Ingrid Bergman

Throwback Thursday Snapshot

Jan 23, 2025

I wouldn't have lived my life the way I did if I was going to worry about what people were going to say. – Ingrid Bergman

"Quiet courage," "energy," "charm." Words that her children used to describe their mother, Ingrid Bergman. She was also naturally shy, sweet, considerate, conscientious, and a hard worker. And she would become one of the biggest female box office stars of her time.

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1915, Ingrid experienced much sorrow in her youth. Her mother passed away when Ingrid was two and a half years old. Her father passed away when she was about fourteen, leaving her orphaned. Sent to live with an aunt, the aunt passed away six months later. Ingrid went to live with another aunt and her five children.

But when her father was alive, he and Ingrid were very close. During that time, he introduced her to the world of arts, especially theatre and film. He frequently took her to see plays and even built a small movie projector to watch films together. These experiences helped shape a desire for Ingrid to act.

The many challenges she experienced didn't change that dream of becoming an actress. At 17, she enrolled at the Royal Dramatic Theatre School in Stockholm. But, she left the school after a year to begin acting in Swedish films, debuting as an extra in 1932 and in her first speaking role two years later.

Her natural acting ability, luminous presence, and the subtlety of her performances quickly caught the attention of filmmakers, and she appeared in a series of Swedish and German films, showcasing her versatility in a range of roles. These early films were opportunities to develop her craft and build a reputation. They also drew the attention of Hollywood producers, paving the way for international stardom.

In 1939, after achieving considerable success in European cinema, Ingrid was offered a contract by an American producer. She accepted and moved to the United States, making her Hollywood debut in "Intermezzo," an English-language remake of her 1936 Swedish film of the same name. After that first movie, Ingrid became a sought-after actress.

But it would be her role in "Casablanca" opposite Humphrey Bogart that immortalized Ingrid in cinema history. The chemistry between the leads and the memorable lines from the movie made it a timeless classic, with Ingrid portraying the complex and endearing character of Ilsa Lund with elegance and depth.

Ingrid went on to have a long and illustrious global acting career. She spoke Swedish, German, English, Italian, and French and acted in all five languages. She won numerous awards for her films, including three Academy Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, four Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA Award.

Ingrid passed away on her 67th birthday in 1982.

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