As one of the most popular actresses in the 1940s and 1950s, Ingrid starred in many iconic roles in her heydays. But like any other celebrity, she was not free from scandals. The most notable of all is when she dated an Italian movie director. This relationship almost ended her career.
She was born on August 29, 1915. And although she had a difficult childhood, she overcame these challenges and managed to be a successful actress. She was born in Stockholm, Sweden and moved to her aunt when her parents died when she was thirteen years old. But only a few months later, her aunt also succumbed to death.
She knew at a young age that she wanted to be an actress. She joined a competition when she was 17 and won. The result of this is a scholarship in the Royal Dramatic Theater School. It was during this period that she got to work in some films during her academic breaks. She showed great talent and this opened up many opportunities for her. Because of these opportunities, she dropped out of school after a year and dated Petter Lindström, a Swedish dentist. She married him at the age of 21.
She met Hollywood producer David O. Selznick in 1938. The producer brought her to the United States to film what would be her first big break called Intermezzo: a Love Story. She completed this movie and went back to her family in Sweden. In two years, she decided to move to the United States permanently with her husband and daughter.
It was in the 1940s that Ingrid became a commercial success. She starred in classic favorites like Casablanca, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Joan of Arc, Notorious, and Gaslight. All of these movies were acclaimed by critics and were widely accepted with open arms by moviegoers.
Ten years later, she met Roberto Rossellini, an Italian Director, during the filming of Stromboli. They had an affair and she carried his baby. The media feasted on this news. Hollywood was in shock. Ingrid divorced her husband, left her daughter in his care, and moved to Italy with Roberto, where she continued making movies.
Yet Hollywood couldn't get enough of her. Six years later, she returned to Hollywood and filmed Anastasia. It was 1956. From this time moving forward, she starred in movies between Hollywood and Europe until she passed away in 1982. She kept herself busy all through these years.
Ingrid lived a life that is not uncommon today. In the past, divorce could be devastating for one's movie career. But she proved to be resilient and continued making hits. She won three Academy Awards, two Emmys, and one Tony Award. Ingrid is considered to be an icon of cinema and one of the finest actresses the world has ever seen. Below are some resources you can check for more information about her.