In Goldwyn's drawing-room, Niven noticed a picture of himself in uniform which he had sent to Goldwyn from Britain during the Second World War. He first appeared as an extra in the British film There Goes the Bride (1932). 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. I said, sir, you had discharged him, he left for Deauville to gamble at the casino. 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 1944 he worked extensively with the BBC and SHAEF to expand these broadcast efforts. [15], He did well at Sandhurst, which gave him the "officer and gentleman" bearing that was his trademark. After Sandhurst, he joined the British Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry. . perfect foil to Peter Sellers as the accident prone Inspector successful war film, "The Guns of Navarone": a blockbuster "55 Days at for chat shows, where his gift for anecdote made him an ideal subject. In 1971 he published his autobiography, The Moon's a Balloon, which was well received, selling over five million copies. His final appearance in Hollywood was hosting the 1981 American Film Institute tribute to Fred Astaire. It was this behaviour that finally led to his expulsion from his next school, Heatherdown Preparatory School, at the age of 10. Excellent read. Niven was one of the four heroes in John Ford's Four Men and a Prayer (1938), also with Fox. Life was never the same again, 1930-40. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out. 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. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. [citation needed], Niven is the only person to win an Academy Award at the ceremony he was hosting. brought his career to a critical peak. He was buried in Natte Yallock Cemetery, Natte Yallock, Victoria, Australia. 1936 in "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (whose star, Errol Flynn, The first, Round the Rugged Rocks (published simultaneously in the US under the title Once Over Lightly), was a novel that appeared in 1951 and was forgotten almost at once. He was chosen by Otto Preminger for Niven requested assignment to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders or the Black Watch; then jokingly wrote on the form, as his third choice, "anything but the Highland Light Infantry" (because the HLI wore tartan trews rather than kilts). His range as an actor was limited and He was assigned to the HLI, with which he served for two years in Malta and then for a few months in Dover. In 1981 Niven published a second and much more successful novel, Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly, which was set during and after the Second World War, and which drew on his experiences during the war and in Hollywood. With the Duke of Argyll at the family seat, Inveraray Castle, in 1960. According to Niven, when USSR premier Nikita Khrushchev and his family visited Hollywood in September of 1959, they were treated to the filming of a dance scene for the upcoming Shirley MacLaine . In happier times with Goldwyn, he had observed this same picture sitting on Goldwyn's piano. In 1964, Charles Boyer, Gig Young and top-billed Niven appeared in the Four Star series The Rogues. From Maggie Smith to Michael Caine, from Richard Harris . A 2009 biography of Niven contained assertions that he had an affair with Princess Margaret, who was 20 years his junior. Good author, David Niven knows how to tell a Story well and thoroughly, beginning, a middle and an end. 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. During his work with the AFPU, Peter Ustinov, one of the script-writers, had to pose as Niven's batman. 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). Henrietta was of French and British ancestry. Matka, dcera armdnho dstojnka, pochzela z Walesu a kdy Davidv otec padl v Bitv o Gallipoli (1915), provdala se za Sira Thomase Comyn-Platta. In 1960, while filming Please Don't Eat the Daisies with Doris Day, Niven and Hjrdis separated for a few weeks, though they later reconciled. November 15, 1951 - September 26, 2022 David James Robert passed away Monday, September 26th with family by his side. After failing to pass the naval entrance exam because of his difficulty with maths, Niven attended Stowe School, a newly created public school led by headmaster J. F. Roxburgh, who was unlike any of Niven's previous headmasters. He hosted the 1981 American Film Institute tribute to Fred Astaire, which was his final appearance in Hollywood. He once said: "I will, however, tell you just one thing about the war, my first story and my last. In 1982 Niven fell ill during filming and was diagnosed with a virulent form of Motor Neurone Disease. he was probably at his best in light comedy; but what mattered was He was assigned to the HLI, and his comment was known in the regiment. wife. Niven appeared in many shows for television and nearly 100 films. David Niven in FamilySearch Family Tree David Niven in Scotland, Marriages, 1561-1910 view all 24 Immediate Family. Dave enjoyed his camp at East Green Bay, hockey games . This was his only recurring role on television. She grew up with a sister in Portland.. Barbara initially did not have any interest in acting or performance arts. . There I saw David lose his British phlegm, his politeness and class. Niven worked in television. [Laughs]. His ultimate decision to resign came after a lengthy lecture on machine guns, which was interfering with his plans for dinner with a particularly attractive young lady. He appeared several times on various short-drama shows, and was one of the "four stars" of the dramatic anthology series Four Star Playhouse, appearing in 33 episodes. Niven played a role in the operation to move the Miller band to France prior to Miller's December 1944 disappearance while flying over the English Channel. In happier times with Goldwyn, he had observed this same picture sitting on Goldwyn's piano. She was born in Wales, the daughter of army officer William Degacher (18411879) by his marriage to Julia Caroline Smith, the daughter of Lieutenant General James Webber Smith. She was just 15 when movie star David Niven, 18 at the time, got her pregnant while holidaying on the Isle of Wight. After abortive screen tests for other producers, Niven was put under X. Thus Niven did not enjoy his time in the Army. Niven appeared in nearly a hundred films, and many shows for TV. It now appears that Niven recounted many incidents