Ingrid Bergman Biography

Bergman's early life was filled with tragedy. Both of her parents died when she was still a young girl, and she was raised by relatives.

Thanks to her inheritance, however, she was able to study at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm.

In 1934, she had her first small role in 'Munkbrogreven'. She made twelve films in Europe over the next five years.

She came to Hollywood in 1939, to star in 'Intermezzo'. It was a hit, landing her a seven-year contract. After a stint on Broadway, she starred in three successful 1941 films before she made the leap to superstardom in 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'.

In 1942, she starred with Humphrey Bogart in 'Casablanca'. The film was a smash hit, establishing Bergman as a sexy, vulnerable star with enormous box office appeal. Every film she graced was a hit.

Though Bergman was married to Dr. Peter Lindstrom and had a child with him, she fell in love with Italian director Roberto Rossellini, who fathered her second child. She became an outcast in America overnight, even denounced in the US Senate.

However, Twentieth Century Fox took a chance and hired her to star in 'Anastasia'. The film was successful and Bergman won her second Oscar for Best Actress, restoring her popularity.

Ingrid Bergman's seemingly effortless naturalism was so new and fresh to American audiences that she quickly found a large and admiring audience. Her beauty, intriguing accent, and talent only added to her allure.

The best performance of her later years was given in her last film, 'Autumn Sonata'. She was nominated for another Academy Award as Best Actress, a fitting end to her career.

She died of cancer in London in August 1982.