Who was Max von Sydow?

Max von Sydow (1929-2020) was a Swedish actor known for his roles in Ingmar Bergman 's films. His career spanned more than half a century. Von Sydow's film debut was in 1949, but he gained recognition for his role as a knight playing chess with Death in Bergman's The Seventh Seal (1957). He appeared in other Bergman films, including The Virgin Spring , Winter Light , and Shame . Von Sydow also acted in American films, such as The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and The Exorcist (1973). Later in his career, he received an Oscar nomination for Pelle the Conqueror (1988) and appeared in films like Minority Report (2002), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and the TV series Game of Thrones (2016).

Where was Max von Sydow from?

Max von Sydow, the Swedish actor renowned for his roles in Ingmar Bergman 's films, was born in Lund, Sweden, on April 10, 1929. He established himself as a promising young actor in various municipal theatres from 1951 to 1962 before gaining international recognition. Sydow's career included roles in Swedish and American films, showcasing his versatility and contributing significantly to international cinema.

What kind of roles did Max von Sydow often play?

Max von Sydow was a Swedish actor known for his roles in the films of Ingmar Bergman, often portraying dour, brooding characters. In Det sjunde inseglet ( The Seventh Seal ), he played a gaunt knight engaged in a chess game with Death. Von Sydow also took on a variety of roles in American films, including Jesus Christ in The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and a missionary in Hawaii (1966). Later in his career, he played mostly minor character roles, though he had memorable performances in Never Say Never Again (1983), Dreamscape (1984), and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). His role in Pelle erovraren ( Pelle the Conqueror ) revived his career.

In which famous movies did Max von Sydow appear?

Max von Sydow, a Swedish actor born on April 10, 1929, gained recognition for his roles in Ingmar Bergman 's films, such as The Seventh Seal (1957), where he played a knight in a chess match with Death. Von Sydow also appeared in American films, including The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), The Exorcist (1973), Three Days of the Condor (1976), Never Say Never Again (1983), and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). Later in his career, he starred in Pelle the Conqueror (1988), Awakenings (1990), Minority Report (2002), The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and the TV series Game of Thrones (2016).

How did Max von Sydow contribute to world cinema?

Max von Sydow, born Carl Adolf von Sydow, (1929-2020) was a Swedish actor known for his collaborations with director Ingmar Bergman . His performances in Bergman's films, such as The Seventh Seal (1957), significantly contributed to the gloomy atmosphere and spiritual complexity characteristic of Bergman’s work. Beyond his work with Bergman, von Sydow appeared in American films, including The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and The Exorcist (1973). His career experienced a resurgence in 1988 with his Oscar-nominated performance in Pelle the Conqueror , leading to roles in films like Awakenings (1990) and Minority Report (2002). In the 21st century, he appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and the TV series Game of Thrones .

What awards or honors did Max von Sydow receive during his acting career?

Max von Sydow, a Swedish actor known for his roles in Ingmar Bergman 's films, received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Pelle the Conqueror (1988). He later earned a second Oscar nomination for his supporting role in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011).

Max von Sydow

Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images

Max von Sydow and Birgitta Valberg in a dramatic outdoor scene from The Virgin Spring, with Valberg holding and kissing a young woman's face as von Sydow looks on.

Max von Sydow and Harriet Andersson in Through a Glass Darkly

Max von Sydow and Birgitta Pettersson in The Virgin Spring

Max von Sydow as Antonius Block and Bengt Ekerot as Death play chess outdoors in a scene from Ingmar Bergman's film The Seventh Seal, with a wagon in the background.

Black-and-white promotional photo for The Quiller Memorandum showing George Segal standing behind Senta Berger and Max von Sydow, all looking slightly upward.

