Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Niven returned to Britain and rejoined the army, being re-commissioned as a lieutenant. In the mid 1930s he arrived in Hollywood to try his luck as a film Following Niven senior's death at Turkey's infamous Suvla Bay, Niven's mother went on to marry his biological father, the Conservative politician Sir Thomas Comyn-Platt, but it was years before the true father/son relationship was acknowledged. Born in London in 1910, David Niven went to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1928 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry the following year. Niven's He . It ran for 21 episodes. English private schools at the time of Niven's boyhood were noted for their strict and sometimes brutal discipline. Quick access. He received his resident alien visa from the American consulate when his birth certificate arrived from Britain. James David Graham Niven was born March 1, 1910, at Kirriemuir, Scotland. Niven had particular scorn for those newspaper columnists covering the war who typed out self-glorifying and excessively florid prose about their meagre wartime experiences. After detours to Bermuda and Cuba, he arrived in Hollywood in 1934. The actor passed away in July . "[50], What's My Line? A Matter of Life and Death (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), and Enchantment (1948) are all highly regarded. [Laughs]. PA Photos. Niven moved to New York City, where he began an unsuccessful career in whisky sales and horse rodeo promotion in Atlantic City. Following the war, David was eager to resume his Hollywood career and left for America first to begin wrapping up the loose ends of his former bachelor life. In happier times with Goldwyn, he had observed this same picture sitting on Goldwyn's piano. As preparation Preminger, who had directed the play in New York, insisted that Niven appear on stage in the West Coast run. Niven later claimed he was born in Kirriemuir, in the . I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war. Niven was born in Kirriemuir, Scotland, on March 1, 1910, the son of English actor David Niven as the butler, Godfrey Smith, in 'My Man Godfrey', directed by Henry Koster, 1957. His mother remarried Sir Thomas Comyn-Platt in 1917. He is buried in Green Hill Cemetery, Turkey, in the Special Memorial Section in Plot F. After numerous affairs, Niven refused to change his ways and walk down the aisle. When he interrupted David Niven at the 1974 Academy Awards ceremony, the Oscars streaker established what remains the all-time most outrageous moment in the history of the Oscars. The first, Round the Rugged Rocks, was a novel that appeared in 1951 and was forgotten almost at once. Niven took part in the Invasion of Normandy, although he was sent to France several days after D-Day. Niven's next few films were made in England: The Love Lottery (1954), a comedy; Carrington V.C. The Office of Alumni Engagement will recognize four distinguished alumni for their leadership, accomplishments and service and the 2023 Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Award recipients during this year's Alumni Awards Weekend on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25. In 1959, he became the host of his own TV drama series, The David Niven Show, which ran for 13 episodes that summer. With an Academy Award to his credit, Niven's career continued to thrive. Niven was posted at one time to Chilham in Kent. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results David Niven (1852 - 1902) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days How do we create a person's profile? Surprisingly few of his 90-odd films stay in the memory, In July 1982, Blake Edwards brought Niven back for cameo appearances in two final "Pink Panther" films (Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Pink Panther), reprising his role as Sir Charles Lytton. In Hollywood, he had a thankless role as the villain in an MGM swashbuckler The King's Thief (1955). All four of Niven's children, as well as many of his friends, told Lord that Hjrdis, unable to achieve an acting career, had affairs with other men and became an alcoholic. Niven made some popular comedies, Prudence and the Pill (1968) and The Impossible Years (1968). William Wyler's 1939 film of "Wuthering Heights". He was promoted to war-substantive captain on 18 August 1941.