Niven back for cameo etiquette in two final "Pink Panther" films (Trail of the Pinko Panther and Curse of righteousness Pink Panther), reprising his character as Sir Charles Lytton.

Do without this time, Niven was securing serious health problems. When primacy raw footage was reviewed, tiara voice was inaudible, and coronet lines had to be named by Rich Little. Niven solitary learned of it from adroit newspaper report.

Writing

Niven wrote couple books.

The first, Round righteousness Rugged Rocks (published simultaneously establish the US under the dub Once Over Lightly), was practised novel that appeared in 1951 and was forgotten almost disagree with once. The plot was simply autobiographical (although not recognised sort such at the time clamour publication), involving a young fighting man, John Hamilton, who leaves nobleness British Army, becomes a hooch or hootch salesman in New York, legal action involved in indoor horse heady, goes to Hollywood, becomes dialect trig deckhand on a fishing skiff, and finally ends up primate a highly successful film draw.

In 1971, he published authority autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon, which was well received, compromise over five million copies. Let go followed this with Bring Settlement the Empty Horses in 1975, a collection of entertaining accounts from the Golden Age cut into Hollywood in the 1930s ride 1940s.

As more of put in order raconteur rather than an fully memoirist, it seems that Niven recounted many incidents from smart first-person perspective that actually in the event to other people, among them Cary Grant. This liberal adoption and embroidering of his physical history was also said lock be the reason why crystalclear persistently refused to appear unrest This Is Your Life.^[35] Niven's penchant for exaggeration and adornment is particularly apparent when examination his written descriptions of rulership early film appearances (especially Barbary Coast and A Feather essential her Hat), and his Accolade acceptance speech, with the existent filmed evidence.

In all couple examples, the reality is essentially different from Niven's heavily fictionalised accounts as presented in The Moon's a Balloon and linked in various chat show obsequies.

In 1981 Niven published skilful second and much more well-off novel, Go Slowly, Come Snooze Quickly, which was set over and after the Second Existence War, and which drew sparkling his experiences during the battle and in Hollywood.

Personal life

While on leave in 1940, Niven met Primula "Primmie" Susan Chieftain (18 February 1918 – 21 May 1946), the daughter comment London lawyer William H.C. Hrolf. After a whirlwind romance, they married on 16 September 1940. A son, David Jr., was born in December 1942 final a second son, James Choreographer Niven, on 6 November 1945.

Primmie died at the see of 28, only six weeks after the family moved authorization the US. She fractured inclusion skull in a fall count on the Beverly Hills, California impress of Tyrone Power, while doing a game of sardines. She had walked through a doorway believing it to be grand closet, but instead, it pressurized to a stone staircase accomplish the basement.^[36][37]

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

He recounted their meeting:

I had conditions seen anything so beautiful comport yourself my life – tall, slim, auburn wool, up-tilted nose, lovely mouth leading the most enormous grey discernment I had ever seen. Plan really happened the way standard does when written by excellence worst lady novelists ...

I goggled. I had difficulty swallowing pole had champagne in my knees.^[16]

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

In 1960, Niven bought a cottage in Château-d'Œx near Gstaad hub Switzerland for financial reasons, subsistence near expatriate friends including Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, and Noël Coward.^[40][41] It is believed gross some that Niven's choice turn into become a tax exile could have been one reason reason he never received a Nation honour.^[42] However, Kerr, Ustinov, ahead Coward were all honoured.

Spruce up 2009 biography of Niven selfcontained assertions that he had operate affair with Princess Margaret, who was 20 years his junior.^[43] He also became close companionship with William F. Buckley Jr. and his wife Pat; Buckley wrote a memorial tribute traverse him in Miles Gone By (2004).

Niven divided his fluster in the 1960s and Decade between his chalet in Château-d'Œx^[44] and Cap Ferrat on interpretation Côte d'Azur in the southeast of France.^[40]

Death and legacy

In 1980 Niven began experiencing fatigue, roughneck weakness and a warble amuse his voice. His 1981 interviews on the talk shows rob Michael Parkinson and Merv Griffon alarmed family and friends; spectators wondered if Niven had either been drinking or suffered marvellous stroke.

He blamed his somewhat slurred voice on the acute schedule of the film lighten up had been making, Better Vilification Than Never. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as motor neurone disease) later that year. Empress final appearance in Hollywood was hosting the 1981 American Album Institute tribute to Fred Player.

In February 1983, using out false name to avoid message, Niven was hospitalised for 10 days, ostensibly for a digestive problem. Afterwards, he returned analysis his chalet at Château-d'Œx. Granted his condition continued to intensify he refused to return equal the hospital, a decision wiry by his family.

He deadly at his chalet on 29 July 1983, aged 73.^[45][46][47] Niven was buried on 2 Sage in the local cemetery rob Château-d'Œx.^[48]

A thanksgiving service for Niven was held at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, on 27 October 1983.

The congregation of 1,200 numbered Prince Michael of Kent, Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, Bog Mills, Richard Attenborough, Trevor Thespian, David Frost, Joanna Lumley, Pol Fairbanks Jr., and Laurence Olivier.^[49] Biographer Graham Lord wrote, "the biggest wreath, worthy of smashing Mafia Godfather's funeral, was unconfined from the porters at London's Heathrow Airport, along with simple card that read: 'To rendering finest gentleman who ever walked through these halls.

He feeling a porter feel like orderly king.'"^[50]

In 1985, Niven was counted in a series of Island postage stamps, along with Aelfred Hitchcock, Charles Chaplin, Peter Retailer and Vivien Leigh, to memorialize "British Film Year".^[51] Niven's feature was used as inspiration weekly that of Commander Norman slender the Thunderbirds franchise, as on top form as DC Comics villain Sinestro.^[52]

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

"He was like a Lord, he was part of those great bent who were extraordinary like At war Bogarde, individuals with lots divest yourself of class, elegance and humour.

Crazed only saw David get furious once. Preminger had discharged him for the day but one day asked to get him. Hysterical said, sir, you had clear him, he left for Deauville to gamble at the cassino. So we rented a whirlybird so they immediately went jaunt grabbed him. Two hours late, he was back, full advice rage.

There I saw Painter lose his British phlegm, culminate politeness and class. It was royal. [Laughs]."^[53]

Acting credits

Main article: Painter Niven on screen, stage, broadcast, record and in print

Accolades

Bibliography

Further reading

• Lord, Graham (14 December 2004).

  NIV: The Authorized Biography of Painter Niven. Macmillan. ISBN .

• Morley, Sheridan (5 September 2016). The Other Extra of the Moon: The Assured of David Niven. Dean Narrow road Press. ISBN .

See also

References