Björn Andrésen, “Death in Venice” Star, Dies at 70

Swedish actor and musician Björn Andrésen, who rose to international prominence as a teen star in Luchino Visconti’s 1971 drama “Death in Venice,” has passed away at the age of 70. His death, which occurred on October 25, 2025, was announced by Kristian Petri and Kristina Lindström, co-directors of the 2021 documentary “The Most Beautiful Boy in the World,” which explored the profound and often traumatic impact of his early fame.

The Legacy of Tadzio: “Death in Venice”

Björn Andrésen was just 15 years old when he was cast as Tadzio in Visconti’s cinematic adaptation of Thomas Mann’s novella. The film depicted an older composer, played by Dirk Bogarde, who becomes obsessed with the striking beauty of the young Polish boy during a stay in Venice.

Visconti’s search for the “most beautiful boy in the world” to embody the ethereal Tadzio led him across Europe, culminating in his discovery of Andrésen in Stockholm. At the film’s premiere, Visconti famously bestowed this title upon Andrésen, a label that, while bringing overnight stardom, would come to define and, at times, overshadow much of his life.

The role catapulted Andrésen into an intense spotlight. Film historian Lawrence J. Quirk once noted that some shots of Andrésen “could be extracted from the frame and hung on the walls of the Louvre or the Vatican,” highlighting the immense aesthetic impact of his portrayal.

“The Most Beautiful Boy in the World”: A Deeper Look

Andrésen’s experiences during and after “Death in Venice” were complex and often challenging, as detailed in the critically acclaimed 2021 documentary “The Most Beautiful Boy in the World.” The film, co-directed by Kristian Petri and Kristina Lindström, offered a raw and intimate portrait of a life shaped by early objectification and the pressures of sudden fame.

In interviews and through the documentary, Andrésen spoke candidly about his discomfort during the filming and the subsequent promotional activities. He recalled feeling sexualized during his audition when asked to remove his shirt, and later described being taken to gay clubs by Visconti at just 16, an experience he found deeply unsettling. He bluntly stated that the movie “screwed up my life quite decently” and that he felt like an “exotic animal in a cage” after its release.

The documentary also highlighted his traumatic childhood, including the loss of his mother to suicide at age 10, and how his grandmother encouraged his entry into modeling and acting with aspirations of a celebrity in the family.

Life Beyond Venice: Music, Japan, and Later Roles

Following the sensation of “Death in Venice,” Andrésen’s life took several unexpected turns. He spent a significant period in Japan, where the film had been a major hit, becoming a pop star and model. His image became pervasive in the youth market, appearing in fashion magazines, billboards, and television commercials, cementing his status as a cultural idol and influencing the ‘Bishōnen’ aesthetic in manga and anime.

Despite this unique period of fame, Andrésen’s true passion lay in music; he was an accomplished pianist and musician, often touring with the Sven Erics dance band. His acting career continued for decades, primarily in Swedish films and television series, accumulating over 30 appearances.

In his later years, Andrésen gained renewed international attention with a small but memorable role in Ari Aster’s 2019 horror film “Midsommar,” where he played an elderly man. He expressed a wry appreciation for the role, humorously stating that “being killed in a horror movie is every boy’s dream.”

Andrésen’s personal life was marked by further tragedy, including a battle with substance abuse and the devastating loss of his infant son, Elvin, to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which led to a long depression. He is survived by his daughter, Robine.

Conclusion

Björn Andrésen’s life was a testament to the unpredictable trajectory of early stardom and the enduring personal cost of public image. From being proclaimed “the most beautiful boy in the world” to navigating a complex life marked by both artistic pursuits and profound personal struggles, his journey was a poignant reflection on beauty, identity, and the shadows that can accompany fame. His passing at 70 closes a unique chapter in cinematic history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to spark conversations about exploitation, resilience, and the human experience behind the iconic image.