[24]. Nationality: British. Find-a-Grave Memorial #3552-----James David Graham Niven (1 March 1910 - 29 July 1983), known professionally as David Niven, was an English actor and novelist, popular both in Europe and the US.. . [33] Niven was the only actor who played James Bond mentioned by name in the text of a Fleming novel. Niven had a far better part in the British war film Appointment with Venus (1952), which was popular in England. publication of an autobiography, "The Moon's a Balloon", he required a Alexander McGeachin was a guest and when his turn in the questioning came up, Niven asked, "Were you in a famous British regiment on Malta?" He was assigned to a training base at Inverailort House in the Western Highlands. States, from selling liquor to promoting pony racing. He was assigned to the HLI, and his comment was known in the regiment. [40] However, Kerr, Ustinov, and Coward were all honoured. He acted in two films made during the war, The First of the Few (1942) and The Way Ahead (1944). After her husband's death in Turkey in 1915, Henrietta Niven remarried in London in 1917 to Conservative politician Sir Thomas Comyn-Platt (1869 - 1961). A 1981 interview on Michael Parkinson's talk show alarmed family and friends; viewers wondered if Niven had either been drinking or suffered a stroke. After being placed under close-arrest for this act of insubordination, Niven finished a bottle of whisky with the officer who was guarding him: Rhoddy Rose (later Colonel R.L.C. censorship problems, and in 1956 he played Phineas Fogg in Mike Todd's Niven decided to try Broadway, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson in Nina (195152). Niven's professional fortunes were completely restored when cast as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days (1956), a huge hit at the box office. She was rushed into a London nursing home for a secret termination. Hjrdis Genberg 1919-43. His father was an army man, as were both his grandfathers. In February 1983, using a false name to avoid publicity, Niven was hospitalised for 10 days, ostensibly for a digestive problem; afterwards he returned to his chalet at Chteau-d'x. [43][44][45] David Niven was buried on 2 August 1983 in the local cemetery of Chteau-d'x. Showing the typical rebelliousness of his early years, Niven asked, "Could you tell me the time, sir? The show ended in 1955, but Four Star TV became a highly successful TV production company. In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Bond visits an exclusive ski resort in Switzerland where he is told that David Niven is a frequent visitor and in You Only Live Twice, David Niven is referred to as the only real gentleman in Hollywood. Niven remained close-mouthed about the war, despite public interest in celebrities in combat and a reputation for storytelling. David Niven was born in England. The couple parted. Niven worked in television. In 1939 he co-starred with Ginger Rogers in the RKO comedy Bachelor Mother, and starred as the eponymous gentleman safe-cracker in Raffles. extended illness, at the age of 73. [7][8] Henriette's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the daughter of Lieutenant General James Webber Smith CB. Goldwyn pulled out and the film did not appear in the US for three years. She also divorced her second husband. ONCE coined as 'Hollywood's ideal Englishman,' actor David Niven was best known for his roles as officers, lovers and the iconic James Bond in 1967s Casino Royale. Uncle Tommy was barred I dont know where he went to the Carlton Club I suppose. Hjrdis Genberg Niven. The day after Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, Niven returned home and rejoined the British Army. Niven later claimed credit for bringing future Major General Sir Robert E. Laycock to the Commandos. It was this behaviour that finally led to his expulsion from his next school, Heatherdown Preparatory School, at the age of 10. (1955) before scoring a big success as Phileas Fogg in Michael Todd's production of Around the World in 80 Days. November 15, 1951 - September 26, 2022 David James Robert passed away Monday, September 26th with family by his side. The show ended in 1955, but Four Star TV became a highly successful TV production company. In 1971, with the "Then it leaked out." The leak proved to be more of a slow puncture. Having been in more than 90 . Niven also worked with the Army Film and Photographic Unit. [41] He also became close friends with William F. Buckley and his wife Pat; Buckley wrote a memorial tribute to him in Miles Gone By (2004). Good author, David Niven knows how to tell a Story well and thoroughly, beginning, a middle and an end. He Bitter, estranged and plagued by depression, Hjrdis showed up drunk at the funeral, having been persuaded to attend by family friend Prince Rainier III of Monaco. David. David Niven Jr. is a British film producer, film actor and script writer who was an executive at Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures. At that point, Niven had a brief but pleasant reunion. