Trivial Biographies: 2024

NAME: Irving Berlin

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Renowned American composer and lyricist, famous for composing enduring classics such as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," and "There's No Business Like Show Business."

BIRTH: Irving Berlin was born on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Russian Empire (now Russia).

FAMILY BACKGROUND: He was born as Israel Isidore Beilin to Jewish cantor Moses Beilin and Lena Lipkin Beilin, Jewish immigrants from Siberia. The family later emigrated to the United States to escape religious persecution.

CHILDHOOD: Berlin's childhood was marked by poverty and hardship, as his family struggled to make ends meet in New York City's Lower East Side. Despite the challenges, Berlin developed a love for music and taught himself to play the piano.

EDUCATION: Berlin received little formal education, leaving school at a young age to help support his family by working odd jobs. His education in music was primarily self-taught, learning to play the piano by ear and soaking up the vibrant musical culture of New York City.

CAREER RECORD: Berlin's career as a songwriter and composer spanned over six decades, during which he wrote hundreds of songs for Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and popular recordings. His contributions to American music are immeasurable, with many of his songs becoming timeless classics. Here's his resume:

Published his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy," in 1907.

Composed numerous international hits like "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1911), "White Christmas" (1940), "Puttin' on the Ritz" (1929), and countless others.

Wrote music and lyrics for Broadway shows like Annie Get Your Gun (1946) and Easter Parade (1948).

Co-founded the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).

Won an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award.

APPEARANCE: Short in stature, with dark hair and eyes, Berlin was often described as unassuming in appearance, with a humble demeanor that belied his immense talent and success.

Irving Berlin in 1943

FASHION: Berlin's fashion sense was simple and practical, reflecting his no-nonsense approach to life and work.

CHARACTER: Berlin was known for his work ethic, humility, and unwavering dedication to his craft. He was a perfectionist who tirelessly honed his songs until they achieved the level of excellence he demanded.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Irving Berlin's wit and sense of humor were evident not only in his personal interactions but also in his song lyrics. His playful use of language and clever turns of phrase added another layer of enjoyment to his music..

RELATIONSHIPS: Berlin was married twice, first to Dorothy Goetz in February 1912 after a whirlwind romance. She died four months later of typhoid fever contracted during their honeymoon in Havana, Cuba. Berlin's new bride was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, and for the next thirteen years he placed flowers regularly on her grave until he remarried

The ballad Berlin wrote to express his grief, "When I Lost You", was an immediate popular hit and sold more than a million copies.

Belin's second marriage was to author and heiress Ellin Mackay, daughter of the head of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company, Clarence Mackay. She was some fifteen years his junior and Ellin's father had opposed their relationship from the start. Irving wooed her with letters and songs over the airwaves such as "Always". They eloped and were married in 1926 in a simple civil ceremony at the Municipal Building away from media attention.

Their marriage remained a love affair and they were inseparable until she died in July 1988 at the age of 85. They had four children during their 63 years of marriage.

Berlin and Ellin c1926

MONEY AND FAME: Irving Berlin achieved both wealth and fame during his lifetime, becoming one of the most successful and celebrated songwriters of the 20th century. Berlin became a millionaire through his successful songwriting career.

Irving Berlin co-owned the Broadway Music Box Theatre from its opening in 1921. He was still checking the theater's receipts in 1989.

FOOD AND DRINK: Berlin had simple tastes when it came to food and drink, preferring classic American dishes and enjoying an occasional drink with friends.

MUSIC AND ARTS: As a composer and lyricist, Berlin had a profound impact on American music and culture, shaping the sound of Broadway and Hollywood with his memorable melodies and insightful lyrics.

Berlin's big break came in 1906 when he landed a gig as a singing waiter at a joint called the Pelham Café. Now, this wasn't exactly the Four Seasons, but hey, it was a roof over his head and a captive audience for his warbling. One such captive audience member was Harry Von Tilzer, a big shot in the music biz. Tilzer must have liked what he heard, because he snatched Irving right up and put him to work singing tunes at Tony Pastor's Music Hall, practically the ground zero of vaudeville.

Irving churned out his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy," the following year, and pretty soon he was a regular on the hit parade. Then came "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in 1910. This wasn't just a hit, it was a phenomenon. Sheet music sales went through the roof, faster than a squirrel on espresso. People were humming that ragtime all over the world, from Zanzibar to Kalamazoo.

