Max von Sydow

Date of Birth: April 10, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 8, 2020

Biography

Max von Sydow was a Swedish-French actor whose illustrious career spanned over seven decades, making him one of the most respected figures in the world of cinema. Born Carl Adolf von Sydow, he was known for his versatile roles in both European and American films. He gained international fame for his collaborations with director Ingmar Bergman, particularly in films like “The Seventh Seal” (1957), where he played the iconic role of a knight playing chess with Death. Throughout his career, von Sydow appeared in a wide array of genres, including dramas, thrillers, and even science fiction and fantasy films such as “Flash Gordon” (1980), “Dune” (1984), and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015). His commanding presence and deep voice made him a favorite for both heroic and villainous roles. Von Sydow received numerous accolades, including two Academy Award nominations. He was also a respected stage actor and a devoted family man. Max von Sydow passed away on March 8, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic excellence.

5 Interesting Facts about Max von Sydow

1. Max von Sydow’s real name was Carl Adolf von Sydow; he changed it to avoid any association with Adolf Hitler.

2. He became a French citizen in 2002 and lived in France for many years.

3. Von Sydow was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor for “Pelle the Conqueror” (1987) and Best Supporting Actor for “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (2011).

4. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Swedish, English, French, and Italian.

5. Von Sydow appeared in over 150 film and television productions during his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Max von Sydow

1. “The only thing I regret about my past is the length of it. If I had to live my life again, I’d make all the same mistakes—only sooner.”

2. “Acting is such a bizarre way of life. It means you have to be willing to give up everything else.”

3. “I want to keep my life as private as possible. When you are young, you are always playing another person. But as you grow older, you become more yourself.”

4. “To me, a film is not a success unless it tells a story, and that story touches the viewer.”

5. “I think, at heart, I am both a storyteller and an artist.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Max von Sydow achieved a highest net worth of approximately $16 million.

Children

Max von Sydow had four children. He had two sons, Claes and Henrik, with his first wife, actress Christina Inga Britta Olin. He also had two more children, Yvan and Cedric, with his second wife, producer Catherine Brelet.