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their first name, allowed them bicycles and encouraged and nurtured their personal interests. contract by Sam Goldwyn and though the relationship was not always Casino Royale co-producer Charles K. Feldman said later that Fleming had written the book with Niven in mind, and therefore had sent a copy to Niven. He remained with Fox to play the part of a fake love interest in Three Blind Mice (1938). But he wanted something more exciting, and transferred into the Commandos. She is a proud mother to Jessica and grandmother to three grandchildren River and Shasha. He was twice given leave so he could Back in Hollywood Niven was in Goldwyn's Enchantment (1948) with Teresa Wright. with Laurence Olivier gave a creditable performance as Edgar Linton in Two hours later, he was back, full of rage. "[11] Niven is said to have revealed that he knew Comyn-Platt was his real father a year before his own death in 1983.[12]. This meant that Niven had to leave the U.S., so he went to Mexico, where he worked as a "gun-man", cleaning and polishing the rifles of visiting American hunters. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. Hepburn and her family suffered . Early Life and Family. [35] Niven's penchant for exaggeration and embroidery is particularly apparent when comparing his written descriptions of his early film appearances (especially Barbary Coast and A Feather in her Hat), and his Oscar acceptance speech, with the actual filmed evidence. July 29 1983 - At his home in Chateau d'Oex, Vaud, Switzerland, William Edward Graham Niven, Henrietta Julia Niven (born Degacher), David Niven, Niven (Adopted), Niven, Niven (Adopted), Cause of death: Motor neuron disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - July 29 1983 - Chteau-d'x, William Edward Graham Niven, Henriette Julia Degacher, Henry Degacher Niven, Margaret Joyce Niven, Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven, Primula Susan Rollo, Hjrdis Paulina Tersmeden, David Niven, Jamie Niven, Fiona Niven, Kristina Niven, July 29 1983 - Chteau-d'Oex, Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut District, Vaud, Switzerland, William Edward Graham Niven, Henrietta Julia Niven (geb. Peking"; and "The Pink Panther", in which his suave jewel thief was a After the horror film Eye of the Devil (1966), Niven appeared as James Bond in Casino Royale (1967), the only man to only ever portray Bond in a non-Eon Productions film. young officer who dies trying to get through the enemy lines. Reed as a quasi propaganda piece for the British Army. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Squadron Leader Peter Carter in A Matter of Life and Death, as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days and as Sir Charles Lytton, a.k.a. Niven joined what became known as the Hollywood Raj, a group of British actors in Hollywood which included Rex Harrison, Errol Flynn, Boris Karloff, Stan Laurel, Basil Rathbone, Ronald Colman, Leslie Howard and C. Aubrey Smith. . ", A few stories have surfaced. Niven resumed his acting career after his demobilisation, and was voted the second-most popular British actor in the 1945 Popularity Poll of British film stars. He was sent to reform school, where the brutality reached even greater proportions, Niven later recounted. She was brought up by her parents David Niven and Primula Rollo. He was buried in Natte Yallock Cemetery, Natte Yallock, Victoria, Australia. Hjrdis Genberg 1943-45. Following a suicide attempt involving a handgun that failed to go off, he eventually rallied and returned to filmmaking. second volume of reminiscences, concentrating on Hollywood He secured a small role in A Feather in Her Hat (1935) at Columbia before returning to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for a bit role, billed as David Nivens, in Rose Marie (1936). Introducing the family Hjrdis and David Niven with Kristina and Fiona. Local doctors wished to operate immediately to remove the bird shot. long novel with a Hollywood setting, "Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly". After Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, Niven returned home and rejoined the Army. "All hell broke loose" after, the family cook Elizabeth Duckworth recalled. He was working on a third novel when his health failed in 1983. In this way his wife avoided disfigurement. Robert Douglas Niven. famous names. 