David Niven
David Niven (James David Graham Niven) was born on March 1st, 1910. David passed away July 29th, 1983 at 73 years old. David Niven was born in London, England. Niven attended Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
David Niven was a British motion picture and stage actor known for personifying dapper charm. The London native had a rebellious childhood, particularly after the death of his father in the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. Given his headstrong nature, he was expelled from school but would ultimately change his ways and develop the military discipline that characterized his later life and career.
Even though David Niven hated authority, in 1930, he was commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry and served in Dover and Malta. However, he loathed being a soldier in peacetime. Frustrated, he asked one of his generals for the time while delivering a lecture. After being arrested, he managed to escape and fled to the United States.
In the U.S., Niven began acting in bit-part roles before moving up the ranks to secure major roles. By 1938, he was the headliner of
Dawn Patrol and
Raffles, and he became a member of the Hollywood Raj, a group of British actors.
When World War II broke out, David Niven returned to the UK to enlist. He was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade and ultimately the Phantom Signals Unit. During this time, he also acted in
The Way Ahead and
First of the Few, which were wartime propaganda films. On one mission, he wittingly reassured his charges by joking about how he would be enacting the Hollywood experience. By the time the war ended, he had risen through the ranks to become a Lieutenant Colonel.
After the war, he returned to acting and won an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award. In 1967, he was cast in
Casino Royale as James Bond, and despite poor health, he continued to act until 1983 when he filmed his last movie,
Pink Panther. He passed away in 1983, but his legacy as a true gentleman lives on.
The Moon’s a Balloon is a laugh-out-loud and heartfelt account of one of Hollywood's greatest actors. In this biography, Niven recounts how, even as a young man, he lived the good life. He shares his adventures during wartime and his expulsion from school. What makes this work truly special is his account of working with Hollywood's elite, from Noël Coward to Laurence Olivier, and from Elizabeth Taylor to Vivien Leigh.
In 1975, David Niven published
Bring on the Empty Horses, in which he provides insights into life in Hollywood from the 1940s to the 1960s. He showcases the good and the bad among actors, makeup artists, producers, costume designers, cameramen, and directors, down to the lesser-known individuals such as drivers, publicists, and gossip writers. He portrays everything with wistful good humor and no rancor, suggesting that perhaps things were better back then.
David Niven: Lists & Other Mentions
- Bring on the Empty Horses was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1975 and 1976.
Related Authors
The most common authors followed by users who also follow David Niven are:
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
- James Patterson, author of the Alex Cross Series.
- John Grisham, author of the Jake Brigance Series.
- Ken Follett, author of the Kingsbridge Series.
David Niven: F.A.Q
When was David Niven Born?
David Niven was born on March 1st, 1910.
When did David Niven die?
David Niven died on July 29th, 1983 at 73 years old.
Where was David Niven Born?
David Niven was born in London, England.
What was the first book David Niven wrote?
The first book written by David Niven was The Moon's a Balloon, published in 1971.
What was the most recent book David Niven wrote?
His most recently released work was Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly on January 1st, 1981.
How many books has David Niven written?
David Niven has written 3 books. 1 Standalone Novel, 2 books in the Non-Fiction Books.