Greta Garbo
Biography
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. 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.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (48)
Garbo: Where Did You Go?
as Self (archive footage)
2024
The Marriage of Greta Garbo and Sergei Eiseinstein
2023
Prejudice and Pride: Swedish Film Queer
as Self (archive footage)
2022
Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood
as Self (archive footage)
2018
Stars of the Silver Screen - Greta Garbo
as Self (archive footage)
2014
Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen
as (archive footage)
2012
Sigrid Holmquist
as Sigrid Holmquist (archive footage)
2010
Rediscovering John Gilbert
as Self (archive footage)
2010
Paris Hilton, Inc.
as Self (archive footage)
2009
1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year
as Self (archive footage)
2009
Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood
as Queen Christina (archive footage)
2008
Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
as Self (archive footage)
2007
Garbo
as Self (archive footage)
2005
Checking Out: Grand Hotel
as Self / Various roles (archive footage)
2004
Complicated Women
as Self (archive footage)
2003
Cole Porter in Hollywood: Satin and Silk
as Self (archive footage)
2003
Greta Garbo: A Lone Star
as Self (archive footage)
2001
Joan Crawford: Always the Star
as Self (archive footage)
1996
Stjärnbilder
as (archive footage)
1995
Minns ni?
as (archive footage)
1993
The Meeting of Two Queens
as (archive footage)
1991
The Divine Garbo
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
1990
Stiller, Garbo & jag
as (archive footage)
1988
Greta Garbo: The Temptress and the Clown
as Self (archive footage)
1986
That's Entertainment, Part II
as (archive footage)
1976
Hollywood: The Dream Factory
as Self (archive footage)
1972
Garbo, by Joan Crawford
as Self (archive footage)
1969
The Big Parade of Comedy
as Ninotchka in 'Ninotchka' (archive footage)
1964
30 Years of Fun
as (archive footage)
1963
Testfilm Greta Garbo
as Self
1949
Two-Faced Woman
as Karin Borg Blake
1941
A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound
as Self
1940
Hollywood: Style Center of the World
as Self
1940
Ninotchka
as Nina "Ninotchka" Ivanovna Yakushova
1939
From the Ends of the Earth
as Self
1939
Conquest
as Countess Marie Walewska
1937
The Romance of Celluloid
as Self (archive footage)
1937
Camille
as Marguerite Gautier
1936
Anna Karenina
as Anna Karenina
1935
Do You Remember?
as (archive footage)
1935
The Painted Veil
as Katrin Koerber Fane
1934
Queen Christina
as Christina
1934
As You Desire Me
as Zara, a.k.a. Maria
1932
Grand Hotel
as Grusinskaya
1932
Mata Hari
as Mata Hari
1931
Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)
as Helga, aka Susan Lenox
1931
Fröken, Ni liknar Greta Garbo!
as (archive footage)
1931
Inspiration
as Yvonne Valbret
1931