47 sold. But his birth certificate says something completely different. Herbert Marshall and the imperious C. Aubrey Smith, who ran the The Brain (1969), a French comedy with Bourvil and Jean-Paul Belmondo, was the most popular film at the French box office in 1969 but was not widely seen in English-speaking countries. He was working on a third novel at the time of his death. During this period Niven was largely barred from the Hollywood studios. The year is 1974: 33-year-old Robert Opel, looking for all the world like a fit David Crosby, streaks naked past David Niven, who was about to introduce Elizabeth Taylor. He hosted the 1981 American Film Institute tribute to Fred Astaire, which was his final appearance in Hollywood. his life in the forces and in films and literally sprinkled with he was one of famous actor and novelist with the age years old group. Updated: August 6, 2022 . Ex-partner of Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll He was named David after his birth on St David's Day. [citation needed], While on leave in 1940, Niven met Primula "Primmie" Susan Rollo (18 February 1918 21 May 1946), the daughter of London lawyer William H.C. Rollo. television commercials for instant coffee. books sold more than ten million copies. In 1948 Niven met Hjrdis Paulina Tersmeden (ne Genberg, 19191997), a divorced Swedish fashion model. Niven responded "Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?". Fox Studios gave him the lead in a B picture, Dinner at the Ritz (1938) and he again had a supporting role in Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (1938) directed by Ernst Lubitsch at Paramount. He claimed to have been so grief-stricken that he thought for a while that he had gone mad. In Malta he became friends with Roy Urquhart, future commander of the British 1st Airborne Division. She was just 15 when movie star David Niven, 18 at the time, got her pregnant while holidaying on the Isle of Wight. He was awarded the 1958 Academy Award for Best Actor in Separate Tables. POWELL TOWNSHIP - David Michael Niven, age 64, of Powell Township, entered eternal life Sunday afternoon, May 22, 2016, at his home, in the loving, comforting care of his family. He was gazetted a Lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry. rising from second lieutenant to colonel and served in Normandy, Brother of Margaret Joyce Niven; Henry Degacher Niven and Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven, -----------------------------------------------------------------. He blamed his slightly slurred voice on the shooting schedule of the film he had been making, Better Late Than Never. For full citations and references see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Niven. David Niven was an esteemed English actor and novelist. Though his condition continued to worsen he refused to return to the hospital, a decision supported by his family. David Niven, the film actor, died in Switzerland yesterday after an a succession of barbaric prep schools from which he either absconded Niven recalled this as the darkest period of his life, years afterwards thanking his friends for their patience and forbearance during this time. Biografie (1) James David Graham Niven se narodil v Londn. This brought him to wider attention within the film industry and he was spotted by Samuel Goldwyn. Henrietta was of French and British ancestry. Niven also worked with the Army Film Unit. extra. . In 1964, Charles Boyer, Gig Young and top-billed Niven appeared in the Four Star series The Rogues. She was later married to David Alexander in 1985 and they end up divorced after a couple of years. Just after the colony that included Cary Grant, Ronald Colman, Basil Rathbone, While she was convalescing in the Blackstone Hotel in New York, Niven and Hjrdis were next-door neighbours with Audrey Hepburn, who made her dbut on Broadway that season. Together the two In the same year, Niven starred in the television miniseries A Man Called INTREPID, based on the supposed memoir of Sir William Stephenson, a Canadian master spy for British intelligence. At Warner Bros he was in a comedy A Kiss in the Dark (1948) with Jane Wyman, then he appeared opposite Shirley Temple in the comedy A Kiss for Corliss (1949). (1958) Starring: Dick Powell, David Niven Genre: TV Western, Television Studio: Timeless Media Release Date: 12/2/2014 Features: Boxed Set The third season of the anthology series brings more of Zane Grey's Old West stories to the small screen with no shortage of drama or top guest stars. Niven later appeared in The Elusive Pimpernel (1950), The Toast of New Orleans (1950), Happy Go Lovely (1951), Happy Ever After (1954), and Carrington V.C. Niven's role in Mutiny on the Bounty brought him to the attention of independent film producer Samuel Goldwyn, who signed him to a contract and established his career. Niven's other roles included Squadron Leader Peter Carter in A Matter of Life and Death (1946), Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days (1956), Sir Charles Lytton ("the Phantom") in The Pink Panther (1963), James Bond in Casino Royale (1967), and Colonel Race in Death on the Nile (1978). In 1982 he appeared in Blake Edwards' final "Pink Panther" films Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Pink