Greta Garbo
Swedish-American silent and golden era film star.
Greta Garbo, born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson in Stockholm in 1905, was a Swedish and American actress who became one of the most celebrated stars of Hollywood's silent and early golden eras. Known for her melancholic screen persona and understated performances, she often portrayed tragic characters. The American Film Institute ranked her fifth among the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema. Her career began in Sweden with a supporting role in *The Saga of Gösta Berling* (1924), which caught the eye of MGM's Louis B. Mayer. Brought to Hollywood in 1925, she gained international fame with her third American film, *Flesh and the Devil* (1926). By 1928, *A Woman of Affairs* made her MGM's top box-office star. Her transition to sound films was heralded by the tagline "Garbo talks!" for *Anna Christie* (1930), which earned her the first of three Best Actress Academy Award nominations. She became highly selective, starring in classics like *Grand Hotel* (1932), *Queen Christina* (1933), and *Anna Karenina* (1935). Many critics consider her performance in *Camille* (1936) her finest, earning a third nomination. After being labeled box office poison in 1938, she revived her career with the comedy *Ninotchka* (1939), which brought a fourth nomination. Her final film, *Two-Faced Woman* (1941), was poorly received. She later received an Academy Honorary Award in 1954. In retirement, she shunned publicity, collected art, and lived privately, later stating she was tired of Hollywood and wanted to live another life.
- field
- Film actress
- nationality
- Swedish and American
- known_for
- Melancholic screen persona, tragic character portrayals, silent and early golden
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Cecil Beaton, who was close to both women, recorded in his 1958 memoir that 'Mercedes is [Garbo's] very best friend and for 30 years has stood by her, willing to devote her life to her.' Although it has been argued that an intimate relationship between them cannot be proved, de Acosta states they were lovers. Contrary to legend, she did not do so in her memoir. In 1959, when she was destitute, de Acosta sold her papers to the Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia and claims to have reluctantly included romantic letters from Garbo. 'I would not have had the heart or courage to have burned these letters,' she wrote curator William McCarthy. 'I mean, of course, Eva [sic], Greta's and Marlene's who were lovers.... I only hope ... they will be respected and protected from the eyes of vulgar people.' Per de Acosta's request, Garbo's letters were made available to the public in 2000, ten years after her death, and none were explicitly romantic. However, Garbo's family, which controls her estate, has permitted only 87 of 181 letters to be made public.
Reader's Guide
Garbo ended her friendship with de Acosta after de Acosta published her 1960 memoir, *Here Lies the Heart*, which implied homosexuality and resulted in the severance of several friendships. Garbo's biographers assess their relationship from Garbo's perspective, in which Garbo is fundamentally blameless in their difficult relationship, a perpetual victim of de Acosta's alleged irksome behavior. De Acosta has usually been described disparagingly, dismissed as a 'notorious lesbian' who was a dishonest nuisance to her lovers and who consistently 'stalked' Garbo. However, Robert A. Schanke, de Acosta's biographer, argues that the many denigrating portrayals of her may derive from the deep homophobia of her generation.
Did You Know?
- Greta Garbo wrote Mercedes de Acosta 181 letters, cards, and telegrams over thirty years.
- Garbo's family has permitted only 87 of those 181 letters to be made public.
- Garbo ended her friendship with de Acosta after de Acosta's 1960 memoir *Here Lies the Heart* was published.
- De Acosta and Garbo were introduced in 1931 by Garbo's close friend, author Salka Viertel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Greta Garbo?
Greta Garbo was a Swedish-born actress who became one of Hollywood's most iconic leading ladies during the transition from silent films to early talkies. She is widely celebrated for her deeply emotional, introspective screen presence and is considered one of the greatest performers in cinema history.
What made Greta Garbo's acting style distinctive?
Her performances were defined by a quiet, melancholic intensity and a preference for portraying sorrowful or tragic characters with restrained, understated emotion rather than overt theatricality. This somber, contemplative approach set her apart from many of her contemporaries and gave her a uniquely haunting screen presence.
What era of Hollywood was Greta Garbo a major star in?
She rose to international fame during the silent film period and continued to headline major productions into the early sound era of the 1930s. Her career thus spanned both the silent and early golden age of American cinema.
How is Greta Garbo ranked among classic Hollywood actresses?
In 1999, the American Film Institute placed her at number five on its list of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood. That ranking reflects the lasting impact her work has had on screen acting and the industry's recognition of her talent.
What was Greta Garbo's birth name and where did she come from?
She was born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson in Sweden on September 18, 1905, and later became a naturalized American citizen. Her dual Swedish and American identity shaped her career as she moved from Scandinavian stage work to Hollywood stardom.
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