Fast forward a few decades, and Irving's still cranking out classics. He wrote "White Christmas" for the movie Holiday Inn, a song that practically invented the whole Christmas pop song industry. Apparently, Irving had a good feeling about this one. He even told his secretary, with all due modesty of course, that it was the best song ever written. No pressure there, right?

On top of being a chart-topping songwriter, Irving was also a key player in the evolution of popular music. He wasn't afraid to experiment, taking things from jazzy ragtime to smooth swing and heart-wrenching ballads. The man was a melody machine, and he didn't need fancy sheet music to get the job done. He'd just hum his tunes to a secretary who'd translate them into those squiggly lines us normal folks call notation. Stranger things have happened, but not many that have resulted in such catchy songs.

LITERATURE: While Berlin's primary focus was on music, he had a deep appreciation for literature and often drew inspiration from poetry and storytelling in his songwriting.

NATURE: Berlin found solace and inspiration in nature, often taking long walks in the countryside to clear his mind and recharge his creative energies.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Berlin enjoyed playing golf and spending time outdoors, but his true passion was always music, which consumed much of his time and attention.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not formally trained in science and mathematics, Berlin had a keen understanding of musical theory and composition, which he applied with skill and precision in his songwriting.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Berlin's worldview was shaped by his Jewish faith and the immigrant experience, which instilled in him a sense of resilience, optimism, and gratitude.

SCANDAL: Berlin's life was relatively free from scandal, as he focused on his music and avoided the trappings of celebrity culture.

MILITARY RECORD: Berlin dabbled in a bit of military service during World War I. Drafted at the ripe old age of 30, the army figured his songwriting skills were more valuable than his ability to dig trenches. So they stuck him with his fellow soldiers, and out came an all-soldier musical revue titled Yip Yip Yaphank. Not exactly Fight Club, but hey, every war needs a good soundtrack, right?

In 1942 Berlin wrote and produced the musical revue This Is the Army, using only military personnel.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Berlin maintained good health throughout much of his life, thanks to regular exercise and a balanced diet. However, he faced health challenges in his later years, including a series of strokes.

HOMES: Irving Berlin lived in various residences throughout his life, primarily in New York City. He enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle and owned a home on Beekman Place, a prestigious Manhattan address. and a country estate in Connecticut, where he found peace and inspiration.

Berlin bought his mother a house out of the royalties for "Alexander's Ragtime Band".

TRAVEL: Berlin traveled extensively throughout his career, performing his music on Broadway stages, Hollywood soundstages, and concert halls around the world.

DEATH: Irving Berlin passed away in his sleep on September 22, 1989, at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and enduring melodies that continue to captivate audiences to this day.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Irving Berlin's immense popularity led to him making occasional appearances in films and on radio programs. However, he wasn't a performer himself and preferred to focus on creating music behind the scenes. His true legacy lies in the countless recordings and stage productions that brought his songs to life.

ACHIEVEMENTS Irving Berlin's achievements are monumental. Here are just a few highlights:

Composed over 1,500 songs, many of which became enduring classics.

Revolutionized popular music with his innovative use of ragtime and other styles.

Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "White Christmas" (1942).

Received Tony Awards for his contributions to Broadway musicals.

In 1955 President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented Berlin with a special medal authorized by Congress for his patriotic songs.

Co-founded ASCAP, ensuring songwriters received proper compensation.

Wrote iconic patriotic songs like "God Bless America" that continue to resonate deeply.

Achieved international fame and recognition for his music.

NAME: Ingrid Bergman (She was named after Princess Ingrid of Sweden).

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Renowned Swedish actress known for her versatile performances in classic films such as Casablanca, Notorious, and Gaslight.

BIRTH: Ingrid Bergman was born on August 29, 1915, in Stockholm, Sweden.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: She was the daughter of Justus Samuel Bergman, a photographer, and Frieda Adler Bergman, an artist and homemaker. Her family had artistic inclinations, which influenced her interest in acting from a young age.

CHILDHOOD: Ingrid experienced significant loss early on. When she was three years of age, her mother died. Her father passed away when she was thirteen. After his death, she was then sent to live with her paternal aunt, who died of heart complications only six months later. Ingrid then lived with her paternal uncle Otto and his wife Hulda, who had five children of their own.

