The 'World's Most Beautiful Boy' Has Died - Björn Andrén, 'Death in Venice' Icon, Dies at 70
Swedish actor and musician Björn Andrén, known for his iconic role in 'Death in Venice', has passed away at the age of 70. He is survived by his ex-wife and daughter. Andrén rose to fame at the age of 15 when he was cast as Tadzio in Luchino Visconti's 'Death in Venice' in 1971. His portrayal of the Polish boy captivating the aging writer Gustav von Aschenbach brought him international recognition as the 'most beautiful boy in the world'. After his breakthrough, Andrén struggled with the pressures of fame, describing it as a 'troublesome shadow'. He fled to Japan to pursue a career in music, where he experienced Beatlemania-like fame. In the 1980s, he returned to Sweden, appearing in films and TV series such as 'Mankell’s Wallander' and 'Midsommar'. Andrén's personal life was marked by tragedy. His son died in 1986 at nine months old from sudden infant death syndrome, leading to the couple's separation. Andrén passed away around October 26, 2025, according to documentary filmmakers Kristina Lindström and Kristian Petri. Björn Andrén, the Swedish actor and musician who left an indelible mark on cinema, has passed away. His legacy as Tadzio in 'Death in Venice' will continue to captivate audiences, while his struggle with fame and personal loss serve as a reminder of the complexities of stardom.
