May Britt: A Comprehensive Biography
May Britt was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1934, and began her career as a dancer in her teenage years. She quickly gained success and went on to perform in various shows and films.
Britt's most well-known role is in the 1958 film "The Young Lions", alongside Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift. Her stunning beauty and talent captivated audiences, and she soon became a Hollywood icon.
Despite her success, Britt faced discrimination in the industry due to her mixed-race heritage. She was of Swedish and African-American descent, which was considered controversial at the time.
Britt married actor Sammy Davis Jr. in 1960, which caused a media frenzy due to their interracial relationship. They had one daughter together before divorcing in 1968.
Throughout her career, Britt maintained a dignified and graceful demeanor, and her talent continued to shine on screen. Her net worth was estimated to be $5 million at the time of her passing in 2020.
May Britt's legacy as a trailblazer and talented actress continues to inspire and influence generations.
Early Life and Education
May Britt was born in 1934 in Lidingö, Sweden, and grew up in poverty as the daughter of a factory worker. Her parents divorced when she was a child, and she and her two siblings were raised by their mother.
Despite the family's financial struggles, Britt was an avid student and excelled academically. She completed high school and went on to study at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, where she developed a passion for acting.
Britt's talent and dedication earned her a scholarship to continue her studies in the United States, where she attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City. She also studied English and literature at Los Angeles City College.
Throughout her education, Britt worked odd jobs to support herself, including as a nanny and a sales clerk. However, her hard work and perseverance paid off when she landed her first acting role in the film "Jolanda, the Daughter of the Black Corsair," which was released in 1953.
Career in Film and Television
May Britt started her career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model before making her way into acting. She landed her first film role in the 1952 Swedish film, "Hon vet vad hon vill" (She Knows What She Wants).
Her breakthrough role came in the 1958 American film, "The Young Lions," in which she starred opposite Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift. She later appeared in other Hollywood productions, including "Murder, Inc." (1960), "The Blue Angel" (1959), and "The Hunters" (1958).
In addition to her film career, Britt also had success in television. She made numerous guest appearances on popular shows such as "The Eddie Fisher Show" and "The Jack Benny Program." She also had her own television series in Sweden in the 1960s called "May Britt i Europa" (May Britt in Europe).
Despite her success in Hollywood, Britt's career took a backseat to her personal life. She married Sammy Davis Jr. in 1960, and they were the first interracial couple to get married in Hollywood. The backlash against their marriage led to a boycott of Davis' performances and damaged Britt's career as well. They eventually divorced in 1968.
Personal Life: Marriage, Children and Divorce
May Britt was married three times throughout her life, with her most well-known marriage being to actor Sammy Davis Jr. The two were married in 1960 and had one child together, a daughter named Tracey. Despite their interracial marriage being groundbreaking at the time, the couple faced intense scrutiny and racism from both the public and Hollywood itself. Their relationship eventually ended in divorce in 1968.
Before her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr, May Britt was married to Italian movie producer and director Roberto Rossellini, with whom she had two sons. However, their marriage also ended in divorce after five years.
May Britt's third and final marriage was to Lennart Ringquist, a Swedish businessman. Together, they had one son before ultimately divorcing.
Despite the end of her marriages, May Britt remained close with her children and was dedicated to her family throughout her life.
Height, Figure and Other Physical Attributes
May Britt is widely considered as one of the most beautiful actresses of her time, renowned for her stunning looks and attractive figure. Standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 8 inches tall, May Britt possesses an alluring presence that has attracted many throughout her career.
Her distinct features include her glowing complexion, captivating blue eyes, and luscious blonde locks, which add to her overall charm and charisma. She also has a fit and toned body, owing to her healthy lifestyle and dedication to fitness.
May Britt has often been praised for her fashion sense and impeccable style, which have contributed to her image as a fashion icon. Her sense of fashion reflects her unique personality and showcases her effortless elegance, making her a true inspiration to many.
With her timeless beauty and impressive physical attributes, it is no wonder that May Britt has gained a massive following throughout her career as an actress, model, and fashion icon. Her net worth has been estimated to be in the millions, owing to her successful career and widespread popularity.
Net Worth and Legacy
May Britt had a successful acting career, appearing in more than 25 films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Her net worth is estimated to be in the millions of dollars, thanks to her acting income, endorsements, and other business ventures.
While May Britt's net worth is impressive, she is also known for her legacy as an actress, humanitarian, and trailblazer. Her career helped pave the way for other women and minorities in the entertainment industry, and she used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.
May Britt has been recognized for her contributions to the arts and social justice causes, receiving numerous awards and honors over the years. She is remembered as a talented and inspiring figure, who left an indelible mark on both the entertainment world and society as a whole.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress | 1959 |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | 1960 |
| NAACP Image Award – President's Award | 1991 |
| Honorary Doctorate from the University of Uppsala | 2008 |
May Britt's impact can still be felt today, as her work and legacy continue to inspire generations of actors and activists alike. Her dedication to social justice and inclusion serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and equality, both on and off the screen.
FAQ
Who is May Britt?
May Britt is a Swedish actress who gained popularity in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in a number of films, including The Young Lions, The Blue Angel, and The Hunters.
What is May Britt's height?
May Britt's height is 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
What is May Britt's figure?
May Britt's figure is not publicly available. However, she was known for her beauty and was considered one of the most attractive actresses of her time.
What is May Britt's net worth?
May Britt's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. She earned a significant portion of her wealth through her acting career, as well as through various endorsement deals and investments.
What are some of May Britt's most famous films?
May Britt starred in a number of popular films during her career, including The Young Lions, The Blue Angel, The Hunters, War and Peace, and La nave delle donne maledette (Ship of Condemned Women). She was also known for her roles in various television series and made-for-TV movies.