Ingrid Bergman aged 14

Despite the hardships, Ingrid developed a love for the performing arts. She often participated in school plays and amateur theater productions.

EDUCATION: Ingrid attended the Royal Dramatic Theatre School in Stockholm, where she honed her acting skills and began her journey towards a successful career in acting.

Bergman possessed proficiency in multiple languages: Swedish (her mother tongue), German (learned from her German mother and in school), English (acquired upon her move to the United States), Italian (picked up during her time in Italy), and French (learned in school). Furthermore, she showcased her linguistic versatility by acting in each of these languages at different points in her career.

CAREER RECORD: Bergman's career spanned several decades and included numerous critically acclaimed performances on stage, screen, and television. She won three Academy Awards for Best Actress and is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age. Here's her resume:

Began her career in Swedish films, gaining recognition for her natural charm and talent.

Hollywood breakthrough came in the 1939 remake of Intermezzo.

Throughout the 1940s and 50s, she delivered iconic performances in films like Casablanca, Gaslight (winning her first Academy Award), Notorious, Joan of Arc, and Anastasia (winning her second Academy Award).

Collaborated with renowned directors like Alfred Hitchcock, George Cukor, and Roberto Rossellini.

Faced public scandal in the 1950s for her relationship with Rossellini, but her talent and determination prevailed.

Continued to act in films and on stage throughout her career, winning numerous accolades.

APPEARANCE: Ingrid Bergman was known for her natural beauty, with striking features and an elegant presence that captivated audiences. She had a classic, timeless appeal that contributed to her success as a leading lady in Hollywood.

Press release publicity photo of Ingrid Bergman for film Gaslight (1944).

FASHION: Ingrid Bergman was a style icon whose influence transcended the silver screen. Known for her elegant and timeless looks, she embodied a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic. Here are some hallmarks of her signature style:

Bergman favored well-tailored suits and dresses that accentuated her figure. She often opted for classic cuts with clean lines, creating a look that was both polished and powerful.

Even in her most glamorous roles, Bergman never appeared overdressed. She preferred to keep accessories simple and let the quality of the garments speak for themselves.

Bergman could effortlessly adapt her style to suit the character she was portraying. From the sophisticated Ilsa Lund in Casablanca to the downtrodden Paula Alquist in Gaslight, her clothing choices were always believable and purposeful.

CHARACTER: She was known for her intelligence, determination, and professionalism both on and off-screen. Bergman was highly respected by her peers for her dedication to her craft and her commitment to delivering authentic performances.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While Bergman was known for her seriousness in her roles, she had a playful and witty side in her personal life. She enjoyed sharing jokes and anecdotes with friends and colleagues.

RELATIONSHIPS: Bergman had several high-profile relationships throughout her life, including three marriages.

In 1937, Ingrid Bergman married dentist Petter Lindström. However, twelve years later, she faced a public scandal due to her affair with Italian director Roberto Rossellini during the filming of Stromboli. This controversy compelled her to return to Europe. Shortly after the release of the film, she gave birth to a son, Robertino. Within a week of his birth, she divorced Dr. Lindstrom and married Rossellini in Mexico. For the following seven years, Bergman resided in Italy until their divorce in 1957.

On December 21, 1958, Bergman wed Lars Schmidt, a theatrical entrepreneur hailing from a prominent Swedish shipping family. She met Schmidt through her publicist, Kay Brown. Their marriage lasted almost two decades before they divorced in 1975.

Despite the ups and downs of her personal life, Bergman remained dedicated to her career and family.

MONEY AND FAME: Ingrid Bergman achieved both wealth and fame during her illustrious career, becoming one of the most recognizable and respected actresses in Hollywood history. She commanded high salaries for her acting roles.

FOOD AND DRINK: Bergman enjoyed simple and healthy meals, often incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into her diet. She also had a fondness for Swedish cuisine, particularly traditional dishes like gravlax and meatballs.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Bergman had a deep appreciation for music and the arts, often attending concerts, operas, and art exhibitions in her free time. She also enjoyed playing the piano and painting as creative outlets.

Imagine a time before Netflix binges and superhero flicks. A time when movie stars were glamorous and shrouded in a bit of mystery. Ingrid Bergman? That was one such legend. This Swedish firecracker was tearing up the silver screens back home when Hollywood came knocking, offering her a one-way ticket to Intermezzo (the American remake, not the Swedish one, though she was in that too, because why not?).

