Björn Andrésen was just 16 when he landed the role that would change his life. The Swedish teenager was handpicked by legendary Italian auteur Luchino Visconti to star as Tadzio in the 1971 film adaptation of the 1912 Thomas Mann novella “Death in Venice.” In the film, Andrésen’s youth and striking looks obsess Dirk Bogarde’s Gustav von Aschenbach, a composer grappling with failing health. But that lucky break became a nightmare, particularly after Visconti labelled Andrésen the “most beautiful boy in the world” at a Cannes press conference for the film and then dropped the young man he had made a star.
“Life and career-wise, it fucked up a lot of things,” says Andrésen.
After gifting Andrésen with the memorable moniker describing his ethereal looks on that fateful day in the South of France, Visconti never spoke to the actor he’d plucked from obscurity and set off on a fateful collision course with teen idoldom.
“Life and career-wise, it fucked up a lot of things,” says Andrésen.
After gifting Andrésen with the memorable moniker describing his ethereal looks on that fateful day in the South of France, Visconti never spoke to the actor he’d plucked from obscurity and set off on a fateful collision course with teen idoldom.
- 11/30/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
Similar News
The Only Major Actors Still Alive From Petticoat Junction
- 4/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Elvis Said ‘Screw Him’ About a Politician He Once Met
- 4/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Who Inspired Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean?'
- 4/19/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Events of the Week: ‘The Sympathizer,’ ‘Fallout’ and More
- 4/12/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Top 6 Thomas Mann Roles in Movies
- 4/12/2024
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Industry Entertainment’s Adam Levine, Brandy Rivers & Michael Hepburn Depart To Launch Management/Production Company Amplified
- 4/3/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Criterion Channel’s May Lineup Includes Michael Roemer, Obayashi, Sara Driver & More
- 4/17/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Critic’s Notebook: Sharper Than Ever, French Crime Classic ‘Le Samouraï’ Might Be the Coolest Film Ever Made
- 4/9/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Cher, Demi Moore and Anitta Ring In Blockbuster Dolce & Gabbana Fashion Exhibit in Milan
- 4/8/2024
- by Pino Gagliardi
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.