Snapshot Biographies

Actress Ingrid Bergman: a snapshot biography

Posted on by Historical Snapshots

I wouldn’t have lived my life the way I did if I was going to worry about what people were going to say. – Ingrid Bergman

Portrait of Ingrid Bergman - she's smiling, while leaning against her head against her left hand.
Ingrid Bergman

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Ingrid Bergman Snapshot Biography

“Quiet courage,” “energy,” “charm.” Words that her children used to describe their mother, Ingrid Bergman. She was also naturally shy, sweet, considerate, conscientious, and a hard worker. And she would become one of the biggest female box office stars of her time.

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1915, Ingrid experienced much sorrow in her youth. Her mother passed away when Ingrid was two and a half years old. Her father passed away when she was about fourteen, leaving her orphaned. Sent to live with an aunt, the aunt passed away six months later. Ingrid went to live with another aunt and her five children.

But when her father was alive, he and Ingrid were very close. During that time, he introduced her to the world of arts, especially theatre and film. He frequently took her to see plays and had even built a small movie projector, which they used to watch films together. These experiences helped shape a desire for Ingrid to act. 

The many challenges she experienced didn’t change her dream of becoming an actress. At 17, she enrolled at the Royal Dramatic Theatre School in Stockholm, focusing on her acting studies. However, she left the school after a year to pursue a professional acting career.

Ingrid began her acting career in Swedish films, debuting in the 1935 film “Munkbrogreven.” Her natural acting ability, luminous presence, and the subtlety of her performances quickly caught the attention of filmmakers, and she appeared in a series of Swedish and German films, showcasing her versatility in a range of roles. Her early films allowed her to develop her craft and drew the attention of Hollywood producers, paving the way for her journey to international stardom.

In 1939, after achieving considerable success in European cinema, Ingrid was offered a contract by an American producer and moved to the United States. She made her Hollywood debut in “Intermezzo” (1939), an English-language remake of her 1936 Swedish film of the same name, marking the beginning of her illustrious Hollywood career.

After her first Hollywood movie, Ingrid became a sought-after actress known for her extraordinary acting skills and radiant on-screen presence. She portrayed diverse characters, establishing herself as a versatile actress capable of performing in different genres.

But it was her role in “Casablanca” opposite Humphrey Bogart that immortalized her in cinema history. The chemistry between the leads and the memorable lines from the movie made it a timeless classic, with Ingrid portraying the complex and endearing character of Ilsa Lund with elegance and depth.

Ingrid went on to have a long and global acting career. She spoke Swedish, German, English, Italian, and French and acted in all five languages. She won numerous awards for her films, including three Academy Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, four Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA Award.

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Notes:

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  • To cite: “A snapshot biography of actress Ingrid Bergman.” Historical Snapshots, https://historicalsnaps.com/2021/07/26/a-snapshot-biography-of-actress-ingrid-bergman/

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