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Greta Garbo

Actor

Greta Garbo

Born September 18, 1905 in Stockholm, Stockholms län, SwedenDied April 15, 199033 films

Greta Garbo (born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson; September 18, 1905 – April 15, 1990) was a Swedish-American actress, widely regarded as one of the greatest stars of classic Hollywood cinema. Known for her melancholic and enigmatic screen presence, she starred in iconic films such as Anna Karenina, Queen Christina, Camille, and Ninotchka. Throughout her career, she was celebrated for her subtle and understated performances, earning three Academy Award nominations and an honorary Oscar in 1954.

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Garbo was famously private, avoiding the Hollywood social scene and retiring from acting at the age of 35. Her personal life has long been the subject of speculation, particularly regarding her sexuality. She was romantically linked to several women, including writer Mercedes de Acosta and actress Marlene Dietrich, fueling rumors that she may have been lesbian or bisexual. However, Garbo never publicly addressed these rumors, maintaining an air of mystery that only added to her legendary status.

Her legacy continues to captivate audiences, with her influence extending beyond film into discussions of gender, sexuality, and Hollywood’s golden age.

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The best way into Greta Garbo's work
Ninotchka posterFirst watchNinotchka19397.5as Nina "Ninotchka" Ivanovna YakushovaA stern Russian woman sent to Paris on official business finds herself attracted to a man who represents everything she is supposed to detest.View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach

Filmography

33 films as actor
  1. 1941Two-Faced WomanKarin Borg Blake
  2. 1939NinotchkaNina "Ninotchka" Ivanovna Yakushova
  3. 1937ConquestCountess Marie Walewska
  4. 1936CamilleMarguerite Gautier
  5. 1935Anna KareninaAnna Karenina
  6. 1934The Painted VeilKatrin Koerber Fane
  7. 1934Queen ChristinaChristina
  8. 1932Grand HotelGrusinskaya
  9. 1932As You Desire MeZara, a.k.a. Maria
  10. 1931Mata HariMata Hari
  11. 1931Susan LenoxHelga, aka Susan Lenox
  12. 1931InspirationYvonne Valbret
  13. 1930Anna ChristieAnna Christie
  14. 1930RomanceRita Cavallini
  15. 1930Anna ChristieAnna Christie
  16. 1929The KissIrene
  17. 1929The Single StandardArden Stuart
  18. 1929A Man's ManGreta Garbo
  19. 1929Wild OrchidsLillie Sterling
  20. 1928A Woman of AffairsDiana Merrick
  21. 1928The Mysterious LadyTania Fedorova
  22. 1928The Divine WomanMarianne
  23. 1927LoveAnna Karenina
  24. 1926Flesh and the DevilFelicitas
  25. 1926The TemptressElena
  26. 1926Vårt kronprinspar i Hollywood
  27. 1926TorrentLeonora Moreno
  28. 1925Joyless StreetGreta Rumfort
  29. 1924The Saga of Gösta BerlingElizabeth Dohna
  30. 1922Peter the TrampGreta
  31. 1922A Scarlet AngelExtra
  32. 1921Our Daily BreadCompanion
  33. 1921A Fortune HunterMaid