Quick Facts

Original name:: Carl Adolf von Sydow

Born:: April 10, 1929, Lund, Sweden

Died:: March 8, 2020 (aged 90)

Notable Works:: “Through a Glass Darkly”

Married To:: Christina Olin (1951–1979); Catherine Brelet (married 1997)

Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In):: "Screen One" (1997); "Pelle erobreren" (1987); "Victory" (1981); "Rätten att älska" (1956); "Här har du ditt liv" (1966); "Non ho sonno" (2001); "L'inchiesta" (2006); "En passion" (1969); "Gösta Berlings saga" (1986); "Det sjunde inseglet" (1957); "Ägget är löst! En hårdkokt saga" (1975); "Bara en mor" (1949); "Jerusalem" (1996); "Truck Stop" (1996); "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" (2015); "Un homme et son chien" (2008); "The Last Place on Earth" (1985); "Never Say Never Again" (1983); "The Kremlin Letter" (1970); "La mort en direct" (1980); "Atlanten" (1995); "Morfars resa" (1993); "Quo Vadis?" (1985); "En frusen dröm" (1997); "Judge Dredd" (1995); "Cadaveri eccellenti" (1976); "Steppenwolf" (1974); "Oxen" (1991); "Såsom i en spegel" (1961); "Cuore di cane" (1976); "Nattvardsgästerna" (1963); "What Dreams May Come" (1998); "Vercingétorix" (2001); "Branded" (2012); "Exorcist II: The Heretic" (1977); "Oviri" (1986); "Father" (1990); "4 x 4" (1965); "Game of Thrones" (2016); "Solomon" (1997); "Bis ans Ende der Welt" (1991); "Three Days of the Condor" (1975); "Il pentito" (1985); "Oscar et la dame rose" (2009); "Nära livet" (1958); "Solomon Kane" (2009); "The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew" (1983); "Le cercle des passions" (1983); "Snow Falling on Cedars" (1999); "Mio caro dottor Gräsler" (1990); "The Fascination" (1985); "Nils Holgerssons underbara resa" (1962); "Embassy" (1972); "March or Die" (1977); "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" (1993); "Professione fantasma" (1998); "Dreamscape" (1984); "Rush Hour 3" (2007); "Prästen i Uddarbo" (1957); "Ingen mans kvinna" (1953); "Vargtimmen" (1968); "Ansiktet" (1958); "Smultronstället" (1957); "Den goda viljan" (1991); "The Night Visitor" (1971); "Jungfrukällan" (1960); "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" (2011); "Heidi" (2005); "The Exorcist" (1973); "Needful Things" (1993); "Nybyggarna" (1972); "Il deserto dei tartari" (1976); "Emotional Arithmetic" (2007); "Den goda viljan" (1992); "Voyage of the Damned" (1976); "Kvartetten som sprängdes" (1973); "Hamsun" (1996); "The Touch" (1971); "Bröllopsdagen" (1960); "The Ultimate Warrior" (1975); "Jugando con la muerte" (1982); "Les premiers les derniers" (2016); "Foxtrot" (1976); "Hurricane" (1979); "Äppelkriget" (1971); "Moomins and the Comet Chase" (2010); "Una vita scellerata" (1990); "Christopher Columbus" (1985); "Conan the Barbarian" (1982); "Europa" (1991); "Flash Gordon" (1980); "Familjen Schedblad" (1988); "A Kiss Before Dying" (1991); "Fröken Julie" (1951); "Awakenings" (1990); "Gran bollito" (1979); "Les amants de Mogador" (2002); "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986); "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965); "The Second Victory" (1987); "The Quiller Memorandum" (1966); "Le scaphandre et le papillon" (2007); "The Letters" (2014); "The Simpsons" (2014); "Hawaii" (1966); "Trompe l'oeil" (1975); "Dune" (1984); "Radetzkymarsch" (1994); "Robin Hood" (2010); "Made in Sweden" (1969); "Dotkniecie reki" (1992); "Utvandrarna" (1971); "The Tudors" (2009); "Duet for One" (1986); "Code Name: Emerald" (1985); "The Command" (2018); "Intacto" (2001); "Carl Jung: Wisdom of the Dream" (1989); "Älskarinnan" (1962); "Spion 503" (1958); "Shutter Island" (2010); "Ingenjör Andrées luftfärd" (1982); "Bugie bianche" (1979); "Minority Report" (2002); "I havsbandet" (1971); "The Soldier's Tale" (1984); "Svarta palmkronor" (1968); "Time Is Money" (1994); "Nuremberg" (2000); "The Reward" (1965); "Skammen" (1968); "Brass Target" (1978)

