Ingrid Bergman

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.

Though Bergman's official website calls her role of Ilsa Lund in Casablanca, her "most famous and enduring role," the Swedish actress' personal feelings about the movie were more complex. She had some reservations about the script and the direction of her character, Ilsa. She felt that the script was unclear and that the love triangle between her, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), and Victor Laszlo was not fully developed. Additionally, she was dissatisfied with the lack of depth in her character and the rushed nature of the love scenes.

However, it's important to note that despite these reservations, Bergman recognized the film's impact and its enduring popularity. She acknowledged that Casablanca had become a classic and that her performance in the film had contributed to her fame.

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.