David Niven

Last updated on the 23 June 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 1 March 1910, Victoria, London, England. 

David Niven, the future Hollywood icon hailed from a well-to-do London family. Though destined for a military path, attending prestigious schools like Sandhurst, a young Niven harboured a secret desire – acting. This dream simmered beneath the surface of his regimented education, finally bubbling over when he landed a bit part as an extra in a British film. The taste of the stage proved irresistible, and Niven, with a touch of his trademark debonair charm, resigned his commission and set sail for Hollywood in 1933.

Early days in Hollywood were a struggle. Niven, with his upper-class British background, found himself typecast in minor roles. Yet, his persistence and undeniable charisma began to shine through. Films like “Dawn Patrol” (1938) and “Wuthering Heights” (1939) showcased his talent, establishing him as a reliable leading man, particularly adept at light comedies.

His career trajectory was interrupted by World War II. Answering the call of duty, Niven rejoined the British Army, this time serving with distinction in commando units. His wartime experiences, marked by bravery and leadership, would forever temper his on-screen persona.

After the war, Niven returned to Hollywood a changed man. While his comedic timing remained impeccable, as seen in films like “The Pink Panther” (1963), a newfound depth emerged in his performances. He tackled dramatic roles with aplomb, most notably in “Separate Tables” (1958). This brilliant portrayal of a down-on-his-luck Major earned him an Academy Award.

Niven’s personal life was as colourful as his film career. Married twice, he fathered four children. Despite the trappings of Hollywood stardom, he remained grounded, his dry wit and self-deprecating humour earning him a reputation as a charming raconteur. He penned several memoirs, including the bestselling “The Moon’s a Balloon,” offering a glimpse into his life beyond the silver screen.

David Niven’s legacy extends far beyond his awards and box office success. He embodied a certain kind of British gentleman – witty, sophisticated and ever so slightly self-deprecating. His war service added a layer of gravitas, making him a true leading man in every sense of the word. Whether charming audiences in comedies or delivering powerful dramatic performances, David Niven left an indelible mark on Hollywood history. Even after his passing in 1983, his films continue to entertain and inspire, a testament to the enduring talent of this remarkable actor.

WINNER | Best Actor for Separate Tables (1958)

The Way Ahead (1944)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.9

World War II transforms a group of ordinary civilians into soldiers. Under a strict but supportive officer, they overcome their initial resistance and forge a bond. Shipped to North Africa, these unlikely comrades face the ultimate test of their newfound courage and loyalty.

Top cast: David Niven, Stanley Holloway, James Donald, John Laurie, Leslie Dwyer, Hugh Burden, Jimmy Hanley, William Hartnell, Reginald Tate, Leo Genn.

A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0

A bomber pilot, presumed dead, finds himself inexplicably alive and falls for a radio operator. A heavenly error leads to a celestial trial where he must plead his case, using love and the beauty of life as his defense.

Top cast: David Niven, Kim Hunter, Robert Coote, Kathleen Byron, Richard Attenborough, Bonar Colleano, Joan Maude, Marius Goring, Roger Livesey, Raymond Massey.

Spitfire (1942)

Bftv 8.5  / IMDb 7.0

Original title: The First of the Few

Visionary designer (R. J. Mitchell), facing illness, races against time to create a revolutionary fighter plane. His dedication inspires pilots who, wielding this technological marvel, become the bulwark against an encroaching enemy.

Top cast: Leslie Howard, David Niven, Rosamund John, Roland Culver, Anne Firth, David Horne, J.H. Roberts, Derrick De Marney, Rosalyn Boulter.

The Guns of Navarone (1961)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

A desperate mission: a crack team of specialists, including a reluctant bomb expert and a gruff Greek captain, infiltrate a heavily fortified island. Their objective: silence the powerful guns that threaten a vital Allied rescue operation, all while facing danger, betrayal and the ticking clock of war.

Top cast: David Niven, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Anthony Quayle, Stanley Baker, James Darren, Irene Papas, Gia Scala, James Robertson Justice, Richard Harris.

The Best of Enemies (1961)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.7

Stranded in the Ethiopian desert during WWII, a resourceful British major and a cunning Italian captain, on opposing sides of the conflict, develop an unlikely camaraderie amidst the harsh landscape, forced to rely on each other for survival.

Top cast: David Niven, Alberto Sordi, Amedeo Nazzari, Michael Wilding, Harry Andrews, David Opatoshu, Aldo Giuffrè.

The Pink Panther (1963)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0

A bumbling French inspector races to snag a notorious jewel thief targeting a priceless pink diamond. Their pursuit unfolds amidst romantic intrigue and hilarious blunders, with the fate of the gem and the inspector’s career hanging in the balance.

Top cast: Peter Sellers, David Niven, Robert Wagner, Capucine, Brenda de Banzie, Colin Gordon, John Le Mesurier, James Lanphier.

The Love Lottery (1954)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 5.4

A harried movie star seeks refuge in a quiet Italian village, only to be unknowingly auctioned off as the prize in a global lottery for marriage. As a whirlwind of female admirers descends, he finds himself falling for someone unexpected, leading to a scramble for true love.

Top cast: David Niven, Peggy Cummins, Anne Vernon, Herbert Lom, Charles Victor, Gordon Jackson, Felix Aylmer, Hugh McDermott.

David Niven full filmography @ Wikipedia