Now, Bergman wasn't exactly known for her on-set speed. In fact, her nickname among the crew was "Betterlater" because, well, she apparently wasn't always on point in those first takes. But hey, practice makes perfect, and Bergman certainly perfected her craft.

Over the next few decades, she flitted between Hollywood and Europe, dazzling audiences in classics like Casablanca (though truth be told, she wasn't a huge fan of that one herself – funny how fame works). Unlike some actors who are typecast, Bergman bounced between genres like a champion ping pong player. One minute she's fighting Nazis in For Whom the Bell Tolls, the next she's getting psychoanalyzed by Gregory Peck in Spellbound.

LITERATURE: Bergman was an avid reader and had a particular fondness for classic literature, often citing authors such as Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Tolstoy as influences on her work.

NATURE: Bergman found solace and inspiration in nature, often retreating to quiet countryside retreats to recharge and reconnect with the natural world.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: In addition to acting, Bergman enjoyed gardening, hiking, and horseback riding. She also had a passion for skiing and often spent time on the slopes during the winter months.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While Bergman's career focused primarily on the arts, she had a curious mind and maintained an interest in science and mathematics throughout her life.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Bergman had a deep spiritual side and explored philosophical and theological themes in both her personal life and her work as an actress.

POLITICS; Regarding Nazis, Bergman had a bit of a…misjudgment there. Apparently, she initially wrote Hitler and his cronies off as a passing fad, a bit like a bad case of the sniffles. Let's just say her perspective changed a tad when World War II rolled around.

SCANDAL: Bergman faced controversy in her personal life, particularly regarding her relationship with director Roberto Rossellini, which led to a temporary exile from Hollywood. Her divorce from Dr. Lindstrom in 1950 to marry Roberto Rossellini was so scandalous a US Senator proposed a bill that would require films to be rated not just for on screen content, but the moral character of the actors involved as well. However, she ultimately made a triumphant return and continued to receive acclaim for her performances.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Bergman maintained a healthy lifestyle throughout her life, prioritizing exercise, proper nutrition, and self-care to ensure she remained fit and energetic.

Bergman became a smoker after needing to smoke for her role in the 1948 film Arch of Triumph.

HOMES: Ingrid Bergman's life took her to various corners of the world, and her homes reflected her diverse experiences. Here's a glimpse into some of her residences:

Stockholm, Sweden: Bergman grew up in a Stockholm apartment, where her passion for acting likely blossomed.

Hollywood Hills: During her Hollywood heyday, Bergman resided in a luxurious home in the Hollywood Hills. This residence undoubtedly reflected the glamour associated with her movie star status.

Stromboli, Italy: After her relationship with Roberto Rossellini sparked a scandal, they settled on the volcanic island of Stromboli, Italy. Here, they embraced a more rustic lifestyle.

Paris, France: Bergman eventually settled in Paris, France, where she lived for many years. This sophisticated European city likely offered a sense of peace and privacy.

TRAVEL: Bergman traveled extensively for both work and pleasure, exploring different cultures and landscapes around the world. Her travels influenced her worldview and enriched her performances as an actress.

DEATH: Ingrid Bergman passed away on August 29, 1982, in London, England, at the age of 67. She had been battling breast cancer for several years. Her body was cremated at Kensal Green Cemetery, London and her ashes taken to Sweden. Bergman's death marked the end of an era for cinema, leaving behind a rich legacy of unforgettable performances.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Bergman's life and work have been celebrated in numerous biographies, documentaries, and retrospectives, highlighting her contributions to the world of cinema and her enduring impact on popular culture.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Ingrid Bergman's achievements extend far beyond her impeccable fashion sense and worldly travels. Here are some of her most notable accomplishments:

Academy Award wins: Bergman is one of the most decorated actresses of all time, having won three Academy Awards for Best Actress (Gaslight, Anastasia, and murder On The Orient Express).

Pioneering roles: She played a pivotal role in portraying strong and complex female characters on screen, breaking away from traditional stereotypes.

International stardom: Bergman achieved international fame and recognition, captivating audiences worldwide with her talent and beauty.

Enduring legacy: Her influence on cinema continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.<

Trivial Biographies

Saturday 27 April 2024

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