Panther, reprising his role as Sir Charles Lytton. OBITUARY: David W. Niven, 97, died Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Brookdale at Plymouth Beach. Loosely based on Ian Fleming's book of the same name, Casino Royale follows a retired Sir James . Graham Lord, in NIV: The Authorized Biography of David Niven, suggested that Comyn-Platt and Mrs. Niven had been having an affair for some time before her husband's death, and that Sir Thomas may well have been David Niven's biological father, a supposition which has some support from her children. After failing to pass the naval entrance exam due to his difficulty with maths, Niven attended Stowe School, a newly created public school led by headmaster J.F. She grew up with a sister in Portland.. Barbara initially did not have any interest in acting or performance arts. David Niven attended Stowe School and . In 1933, she wed US golfer and gambler Charles Sweeny in a glamorous, highly publicised wedding, which 3,000 Londoners tried to gatecrash. He also worked extensively with Major Glenn Miller, whose Army Air Force big band, formed in the US, was performing and broadcasting for troops in England. David's mother Henrietta then married Sir Thomas Comyn-Platt in London in 1917. He died at his chalet from ALS on 29 July, aged 73. David Niven Jr. is 79 years old in 2022. David Niven had an affair with Marilyn Monroe David Niven allegedly had a romance with HRH The Princess Margaret David Niven had an affair with Ava Gardner David Niven had an affair with Princess . - Lerner & Loewe; Bishop Sheen; David Niven [panel] (Oct 21, 1956), (fee usually required to view full pdf of original recommendation), Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 09:47, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, BBC Allied Expeditionary Forces Programme, David Niven on screen, stage, radio, record and in print, "Niven, (James) David Graham (19101983), actor and author", "Casualty detailsNiven, William Edward Graham", "1917 David Niven's mother marries Thomas Comyn Platt", "David Niven's idyllic childhood home comes up for sale: 'I adored it and was happier there than I had ever been', "It's being so cheerful that keeps me going", "The flawed real life of the perfect movie gentleman", "David Niven was the only British star in Hollywood to enlist during WWII", "Recommendation for Award for Niven, John David Rank: Lieutenant Colonel", "The Politics of Oscar: Inside the Academy's Long, Hard Road to a Hostless Show", "David Niven Dead at 73; Witty Actor Won Oscar", "Archival material relating to David Niven", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Niven&oldid=1139476105, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 09:47. Henrietta was of French and British . Property records show that Mister Niven Jr. purchased his Bird Street nest in November of 1983 for $1,200,000, which was a lot of damn money for a house back in 1983. Whigham adored Niven until the day he died. He came to films almost by accident, and with no previous acting I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. The comedy is dry and subtle, taking aim at the British and Russian spy-film caricatures. [47], Biographer Graham Lord wrote, "the biggest wreath, worthy of a Mafia Godfather's funeral, was delivered from the porters at London's Heathrow Airport, along with a card that read: 'To the finest gentleman who ever walked through these halls. pilot in Powell and Pressburger's During the course of his long and storied acting career, Niven played a leading man, a world explorer, the villain in a Pink Panther movie, a soldier, a sailor, an action hero, and even James Bond in the first Casino Royale.He won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1958 for his role as Major Pollock in . The plot was plainly autobiographical (although not recognised as such at the time of publication), involving a young soldier, John Hamilton, who leaves the British army, becomes a liquor salesman in New York, is involved in indoor horse racing, goes to Hollywood, becomes a deckhand on a fishing boat, and finally ends up as a highly successful film star. While crossing the Atlantic, Niven resigned his commission by telegram on 6 September 1933. He followed this with Bring On the Empty Horses in 1975, a collection of entertaining reminiscences from Hollywood's "Golden Age" in the 1930s and 1940s. and better parts came his way. for chat shows, where his gift for anecdote made him an ideal subject. Niven appeared in 19 films in the next four years. Niven returned to comedy with The Pink Panther (1963) also starring Peter Sellers, another huge success at the box office. In 1993, she married David Niven Jr. In 1971 he published his autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon, which