Born in London, Niven attended Heatherdown Preparatory School and Stowe School before gaining a place at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. [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. Flynn in a re-make of "The Dawn Patrol" and in formidable competition Husband of Primula Susan Niven and Hjrdis Paulina Niven told the story of the Spitfire, and "The Way Ahead", made by Carol or was expelled. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their first name, allowed them bicycles and encouraged and nurtured their personal interests. supported Ronald Colman in "The Prisoner of Zenda", played opposite Niven also worked in television. personalities and called "Bring On the Empty Horses". [4] This liberal borrowing and embroidering of his personal history was also said to be the reason why he persistently refused to appear on This Is Your Life. 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?". 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. He served in the "Phantom Signals Unit", which located and reported enemy positions, and kept rear commanders informed on changing battle lines. David Niven Jr. is a British film producer, film actor and script writer who was an executive at Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures. 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. Niven was not told of this; he learned it from a newspaper report. Rosalind Russell later named the house "Cirrhosis-by-the-Sea". Overjoyed, Oberon announced that the pair were going to wed, but sadly, Niven would end up leaving her with a broken heart. company, Four Star Television, to produce films for the small screen; He acted in two films made during the war, The First of the Few (1942) and The Way Ahead (1944). The congregation of 1,200 included Prince Michael of Kent, Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, Sir John Mills, Sir Richard Attenborough, Trevor Howard, Sir David Frost, Joanna Lumley, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Lord Olivier. At the end of the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if there were any questions. Niven's friend Billie More noted: "This is not kind, but when Hjrdis died I can't think of a single soul who was sorry". war Niven appeared as an R.A.F. She focused on her academics and was an exceptional student. Hjordis Tersmeden; they had two adopted daughters. with Laurence Olivier gave a creditable performance as Edgar Linton in He had three older siblings. He followed it with Oh, Men! She was 78. In that same year he was again loaned out, to 20th Century Fox to play Bertie Wooster in Thank You, Jeeves! David Niven, the film actor, died in Switzerland yesterday after an The new family were photographed enjoying the gardens and swimming . DAVID NIVEN's former partner 'was a b**** to him', according to James Bond actor Roger Moore. David Niven (James David Graham Niven) was born on 1 March, 1910 in Belgravia, London, United Kingdom, is an Actor. Niven decided to try Broadway, appearing opposite Gloria Swanson in Nina (195152). At the end of the lecture, the speaker (a major general) asked if there were any questions. 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 . Right here at FameChain. About to lead his men into action, Niven eased their nervousness by telling them, "Look, you chaps only have to do this once. people and force of personality he managed not only to break into DAVID NIVEN OBITUARY. Early life and family. Niven worked in television. (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. The couple had been married since 1940 and were visiting Tyrone Power's home when a game of 'hide and seek' was suggested by someone. Death 1998 - St Andrews. Mother Jessie Robertson. Less so was the comedy Bedtime Story (1964) with Marlon Brando. 2008". Two hours later, he was back, full of rage. [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. Father of Private; Private; Private and Private In 1948, Niven met and married Hjrdis Paulina Tersmeden (ne Genberg, 19191997), a divorced Swedish fashion model. Rose, DSO, MC). [25] He took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, although he was sent to France several days after D-Day. Both sound pretty fancy to me, but Niven's origin story involved anothereven greater . James David Graham Niven was born on 1 March 1910 at Belgrave Mansions, Grosvenor Gardens, London, to William Edward Graham Niven (1878-1915) and his wife, Henrietta Julia (ne Degacher) Niven (1878-1932). "[16], A few stories have surfaced. But six years later, she died at the age of 28, only six weeks after the family moved to the US. X. While Niven was co-hosting the 46th Annual Oscars ceremony, a naked man appeared behind him, "streaking" across the stage. I goggled. Soon later, the couple filed for divorce. In 1964, Charles Boyer, Gig Young and top-billed Niven appeared in the Four Star series The Rogues. But I'll have to do it all over again in Hollywood with Errol Flynn!" fortunate both with his contacts and in being in the right place at became a close friend and drinking companion) ; Niven played a gallant 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. With an Academy Award to his credit, Niven's career continued to thrive. On his return to Hollywood after the war, he received the Legion of Merit, an American military decoration. While playing "sardines", she walked through a door believing it led to a closet. Goldwyn used him to support Gary Cooper in the adventure tale The Real Glory (1939), and Walter Wanger cast him opposite Loretta Young in Eternally Yours (1939). Ustinov later appeared with Niven in Death on the Nile (1978). He once said: "I will, however, tell you just one thing about the war, my first story and my last. successful war film, "The Guns of Navarone": a blockbuster "55 Days at Infantry, mainly on Malta, but resigned his commission after three He was working on a third novel when his health failed in 1983. Kristina Niven was born in 1960 in Switzerland to David Niven and Hjrdis Genberg, and has a sister Fiona Niven. 