Björn Andrésen, the Swedish actor who rose to international fame for his role in the 1971 film “Death in Venice,” has passed away at the age of 70. His death was confirmed by close associates, though no specific cause was provided.
Andrésen was only 15 when he was cast by Italian director Luchino Visconti in the adaptation of Thomas Mann’s novella. He portrayed Tadzio, a character whose beauty captivates an older man, played by Dirk Bogarde. The role earned him the label “the most beautiful boy in the world,” a moniker that followed him for decades and reportedly caused him considerable distress.
In later interviews, Andrésen reflected on the profound impact the film had on his life, describing the experience as deeply unsettling. He recounted feeling objectified and uncomfortable during production, particularly recalling an incident at a nightclub when he was 16. He expressed that the director showed little regard for his well-being, and he carried the weight of the role long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Following the success of “Death in Venice,” Andrésen traveled to Japan, where the film had garnered a massive following. There, he pursued a career in music, becoming a pianist and musician, while also modeling and appearing in commercials. Despite his early fame, he described his professional journey as chaotic, noting that his career trajectory was unique in starting at the peak and gradually declining.
Andrésen continued acting in Swedish film and television, appearing in over 30 productions. In 2019, he took on a memorable role in the horror film “Midsommar,” playing a character who meets a dramatic end—a part he reportedly relished.
He was also known for speaking out against the unauthorized use of his image, once objecting to its appearance on the cover of a book without his consent, citing personal principles regarding the portrayal of adolescent figures.
Andrésen is survived by his daughter, Robine. His son, Elvin, predeceased him in infancy.
