Björn Andrésen Death: ‘Death in Venice’ Actor Dies at 70

Swedish actor Björn Andrésen has died. He was 70 years old. The news was confirmed by documentary co-director Kristian Petri.

Andrésen was best known for his role in the 1971 film Death in Venice. His death occurred on Saturday, according to Swedish media.

A Life Shaped by Early Fame and Tragedy

Andrésen was only 15 when he starred in Luchino Visconti’s Death in Venice. He played Tadzio, a teenage boy who becomes the object of an older man’s obsession. The role catapulted him to international fame.

At the film’s premiere, Visconti called him “the most beautiful boy in the world.” This label haunted Andrésen for the rest of his life. He later said the title made him feel like an “exotic animal in a cage.”

The actor spoke openly about his difficult experience. He told The Guardian that Visconti never spoke to him again after the film. Andrésen felt the director was a “cultural predator” who sacrificed people for his art.

Documentary Explores a Complex Legacy

The quote “the most beautiful boy in the world” became the title of a 2021 documentary. The film explored Andrésen’s life and the profound impact of his early fame. It won a Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Director Kristian Petri described Andrésen as a brave person. He said the filming process was both fun and painful at times. The documentary also covered the many personal tragedies Andrésen endured.

His mother died by suicide when he was ten years old. Later, his infant son, Elvin, died of sudden infant death syndrome. These events led to a period of deep depression and alcohol abuse for the actor.

Despite the challenges, Andrésen maintained a career in film and music. He appeared in more than 30 movies and TV shows. His final film role was a small part in the 2019 horror movie Midsommar.

The death of Björn Andrésen closes a complex chapter in cinematic history. His story remains a powerful cautionary tale about the cost of early fame and the enduring Björn Andrésen death legacy.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Björn Andrésen’s cause of death?

No cause of death has been publicly released. The announcement was made by a close associate, documentary director Kristian Petri.

What was Björn Andrésen famous for?

He was most famous for his role as Tadzio in the 1971 film *Death in Venice*. The part made him an international star at age 15.

What did Björn Andrésen say about ‘Death in Venice’?

He was critical of the film’s impact on his life. Andrésen stated it “screwed up my life quite decently” and expressed resentment toward the director.

Did Björn Andrésen have other careers?

Yes, he was an accomplished pianist and musician. He also became a pop star in Japan and performed regularly with a Swedish dance band.

What personal tragedies did he face?

His mother died by suicide when he was a child. His infant son later died, which led to a severe personal crisis for the actor.