Nils Asther was an American actor known for his roles in films such as “Wild Orchids,” “The Bitter Tea of General Yen,” and “Bluebeard.” Born in Denmark in 1897, he made a name for himself in Hollywood with his striking good looks.
Personal and Family Life
Nils Asther was born Nils Anton Alfhild Asther on January 17, 1897, in Hellerup, Denmark. He came from a wealthy family and was raised in Malmö, Sweden. He was married to Vivian Duncan from 1930 to 1932, and they had one daughter together, Evelyn Roseta Duncan Asther, who was born in 1931 and passed away in 2011.
Career Highlights
Asther began his acting career in the theater before moving on to films, making his debut in 1916. He achieved fame in Hollywood during the 1920s and starred alongside famous actresses like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford. However, his career began to decline in the 1930s, and he faced challenges with the transition to sound films due to his accent.
Death and Legacy
Nils Asther passed away on October 13, 1981, in Stockholm, Sweden, at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy as one of the notable figures in early cinema, known for his exotic roles and contributions to film in the silent and early sound eras.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Himmelskibet | 1918-02-22 | Martian citizen |
| Wild Orchids | 1929-02-23 | Prince de Gace |
| Laugh, Clown, Laugh | 1928-04-14 | Count Luigi Ravelli |
| The Bitter Tea of General Yen | 1933-01-06 | General Yen |
| Bluebeard | 1944-11-11 | Inspector Lefevre |
| Our Dancing Daughters | 1928-09-01 | Norman |
| Jealousy | 1945-07-23 | Peter Urban |
| Submarine Alert | 1943-06-28 | Dr. Arthur Huneker |
| När mörkret faller | 1960-12-26 | Vicar Tord Ekstedt |