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.

Movies & TV Shows

1. Ninotchka (1939) — Nina "Ninotchka" Ivanovna Yakushova
2. Grand Hotel (1932) — Grusinskaya
3. My Scientology Movie (2016) — Self (archive photo)
4. Camille (1936) — Marguerite Gautier
5. Queen Christina (1934) — Christina
6. Anna Karenina (1935) — Anna Karenina
7. Marlowe (1969) — Grusinskaya(archive footage) (uncredited)
8. Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen (2012) — (archive footage)
9. Flesh and the Devil (1926) — Felicitas
10. Mata Hari (1931) — Mata Hari
11. Anna Christie (1930) — Anna Christie
12. Joyless Street (1925) — Greta Rumfort
13. Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2018) — Self (archive footage)
14. That's Entertainment, Part II (1976) — (archive footage)
15. The Painted Veil (1934) — Katrin Koerber Fane
16. The Mysterious Lady (1928) — Tania Fedorova
17. Love (1927) — Anna Karenina
18. The Saga of Gösta Berling (1924) — Elizabeth Dohna
19. Two-Faced Woman (1941) — Karin Borg Blake
20. The Kiss (1929) — Irene
21. A Woman of Affairs (1928) — Diana Merrick
22. Conquest (1937) — Countess Marie Walewska
23. The Temptress (1926) — Elena
24. Susan Lenox (1931) — Helga, aka Susan Lenox
25. Romance (1930) — Rita Cavallini
26. Wild Orchids (1929) — Lillie Sterling
27. Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood (2008) — Queen Christina (archive footage)
28. As You Desire Me (1932) — Zara, a.k.a. Maria
29. Vito (2011) — Self (archive)
30. Anna Christie (1930) — Anna Christie
31. Complicated Women (2003) — Self (archive footage)
32. 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year (2009) — Self (archive footage)
33. Torrent (1926) — Leonora Moreno
34. Inspiration (1931) — Yvonne Valbret
35. The Divine Woman (1928) — Marianne
36. The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies (1995) — Self (archive footage)
37. Prejudice and Pride: Swedish Film Queer (2022) — Self (archive footage)
38. Garbo: Where Did You Go? (2024) — Self (archive footage)
39. A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound (1940) — Self
40. The Single Standard (1929) — Arden Stuart