Greta Garbo’s cause of death, confirmed

Greta Garbo remains one of the most iconic actresses in film history, renowned for her remarkable talent and mysterious persona. A Swedish-born star, she began her career in her homeland, training at the Royal Dramatic Training Academy in Stockholm from 1922 to 1924. Her breakout role came in 1924 in The Saga of Gösta Berling, directed by Mauritz Stiller, who became her mentor. The success of the film led to Garbo’s contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), marking the beginning of her Hollywood career.

At just 20 years old, Garbo quickly became one of the most prominent stars of the silent film era. Known for her striking beauty and subtle, nuanced performances, she conveyed deep emotions through small gestures, like a slight furrow of the brow or a soft lowering of the eyelids. Film critic David Denby described her ability to evoke powerful emotions with these minimal movements, calling it one of her most stunning qualities.

When the film industry transitioned to “talkies,” there were concerns that Garbo’s Swedish accent might hinder her success. However, she silenced any doubts with her strong performances, starting with her first speaking role in the 1930 film Agatha Christie and continuing with acclaimed roles in Mata Hari, Grand Hotel, and Camille. Despite the changing landscape of cinema, Garbo’s star continued to shine.

In 1941, Garbo appeared in Two-Faced Woman, a romantic comedy that was met with critical failure. However, the film wasn’t the reason she retired. A combination of factors, including the impact of World War II, her advancing age, and a desire for privacy, led Garbo to step away from the industry. Although she briefly considered returning to the screen, she spent the remainder of her life in New York City, leading a relatively quiet existence. She passed away on April 15, 1990, at the age of 84, due to heart and kidney failure after a long period of health issues, including complications from previous treatments for breast cancer.

Garbo’s legacy lives on through her timeless performances and her ability to maintain an air of mystery throughout her life. Her eccentricities, such as making coffee in a casserole dish and taking long walks, add to her allure, ensuring her place as one of Hollywood’s greatest legends.