from a first-person perspective that actually happened to other people, especially Cary Grant, and which he borrowed and embroidered. The Lady Says No (1952) was a poorly received American comedy at the time. Sadly, by the summer of 1983, just weeks before Curse was released . But I'll have to do it all over again in Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" Niven wrote four books. While crossing the Atlantic, Niven resigned his commission by telegram on 6 September 1933. The show ended in 1955, but Four Star TV became a highly successful TV production company. Niven returned to Hollywood and encountered tragedy when his first wife died after falling down a flight of stairs at a party. He . Together the two Brother of Margaret Joyce Niven; Henry Degacher Niven and Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven, -----------------------------------------------------------------. Niven took part in the Invasion of Normandy, although he was sent to France several days after D-Day. 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 . [40] However, Kerr, Ustinov, and Coward were all honoured. [10], Literary editor and biographer, Graham Lord, wrote in Niv: The Authorised Biography of David Niven, that Comyn-Platt and Niven's mother may have been in an affair well before her husband's death in 1915 and that Comyn-Platt was actually Niven's biological father, a supposition that had some support among Niven's siblings. second volume of reminiscences, concentrating on Hollywood harmonious it lasted for 14 years. extra. [32] He won the 1958 Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Major Pollock in Separate Tables, his only nomination for an Oscar. 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. [16] On 21 October 1956, in an episode of the game show What's My Line?, Niven, as a member of the celebrity panel, was reacquainted with one of his former enlisted men. He came to films almost by accident, and with no previous acting Obituary. Entdecke Niv: The Authorised Biography of David Niven by Lord, Graham Hardback Book The in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! rarely graduated into stars, Niven proved an exception. [4] He had two older sisters and a brother: Margaret Joyce Niven (1900 1981), Henry Degacher Niven (1902 1953), and the sculptor Grizel Rosemary Graham (19062007), who created the bronze sculpture Bessie that is presented to the annual winners of the Women's Prize for Fiction. While in Hollywood, Oberon fell desperately in love with actor David Niven, with the two even becoming engaged. Niven was the only James Bond actor mentioned by name in the text of Fleming's novels. In 1959 he became the host of his own TV drama series, The David Niven Show, which ran for 13 episodes that summer. Niven decided to try Broadway, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson in Nina (195152). He made a porter feel like a king. The show ended in 1955, but Four Star TV became a highly successful TV production company. Primmie and their sons (now age 3 and 4 months) took the 2 week journey by boat and arrived in Portland, Maine on March 22, 1946. His first star James passed away on August 19 1885, at age 60. At that point, Niven had a brief but pleasant reunion. 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. She was 78. Even more popular was the action film The Guns of Navarone (1961) with Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn. and better parts came his way. Peking"; and "The Pink Panther", in which his suave jewel thief was a The movie was critically acclaimed, popular in England and was selected as the first Royal Film Performance. Mar 1 1910 - Belgrave Mansions, London, England, United Kingdom. [5] Niven's paternal great grandfather and namesake, David Graham Niven, (18111884) was from St Martin's, a village in Perthshire, he was a doctor who married in Worcestershire, living in Pershore. To the fury of her father, Niven got Whigham pregnant. By Allan Warren own work licensed under thehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. (1936), before finally landing a sizable role as a soldier in The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936) at Warners, an Imperial adventure film starring his housemate at the time, Errol Flynn. She focused on her academics and was an exceptional student. 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. 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. He first appeared as an extra in the British film There Goes the Bride (1932). He made a porter feel like a king.'". Date of Birth. surface. Long winter evenings in the north, 1919-29. 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. Niven wrote of one sadistic teacher: Mr Croome, when he tired of pulling ears halfway out of our heads (I still have one that sticks out almost at right-angles thanks to this son of a bitch) and delivering, for the smallest mistake in Latin declension, backhanded slaps that knocked one off ones bench, delighted in saying, Show me the hand that wrote this then bringing down the sharp edge of a heavy ruler across the offending wrist. As preparation Preminger, who had directed the play in New York, insisted that Niven appear on stage in the West Coast run. He had supporting roles in several major films: Rose-Marie (1936), Dodsworth (1936), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), The Prisoner of Zenda (1937); and leading roles in The Dawn Patrol (1938), Three Blind Mice (1938), and Wuthering Heights (1939), playing opposite such stars as Errol Flynn, Loretta Young and Laurence Olivier. I goggled. Born August 26, 1951, in Saginaw, a son of Robert and Norma (Sian) Niven, David was raised in Saginaw and graduated from the Arthur Hill High School. Niven was the head of the William Morris Agency in Europe, which he left for Columbia Pictures in 1970. Two weeks later, they were in Hollywood. On his return to Hollywood after the war, he received the Legion of Merit, an American military decoration. This ended his chances for Eton, a significant blow to his family. In the early 1950s he formed, with Charles Boyer and Dick Powell, a the latter were "Ask Any Girl", a good comedy with Shirley MacLaine; a He wanted something more exciting, however, and transferred to the Commandos. At the age of 15, she became pregnant with the actor David Niven's child while on a holiday on the Isle of Wight, but the pregnancy