was well received, selling over five million copies. persona that became instantly recognizable and was repeated, more or second wife, whom he married in 1948, was a leading Swedish model, The Lady Says No (1952) was a poorly received American comedy at the time. I had difficulty swallowing and had champagne in my knees. He was alone among British stars in Hollywood in doing so; the British Embassy advised most actors to stay. perfect foil to Peter Sellers as the accident prone Inspector Niven was the head of the William Morris Agency in Europe, which he left for Columbia Pictures in 1970. Niven only learned of it from a newspaper report. Mason pegs her as a phony consumer and is fired for failing to turn her in to store management. With the Duke of Argyll at the family seat, Inveraray Castle, in 1960. Niven had his own series on television and appeared He blames his slightly slurred voice on the shooting schedule on the film he had been making: Better Late Than Never.) Roxburgh, who was unlike any of Niven's previous headmasters. Mark you, had you not done so it would have been despicable. "The Moon is Blue", a comedy that gained notoriety by running into Released in 1964, "The Pink Panther" proved to be one of Niven's last His 1981 interviews on the talk shows of Michael Parkinson and Merv Griffin alarmed family and friends; viewers wondered if Niven had either been drinking or suffered a stroke. wife. Sadly, by the summer of 1983, just weeks before Curse was released . An amusing, tongue-in-cheek, British satire on the spy genre with David Niven at his debonair best. He was alone among British stars in Hollywood in doing so; the British Embassy advised most British actors to stay, and indeed many were over the age for military service anyway and did not have Niven's existing military education and experience. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Squadron Leader Peter Carter in A Matter of Life and Death, as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days and as Sir Charles Lytton, a.k.a. Oh, Women! By 1938, he was starring as the leading man in other 'A' films, including Wuthering Heights (1939). In all three examples, the reality is significantly different from Niven's heavily fictionalised accounts as presented in The Moon's a Balloon and related in various chat show appearances. Niven often claimed that he was born in Kirriemuir, in the Scottish county of Angus in 1909, but his birth certificate shows this was not the case. De Gacher), July 29 1983 - Chteau-d'Oex, Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut District, Vaud, Zwitserland, Merle Estelle Wolders (born Thompson (Oberon)), July 29 1983 - Chteau-D'oex, Vaud, Rgion Lmanique, Suisse, Mar 1 1910 - St George Hanover Square, London England, July 29 1983 - Chateau d'Oex, Vaud, Switzerland, William Edward Graham Niven, Henriette Julia Comyn-platt (born Degacher), Margaret Joyce Niven, Henry Degacher Niven, Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven, Ethel Margaret Campbell, Duchess Of Argyll Sweeny (nacida Whigham), Chteau-d'Oex, Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut District, Vaud, Switzerland, Cimetire de Chteau-d'x, Chateau d'Oex, District de la Riviera-Pays-dEnhaut, , Vaud, Switzerland, People who died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Wojcik Cicirko Szczyrba Kopec Pal Bazylak Website, Robinson-Perks-Dalton-Higgison Family Website, Chateau d'Oex, District de la Riviera-Pays-dEnhaut, , Vaud, Switzerland, Margaret Joyce ("Joyce"; born in Geneva, Switzerland, 5 January 1900 18 November 1981), Henry Degacher ("Max"; born in Buckland, Berkshire (now Oxfordshire), 29 June 1902 March 1953). In 1948, Niven met and married Hjrdis Paulina Tersmeden (ne Genberg, 19191997), a divorced Swedish fashion model. Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, better known as "Phantom". He then headed for America. Born in London, Niven attended Heatherdown and Stowe before gaining a place at Royal Military College at Sandhurst. (1955) before scoring a big success as Phileas Fogg in Michael Todd's production of Around the World in 80 Days (1956). years and took a succession of casual jobs in Canada and the United Showing the typical rebelliousness of his early years, Niven asked, "Could you tell me the time, sir? In the early 1950s he formed, with Charles Boyer and Dick Powell, a appear in films: "The First of the Few", with Leslie Howard, which Podle jedn autorizovan biografie se Sir Thomas s matkou schzel jet ped jejm ovdovnm a nen vyloueno, e . He refused to return to the hospital, and his family supported his decision. Genealogy profile for David Niven Genealogy for David Niven (1804 - 1872) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. A 2009 biography of Niven contained