10. 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). David's mother Henrietta then married Sir Thomas Comyn-Platt in London in 1917. Henrietta was of French and British ancestry. Niven's [43][44][45] David Niven was buried on 2 August 1983 in the local cemetery of Chteau-d'x. I said, sir, you had discharged him, he left for Deauville to gamble at the casino. Niven was born in Kirriemuir, Scotland, on March 1, 1910, the son of 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. He was working on a third novel at the time of his death. Son of William Edward Graham Niven and Henriette Julia Comyn-Platt The couple parted. Primula, whom he called Primmie, died at age 28, only six weeks after moving to the U.S., of a fractured skull and brain lacerations from an accidental fall in the home of Tyrone Power. Having been in more than 90 . for chat shows, where his gift for anecdote made him an ideal subject. Now years later, the picture was still in exactly the same spot. In an unsuccessful effort to bring harmony to the marriage, they adopted two girls, Kristina and Fiona. Early Life and Family. He was assigned to the HLI, and his comment was known in the regiment. His first important part came in Rose, DSO, MC). Below the table, you can find all the information about his birthday. The source for the dates and places of birth of the above was William Edward Graham Niven's army service record which, curiously, does not give a place of birth for David, but his birth certificate states Belgrave Mansions, London. During the 1950s Niven re-established himself as a popular leading man He died at his chalet from ALS on 29 July, aged 73. This helped him gain a contract with Samuel Goldwyn. David Niven, better known by her family name James David Graham Niven, was a popular British actor and novelist. Mar 1 1910 - Belgrave Mansions, London, England, United Kingdom. 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. James Niven. Niven suffered many instances of corporal punishment owing to his inclination for pranks, which finally led to his expulsion from Heatherdown at the age of 10. young officer who dies trying to get through the enemy lines. He had more than 100 acting credits to his name and starred as . He attended Dartmouth College and was graduated. In October 1951, while pheasant shooting with friends in New England, Hjrdis was shot in the face, neck and chest by a member of the hunting party. 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. This was his last film appearance. In Malta, he became friends with the maverick Mike Trubshawe, and served under Roy Urquhart, future commander of the British 1st Airborne Division. None of these films was successful at the box office and Niven's career was struggling. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous actor Churchill singled him out from the crowd and stated, "Young man, you did a fine thing to give up your film career to fight for your country. 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. [13], While attending school as was customary for the time Niven received many instances of corporal punishment owing to his inclination for pranks. In 1980 Niven began experiencing fatigue, muscle weakness and a warble in his voice. unsettled childhood, being pushed by an unsympathetic step-father into 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. Obituary. Reed as a quasi propaganda piece for the British Army. James Niven in Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950. His father was an army man, as were both his grandfathers. Whigham adored Niven until the day he died. (Another 1981 interview, posted on YouTube, shows Niven on The Merv Griffin Show while publicizing his novel Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly. Presented by Eisenhower himself, it honoured Niven's work in setting up the BBC Allied Expeditionary Forces Programme, a radio news and entertainment station for the Allied forces. "the Phantom", in The Pink Panther. Hollywood stars. His health quickly declined and he died in 1983 at age 73, leaving four children and his second wife. Niven also worked with the Army Film and Photographic Unit. Goldwyn pulled out and the film did not appear in the US for three years. Kristina's average age compared to other Niven family members is unknown because she is alive. Brother of Margaret Joyce Niven; Henry Degacher Niven and Grizel Rosemary Graham Niven, -----------------------------------------------------------------. Cap Ferrat, 1964 "For a long time it was a well-kept secret among a few close friends," David's friend Roddy Mann wrote. Records filed with the County of Los Angeles show the "L" shaped "villa" measures in at 4,808 square feet and listing information indicates there are 6 bedrooms and 7 . 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). Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, better known as "Phantom". 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. Afterwards, he returned to his chalet at Chateau d'Oex, where his condition continued to decline. The Lady Says No (1952) was a poorly received American comedy at the time. He spoke little about his experience in the war, despite public interest in celebrities in combat and a reputation for storytelling. trough coincided with a personal tragedy when his wife, at the age of It ran for 21 episodes. He was assigned to the HLI, with which he served for two years in Malta and then for a few months in Dover. 25, was killed in an accidental fall, leaving two small sons. 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. He made a porter feel like a king. Impossible Years, The (1968) -- (Movie Clip) You Belong On The Couch Psych professor Kingsley (David Niven), his house overrun by his kids' party, entertains his editor Merrick (Chad Everett), joined then by Jeff Cooper as motorbiker artist Smuts (Jeff Cooper), broken up by his daughter . On one occasion Prince Rainier asked Niven who among . famous names. Born in London, Niven attended Heatherdown Preparatory School and Stowe before gaining a place at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was twice given leave so he could I had difficulty swallowing and had champagne in my knees. His first major roles were in . In 1965, he made two films for MGM: the Peter Ustinov-directed Lady L, supporting Paul Newman and Sophia Loren, and Where the Spies Are, as a doctor-turned-secret agent MGM hoped it would lead to a series, but this did not happen. Barbara . After abortive screen tests for other producers, Niven was put under He then returned to the U.S. and was accepted by Central Casting as "Anglo-Saxon Type No. He claimed to have been so grief-stricken that he thought for a while that he had gone mad. Hollywood was busy filming British subjects and Many Hollywood stars of the wartime generation ended their careers in cameo roles or cult movies, even schlock horror or, worst of all, television soaps. He had a better part in The Birds and the Bees (1956), portraying a conman in a remake of The Lady Eve (1941), in which Niven played a third-billed supporting role under American television comedian George Gobel and leading lady Mitzi Gaynor. To the fury of her father, Niven got Whigham pregnant. contract by Sam Goldwyn and though the relationship was not always This ended his chances for Eton, a significant blow to his family. less, through film after film. Niven's last sizeable film part was in Better Late Than Never (1983). He then headed for America. Between 1951 and 1956 he made 11 films, two of which were MGM productions and the rest were low-budget British or independent productions. [33] Niven was the only actor who played James Bond mentioned by name in the text of a Fleming novel. Thoughtful and kind, he addressed the boys by their first names, allowed them bicycles, and encouraged and nurtured their personal interests. Having developed an interest in acting, he left the Highland Light Infantry, travelled to Hollywood and had several minor roles in film. But Deborah . son . . (1954), a drama that earned Niven a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor; Happy Ever After (1954), a comedy with Yvonne de Carlo, which was hugely popular in Britain. 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. However, Niven won a Golden Globe Award for his work in The Moon Is Blue (1953), produced and directed by Otto Preminger. She had walked through a door believing it to be a closet, but instead, it led to a stone staircase to the basement.[36][37]. Now years later, the picture was still in exactly the same spot. In this way his wife avoided disfigurement. Hjrdis Genberg, model student, 1941-42. [Laughs]. and the book was essentially a succession of funny stories, drawn from Oh, Women! [38][39] It is believed by some that Niven's choice to become a tax exile may have been one reason why he never received a British honour. By this time the Second World War had started and Niven decided to He was assigned to a training base at Inverailort House in the Western Highlands. 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. Primmie died at the age of 28, only six weeks after the family moved to the US. In 1980 Niven began experiencing fatigue, muscle weakness and a warble in his voice. 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 a born raconteur Niven later wrote, "How he did this, I shall never know, but he made every single boy at that school feel that what he said and what he did were of real importance to the headmaster. A limited edition of British postage stamps was produced using one of Lucas's images taken during this portrait sitting. David Niven was born in Belgravia, London, England in March 1910 and passed away in July 1983. In happier times with Goldwyn, he had observed this same picture sitting on Goldwyn's piano. 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. He joined the Rifle Brigade, He was alone among British stars in Hollywood in doing so; the British Embassy advised most actors to stay. William Niven, David's father, was of Scottish descent; his paternal grandfather, David Graham Niven, (18111884) was from St. Martins, a village in Perthshire. 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. son. 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