Born in Tokyo on December 16, 1938, to a Norwegian engineer father, Liv Ullmann spent her childhood traversing the globe, experiencing life in Canada, New York, and Oslo. This nomadic upbringing preceded her illustrious stage debut in the mid-1950s and her film debut in 1957. Ullmann's career catapulted to international acclaim through her collaborations with legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman, notably in masterpieces like "Persona" and "The Passion of Anna." Her profound performances and unique life experiences have solidified her as a revered figure in the world of cinema.
Early Life and Career
Liv Ullmann's global upbringing, marked by cultural richness and diverse experiences, laid the groundwork for her nuanced understanding of human emotions and relationships, a theme that resonates deeply in her acting career. Her early exposure to various cultures likely played a role in shaping her artistic sensibilities.
Ullmann's journey into the world of professional acting began with her stage debut in the mid-1950s. This pivotal moment set the stage for her film debut in 1957, marking the start of a career that would see her become one of the most celebrated actors of her time. Her first major success came through her collaboration with Ingmar Bergman, particularly in the film "Persona" (1966), which not only established her as a formidable talent but also began a series of collaborations with Bergman that would define a significant part of her career.
The role that truly catapulted Ullmann into stardom was in "The Passion of Anna" (1969), again under Bergman's direction. This film, along with others like "Cries and Whispers" and "Face to Face", not only cemented her status as a leading actor in the international film community but also showcased her ability to portray complex, introspective characters.
Over the years, Ullmann has been the recipient of numerous awards and nominations, including two Oscar nominations, which underline her significant contributions to the film industry. These accolades are a testament to the depth and range of her performances across various roles and projects.
In her personal life, Ullmann has been married, most notably to Donald Saunders, but they eventually divorced. She has a daughter, Linn Ullmann, an acclaimed author, indicating that the artistic talent runs in the family. Apart from her acting career, Ullmann is known for her interests in humanitarian causes, reflecting her deep commitment to social issues.
Ullmann is also recognized for her skills behind the camera, having made a successful transition to directing. Her directorial endeavors have been praised for their sensitivity and insight, further demonstrating her multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
Despite being a private person, Ullmann’s influence and impact on Hollywood and the global entertainment industry are undeniable. She stands as an icon and a legend, not just for her remarkable acting skills but also for her contributions as a director and her commitment to humanitarian causes. Her ability to convey the complexities of the human condition, coupled with her international upbringing and experiences, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Ullmann's legacy is characterized by her profound impact on the craft of acting and her enduring influence on generations of actors and filmmakers.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Nine Perfect Strangers (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 2012 | Two Lives | Ase Evensen |
| 2009 | Angry Man (Short) | Mother (English version, voice) |
| 2008 | Through a Glass, Darkly | Mormor |
| 2006 | The Danish Poet (Short) | Narrator (voice) |
| 2003 | Saraband | Marianne |
| 1994 | Zorn | Emma Zorn |
| 1994 | Drømspel | Ticket Seller |
| 1992 | The Long Shadow | Katherine |
| 1991 | The Ox | Maria Gustavsson |
| 1991 | Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (Short) | Narrator (voice) |
| 1990 | Mindwalk | Sonia Hoffman |
| 1989 | The Rose Garden | Gabriele Schlüter-Freund |
| 1988 | Gli indifferenti (TV Movie) | Maria Grazia |
| 1988 | The Girlfriend | María |
| 1987 | Gaby: A True Story | Sari |
| 1987 | Mosca addio | Ida Nudel |
| 1986 | Speriamo che sia femmina | Elena |
| 1984 | The Bay Boy | Jenny Campbell |
| 1984 | Dangerous Moves | Marina Fromm |
| 1983 | Jenny (TV Mini Series) | Jenny |
| 1983 | The Wild Duck | Gina |
| 1983 | Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number (TV Movie) | Mrs. Timerman |
| 1980 | Richard's Things | Kate Morris |
| 1979 | Fruen fra havet (TV Movie) | Ellida Wangel |
| 1979 | Players | Wimbledon Tennis Spectator (uncredited) |
| 1978 | Autumn Sonata | Eva |
| 1977 | The Serpent's Egg | Manuela Rosenberg |
| 1977 | A Bridge Too Far | Kate Ter Horst |
| 1976 | Face to Face (TV Mini Series) | Jenny Isaksson |
| 1976 | Face to Face | Jenny Isaksson |
| 1975 | Leonor | Leonor |
| 1975 | The Magic Flute | Woman in Audience (uncredited) |
| 1974 | The Abdication | Queen Christina |
| 1974 | Scenes from a Marriage | Marianne |
| 1974 | Zandy's Bride | Hannah Lund |
| 1973 | Kallelsen (Short) | (voice) |
| 1973 | 40 Carats | Ann Stanley |
| 1973 | Scenes from a Marriage (TV Mini Series) | Marianne |
| 1973 | Lost Horizon | Catherine |
| 1972 | Cries & Whispers | Agnes' sister | Maria |
| 1972 | Pope Joan | Pope Joan |
| 1972 | The New Land | Kristina |
| 1971 | The Emigrants | Kristina |
| 1971 | The Night Visitor | Ester Jenks |
| 1970 | Cold Sweat | Fabienne Martin |
| 1969 | The Passion of Anna | Anna Fromm | Self |
| 1969 | An-Magritt | An-Magritt |
| 1968 | Shame | Eva Rosenberg |
| 1968 | Hour of the Wolf | Alma Borg |
| 1967 | Cocktailparty (TV Movie) | Celia |
| 1966 | Persona | Elisabet Vogler |
| 1966 | En hyggelig fyr (TV Movie) | Mabel |
| 1965 | Smeltedigelen (TV Movie) | Mary Warren |
| 1965 | De kalte ham Skarven | Ragna |
| 1964 | Møte med 'Pæra' (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1963 | Onkel Vanja (TV Movie) | Sonja |
| 1962 | Short Is the Summer | Eva |
| 1962 | Tonny | Kari |
| 1959 | The Wayward Girl | Gerd |
| 1957 | Fools in the Mountains | Hotellgjest (uncredited) |