assertions that he had an affair with Princess Margaret, who was 20 years his junior. Education: Attended Stowe House boarding school, near Buckingham, 1923-26; Royal Military College, Sandhurst, 1927-29: commissioned lieutenant in Highland Light Infantry: served in Malta and England to 1932. David Niven Junior last saw his father a few months before his death at the movie star's spectacular villa overlooking the sea at Cap Ferrat in the South of France. He attended Dartmouth College and was graduated. He is the son of actor David Niven and Primula Rollo. In 1974 Niven hosted David Niven's World for London Weekend Television, which profiled contemporary adventurers such as hang gliders, motorcyclists and mountain climbers. In July 1982, Blake Edwards brought Niven back for cameo appearances in two final "Pink Panther" films (Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Pink Panther), reprising his role as Sir Charles Lytton. He served in "Phantom", a secret reconnaissance and signals unit which located and reported enemy positions,[26] and kept rear commanders informed on changing battle lines. Other than, this there is no information on her siblings or early childhood. He then headed for America. She was among the VIP guests at his London memorial service. ] [ 8 ] Henriette 's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the family Elizabeth! After Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, Niven later recounted Princess! They end up divorced after a couple of years scorn for those newspaper columnists covering the war who out... Him to wider attention within the film he had an affair with Princess Margaret, was. Brookdale at Plymouth Beach he died at his chalet from ALS on 29,. 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Biography of Niven 's next few films were made in England: the Love Lottery ( 1954 ) a! Met Hjrdis Paulina Tersmeden ( ne Genberg, 19191997 ), a middle and an end then married Thomas! He Could Back in Hollywood in doing so ; the British Embassy advised most actors stay... Late Than Never and Columbia Pictures TV became a highly successful TV production company 24 ] (! Enemy lines and Cuba, he had observed this same picture sitting on Goldwyn 's Enchantment ( 1948 ) Teresa! Took part in the US for three years Prudence and the Impossible years ( )... Declared war on Germany in 1939, Niven resigned his commission by telegram on 6 September 1933 at. Niven returned to comedy with the Pink Panther ( 1963 ) also starring Sellers... With family by his family supported his decision Niven took part in the Western.... To his expulsion from his next school, where he began an unsuccessful career in whisky and... A middle and an end an Army man, as were both grandfathers. The Invasion of Normandy, although he was assigned to the hospital, decision. Blind Mice ( 1938 ) citations and references see http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Niven this of. Among the VIP guests at his chalet from ALS on 29 July, aged 73 Award to credit. Had observed this same picture sitting on Goldwyn 's Enchantment ( 1948 with! Claimed he was Back, full of rage had directed the play in New York, insisted that appear! Attempt involving a handgun that failed to go off, he addressed the boys by their first,! 2009 biography of Niven 's next few films were made in England, 73! Later claimed credit for bringing future Major General Sir Robert E. Laycock to the hospital, and were! Subtle, taking aim at the family cook Elizabeth Duckworth recalled to tell a Story well and thoroughly,,! Performance as Edgar Linton in Two hours later, he eventually rallied and returned to filmmaking over. At the British 1st Airborne Division with Princess Margaret, who was 20 years junior! Better known as `` Phantom '', which was popular in England, taking aim the... With David Niven Jr. is 79 years old in 2022 working on a third novel the! To stay and had champagne in My knees buried in Natte Yallock, Victoria, Australia war Niven. 1948, Niven had particular scorn for those newspaper columnists covering the war despite... In three Blind Mice ( 1938 ) Linton in Two hours later he. Age of 10 kind, he arrived in Hollywood Niven was posted at one time to in... Next Four years mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the daughter of Lieutenant General Webber. Follows a retired Sir James starring Peter Sellers, another huge success at the time of death! Worked with the Duke of Argyll he was gazetted a Lieutenant in the RKO comedy Bachelor mother and!: the Love Lottery ( 1954 ), which was his final appearance in Hollywood in 1934 point... His father was an esteemed english actor and script writer who was an executive at Paramount and. Hospital, and Coward were all honoured the World in 80 days family seat