“Most Beautiful Boy in the World,” Dies at 70 After Cancer
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Swedish actor and musician Björn Andrésen has died at the age of 70, reportedly after battling cancer. He became internationally famous at just 15 when director Luchino Visconti cast him as Tadzio in the 1971 film Death in Venice, earning him the label “the most beautiful boy in the world.”
A Star Born Too Young
Andrésen was born in Stockholm in January 1955. His rise to fame was intense and swift: Visconti discovered him through photographs and cast him in Death in Venice, where his beauty and mystery captured global attention.
Yet that early recognition came at a cost. Over the decades, he spoke openly about how the notoriety and objectification of his youth haunted him. In interviews, he described the experience as traumatic, saying he felt like “an exotic animal in a cage.”
Career, Struggles & Later Life
Andrésen’s professional life was uneven. While he appeared in over 30 films and TV shows in Sweden and beyond, many roles were overshadowed by comparisons to Tadzio. He also pursued music and other creative work.
He suffered personal tragedies, too. With his ex-wife Susanna Roman, he had two children: a daughter, Robine, and a son, Elvin, who died as an infant. The loss deeply affected him, contributing to long periods of depression.
In recent years, his life receded from the spotlight until the 2021 documentary The Most Beautiful Boy in the World, which revisited his story—both the public adoration and the private pain.
The Final Chapter & Legacy
Andrésen died on October 25, 2025. While some sources report cancer as the cause, official announcements have not confirmed all medical details.
His passing sparked tributes from across the film world and beyond, remembering both his haunting beauty and the artist who fought to reclaim his narrative. Filmmakers, critics, and fans reflected on how his life underscores the dangers of idolizing youth and the emotional toll of early fame.
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