Gunnar Björnstrand

Knut Gunnar Johanson, known professionally as Gunnar Björnstrand, was a Swedish actor, born on 13 November 1909, in Stockholm. He was famed for his significant contributions to the film industry and most importantly, his frequent collaborations with legendary writer and director Ingmar Bergman. Björnstrand's career began at the prestigious Royal Dramatic Theatre's acting school. His first major film role was in 1943's 'Natt i hamn', and his initial collaborations with Ingmar Bergman were mostly confined to comedic roles in films like 'Smiles of a Summer Night' (1955). However, 1957 marked a turning point when he executed two dramatic roles in Bergman's 'The Seventh Seal' and 'Wild Strawberries', cementing his versatility. His latter career was marked by a shift towards theatre and television after the consequences of a stroke.

In his career, Björnstrand had numerous accolades, including winning the Ingmar Bergman Award at the 19th Guldbagge Awards ceremony in 1983. He was married to actress and writer Lillie Björnstrand, with whom he fathered three daughters. Apart from his acting career, Björnstrand was also politically active. A dedicated Roman Catholic, he participated in protests against the Vietnam War. His death, on 24 May 1986, marked the end of a rich and prolific career shaped by his irrepressible talent and versatile roles across various genres.