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Viveca Lindfors

Acting

Born December 29, 1920 · Uppsala, Uppsala län, Sweden

Died October 25, 1995

Also known as Elsa Viveca Torstensdotter Lindfors

Biography

Viveca Lindfors (1920-1995) was a renowned Swedish-American actress known for her versatility and captivating performances on stage, in film, and on television. Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Lindfors developed a passion for the performing arts from a young age, honing her craft at the prestigious Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. In 1946, Lindfors was brought to Hollywood by Warner Brothers in the hope that she would become a new Greta Garbo or Ingrid Bergman - two of Sweden's most famous cinematic exports. This marked the beginning of a prolific international career that would span several decades. Lindfors went on to appear in a wide range of acclaimed films, including the film noir classic "I'll Cry Tomorrow" and the psychological thriller "The Addams Family." Beyond her on-screen work, Lindfors was also a respected theater actress, garnering critical acclaim for her portrayals of iconic roles such as Hedda Gabler and Medea. Her versatility and emotional depth were widely praised, and she was known for her ability to bring nuance and complexity to even the most challenging characters. In addition to her acting work, Lindfors was also a dedicated educator and mentor, sharing her expertise and passion for the performing arts with aspiring actors and directors. She taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Actors Studio in New York, and was instrumental in nurturing the next generation of theatrical talent. Throughout her career, Lindfors received numerous accolades and honors, including a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the television film "Testimony of Two Men." She was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Swedish Film Institute, cementing her status as one of the most respected and influential Swedish actors of the 20th century.

Awards & recognition

  • Genie Awards · 1992
  • Primetime Emmy AwardOutstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series · 1990
  • Silver BearBest Actress · 1962

Filmography49 titles

Reading Rainbow

1983as Self - Narrator (voice)

The Diary of Anne Frank

1967as Petronella Van Daan

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

1964as Laura

China Beach

1988

Bonanza

1959as Angela Bergstrom

The Story of Ruth

1960as Eleilat

Law & Order

1990as Helga Holtz

Rawhide

1959

King of Kings

1961as Claudia

Stargate

1994as Catherine

The Way We Were

1973as Paula Reisner

Fanfare for a Death Scene

1964as Ala Sarah

Creepshow

1982as Aunt Bedelia (segment "Father's Day")

Looking for Richard

1996as Self

Passions

1984as Lila

Run for Cover

1955as Helga Swenson

Adventures of Don Juan

1948as Rainha Margarida

The Ed Sullivan Show

1948as Self

Girlfriends

1978as Beatrice

Lux Video Theatre

as Julie

The Linguini Incident

1991as Miracle

Letter to Loretta

as Louise Reynard

Dynasty

1981

Tempest

1958as Catherine II

Dark City

1950as Victoria Winant

The Exorcist III

1990as Nurse X

A Wedding

1978as Ingrid Hellstrom

Sylvia

1965as Irma Olanski

The Damned

1962as Freya Neilson

Coming Apart

1969as Monica

The Halliday Brand

1957as Aleta Burris

Brainstorm

1965as Dr. Elizabeth Larstadt

Freckled Max and the Spooks

1987as Baronka

The Hand

1981as Psychologist

Weddings and Babies

1960as Bea

Backfire

1950as Lysa Radoff

Last Summer in the Hamptons

1995as Helena Mora

The Ann Jillian Story

1988as Ann's Mother

Naked City

1958as Lulu Kronen

Bell from Hell

1974as Marta

The F.B.I.

1965as Eva Bolen

Exiled in America

1992as Dr. Helena Lindenhaim

Suspense

Welcome to L.A.

1976as Susan Moore

Silent Madness

1984as Mrs. Collins

Zandalee

1991as Tatta

Cauldron of Blood

1968as Tania Badulescu

Voices

1979as Mrs. Lemon

Backstreet Justice

1994as Mrs. Robovit