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Björn Andrésen, 'Death in Venice' Star Known as 'The Most Beautiful Boy,' Dies at 70

The filmmakers behind the 2021 documentary about him confirmed his death, leaving the cause undisclosed.

Overview

  • Co-directors Kristian Petri and Kristina Lindström told Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter that Andrésen died on Saturday at age 70.
  • Cast at 15 as Tadzio in Luchino Visconti’s 1971 film, he carried the label “the most beautiful boy in the world,” which he later said harmed his life and career.
  • He spoke openly about being sexualized as a minor during and after the film’s promotion, including being taken to a nightclub at 16, and he criticized industry practices.
  • Beyond acting, he was an accomplished pianist who became a pop star in Japan and logged more than 30 screen credits, including a role in 2019’s Midsommar.
  • He endured early family losses and the death of his infant son, struggles he linked to depression and alcohol, and he is survived by his daughter, Robine.