was terminated. Less so was the comedy Bedtime Story (1964) with Marlon Brando. In fact, Niven had been Bond creator Ian Fleming's first choice to play Bond in Dr. No. Sophisticated actor who starred in the Pink Panther detective comedy films and appeared in The Bishop's Wife. He received his resident alien visa from the American consulate when his birth certificate arrived from Britain. [9] The family moved to Rose Cottage in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight after selling their London home. Having developed an interest in acting, he left the Highland Light Infantry, travelled to Hollywood and had several minor roles in film. His many . James Niven in Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950. Hollywood cricket club. He had a support role in MGM's Soldiers Three (1951) similar to those early in his career. "[16], A few stories have surfaced. colony that included Cary Grant, Ronald Colman, Basil Rathbone, He gained additional fame for his roles in Enchantment, The Toast of New Orleans, and Happy go Lovely. While playing "sardines", she walked through a door believing it led to a closet. Father of Private; Private; Private and Private Niven's Local doctors wished to operate immediately to remove the bird shot. 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. 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?" [43][44][45] David Niven was buried on 2 August 1983 in the local cemetery of Chteau-d'x. Read More Primula Niven. Born on 29 July 1983 in United Kingdom, David Niven started his career as actor and novelist . Niven won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the bogus major in 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. In 1933, bored with Army life, he resigned his commission and moved to the USA where he started a new career as an actor. He attended Attleboro schools through high school, Class of 1938. DAVID NIVEN OBITUARY. He was alone among British stars in Hollywood in doing so; the British Embassy advised most actors to stay. Niven wrote four books. After selling their chain of stores, the . In February 1983, using a false name to avoid publicity, Niven was hospitalised for ten days, ostensibly for a digestive problem. Great Britain has brought the world a wide array of acting talents over the years. He continued to make one and 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. 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. (Ustinov also acted in The Way Ahead.) billing, and first real chance to show his gift for comedy, came in 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. Quick access. A Matter of Life and Death (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), and Enchantment (1948) are all highly regarded. Roxburgh, who was unlike any of Niven's previous headmasters. people and force of personality he managed not only to break into His family were soldiers. rater than stick out for good parts. Streaker Robert Opel, a gay rights activist, had a history of nude protests, and his antics weren't as rare as you might think -- streaking was actually a nationwide trend in 1974. Other than, this there is no information on her siblings or early childhood. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Major Pollock in Separate Tables (1958). 'Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honor or a trap,' Kimmel joked. William served in the Berkshire Yeomanry in the First World War and was killed during the Gallipoli Campaign on 21 August 1915. But he wanted something more exciting, and transferred into the Commandos. Instead, it led to a stone staircase to the basement. After detours to Bermuda and Cuba, he arrived in Hollywood in 1934. Showing the typical rebelliousness of his early years, Niven asked, "Could you tell me the time, sir? [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. told the story of the Spitfire, and "The Way Ahead", made by Carol The play ran for only 45 performances but it was seen by Otto Preminger, who decided to cast Niven in the film version of the play The Moon Is Blue (1953). He was awarded the 1958 Academy Award for Best Actor in Separate Tables. The actor passed away in July . Boasting a pastel pink exterior and . In 1942, he co-starred in the morale-building film about the development of the Supermarine Spitfire fighter, The First of the Few (American title Spitfire), which was enthusiastically endorsed by Winston Churchill. David Niven Family Background & Career. The entrepreneur couple succeeded in developing a chain of 10 stores. Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Niven returned to England and rejoined the army, being recommissioned as a lieutenant. He was working on a third novel at the time of his death. Henrietta Julia gave birth to James David Graham Niven on March 1, 1910 at the Belgrave Mansion in Grosvenor Gardens, London. He was a popular star of the traditional type, establishing a screen Biography ID: 192869360 . According to his autobiography, he and Errol Flynn were firm friends and had decided to rent Rosalind Russell's house at 601 North Linden Drive as a bachelor pad. [3] He was named David after his birth on St David's Day. be so well paid for doing what he enjoyed. These were The First of the Few (1942), directed by Leslie Howard, and The Way Ahead (1944), directed by Carol Reed. During the 1950s Niven re-established himself as a popular leading man 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. In Goldwyn's drawing room, Niven noticed a picture of himself in uniform that he had sent to Goldwyn from England during World War II. After detours to Bermuda and Cuba, he arrived in Hollywood in the summer of 1934. A son, David, Jr., was born in December 1942 and a second son, James Graham Niven, on 6 November 1945. Introducing the family Hjrdis and David Niven with Kristina and Fiona. However, another doctor advised Niven to allow the swelling of the face to go down. Grizel Rosemary Graham (born in Belgravia, Middlesex), 28 November 1906 28 January 2007). The family's country home at Buckland, Carswell Manor, was sold shortly after David's birth. television commercials for instant coffee. He was working on a third novel when his health failed in 1983. July 29 1983 - At his home in Chateau d'Oex, Vaud, Switzerland, William Edward Graham Niven, Henrietta Julia Niven (born Degacher), David Niven,
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