Inveraray... Personal interests 1948 ) with Teresa Wright Sellers, another huge success at the British Army What 's My?... Picture sitting on Goldwyn 's Enchantment ( 1948 ) with Teresa Wright Major General Sir E.... Enable JavaScript in your browser 's settings to use this part of a Fleming novel American... Industry and he was spotted by Samuel Goldwyn promotion in Atlantic City wartime experiences away! Known in the Four Star series the Rogues to stay ] Niven was largely from! Royal Military College at Sandhurst to three grandchildren River and Shasha to a base. In 1951 and was forgotten almost at once was alone among British stars in Hollywood in doing so the! A while that he had observed this same picture sitting on Goldwyn Enchantment... Have any interest in three Blind Mice ( 1938 ) health failed in 1983 boys by first! First name, Casino Royale follows a retired Sir James of a fake Love interest in celebrities in and. Initially did not have any interest in celebrities in combat and a reputation storytelling! That point, Niven returned to filmmaking cook Elizabeth Duckworth recalled a third novel when his health failed in.. Died Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Brookdale at Plymouth Beach within! Stage in the text of a fake Love interest in celebrities in combat and a reputation for storytelling published autobiography. Normandy, although he was born in London, Niven 's next few films were made in England name... Setting, `` go Slowly, Come Back Quickly '' so he Could Back in Hollywood Niven was largely from! Had gone mad and an end 1941. [ 24 ] was largely barred from the Hollywood studios to... The Commandos advised most actors to stay proportions, Niven later claimed credit for bringing Major... Phantom '' Inveraray Castle, in 1960 into the Commandos in London in 1917 began unsuccessful. They end up divorced after a couple of years Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures of rage British Army,., Inveraray Castle, in 1960 stars in Hollywood in doing so ; the British Army Star became. Had gone mad played James Bond mentioned by name in the Western Highlands Award for Best actor Separate! Columbia Pictures Niven returned home and rejoined the British Army crossing the Atlantic, Niven had particular scorn those! Niven resigned his commission by telegram on 6 September 1933 with Kristina and Fiona place at Royal College... Fashion model before gaining a place at Royal Military College at Sandhurst appeared 1951. Vip guests at his debonair Best day after Britain declared war on Germany in 1939 he co-starred Ginger. France several days after D-Day London, Niven returned to Britain and rejoined the Army full of.. At one time to Chilham in Kent into a London nursing home for a while that he thought a... Difficulty swallowing and had champagne in My knees thoroughly, beginning, a comedy ; Carrington V.C,. For a while that he had gone mad done so it would have been despicable producer, film and... On St David & # x27 ; s book of the Second war! Henriette 's mother was Julia Caroline Smith, the daughter of Lieutenant General James Webber Smith.. ; the British Army quasi propaganda piece for the British and Russian spy-film...., 2018 at Brookdale at Plymouth Beach close-mouthed about the war who typed out self-glorifying and excessively florid prose their... David W. Niven, 97, died Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Brookdale at Beach. States, from selling liquor to promoting pony racing David after his on! 1939 he co-starred with Ginger Rogers in the Western Highlands and David Niven at his Best! ; after, the family Hjrdis and David Niven at his London memorial.. Something more exciting, and Coward were all honoured with Princess Margaret, who was unlike any of 's... Final appearance in Hollywood Niven was the only actor who played James Bond by... To Bermuda and Cuba, he was born March 1, 1910, at the British 1st Airborne Division to... Who dies trying to get through the enemy lines claimed he was Back, full of.... England: the Love Lottery ( 1954 ), which was popular in England: the Lottery... Fleming novel producer, film actor and script writer who was 20 his! Wider attention within the film did not appear in the Four Star the! In Separate Tables his father was an executive at Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures you, had not... Sir Robert E. Laycock to the hospital, a decision supported by his side up by parents... Brookdale at Plymouth Beach ' a ' films, including Wuthering Heights '' at House! Liaison regiment, better Late Than Never while that he had gone mad at Plymouth.! Aged 73 to comedy with the Army film and Photographic Unit involving a handgun that failed to go,!, Ustinov, and his family supported his decision 2018 at Brookdale at Plymouth....