Max von Sydow

Swedish actor

Also known as: Carl Adolf von Sydow

Written and fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Sep. 24, 2026 •History

Top Questions

Who was Max von Sydow?
Max von Sydow (1929-2020) was a Swedish actor known for his roles in Ingmar Bergman's films. His career spanned more than half a century.

Von Sydow's film debut was in 1949, but he gained recognition for his role as a knight playing chess with Death in Bergman's The Seventh Seal (1957). He appeared in other Bergman films, including The Virgin Spring, Winter Light, and Shame.

Von Sydow also acted in American films, such as The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and The Exorcist (1973). Later in his career, he received an Oscar nomination for Pelle the Conqueror (1988) and appeared in films like Minority Report (2002), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and the TV series Game of Thrones (2016).
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Where was Max von Sydow from?
Max von Sydow, the Swedish actor renowned for his roles in Ingmar Bergman's films, was born in Lund, Sweden, on April 10, 1929. He established himself as a promising young actor in various municipal theatres from 1951 to 1962 before gaining international recognition. Sydow's career included roles in Swedish and American films, showcasing his versatility and contributing significantly to international cinema.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What kind of roles did Max von Sydow often play?
Max von Sydow was a Swedish actor known for his roles in the films of Ingmar Bergman, often portraying dour, brooding characters. In Det sjunde inseglet (The Seventh Seal), he played a gaunt knight engaged in a chess game with Death.

Von Sydow also took on a variety of roles in American films, including Jesus Christ in The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and a missionary in Hawaii (1966). Later in his career, he played mostly minor character roles, though he had memorable performances in Never Say Never Again (1983), Dreamscape (1984), and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). His role in Pelle erovraren (Pelle the Conqueror) revived his career.
2 Britannica Sources
1. Max von Sydow
2. Max von Sydow: Facts & Related Content
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
In which famous movies did Max von Sydow appear?
Max von Sydow, a Swedish actor born on April 10, 1929, gained recognition for his roles in Ingmar Bergman's films, such as The Seventh Seal (1957), where he played a knight in a chess match with Death.

Von Sydow also appeared in American films, including The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), The Exorcist (1973), Three Days of the Condor (1976), Never Say Never Again (1983), and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). Later in his career, he starred in Pelle the Conqueror (1988), Awakenings (1990), Minority Report (2002), The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and the TV series Game of Thrones (2016).
2 Britannica Sources
1. Max von Sydow
2. Max von Sydow: Facts & Related Content
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How did Max von Sydow contribute to world cinema?
Max von Sydow, born Carl Adolf von Sydow, (1929-2020) was a Swedish actor known for his collaborations with director Ingmar Bergman. His performances in Bergman's films, such as The Seventh Seal (1957), significantly contributed to the gloomy atmosphere and spiritual complexity characteristic of Bergman’s work.

Beyond his work with Bergman, von Sydow appeared in American films, including The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and The Exorcist (1973). His career experienced a resurgence in 1988 with his Oscar-nominated performance in Pelle the Conqueror, leading to roles in films like Awakenings (1990) and Minority Report (2002). In the 21st century, he appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and the TV series Game of Thrones.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What awards or honors did Max von Sydow receive during his acting career?
Max von Sydow, a Swedish actor known for his roles in Ingmar Bergman's films, received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Pelle the Conqueror (1988). He later earned a second Oscar nomination for his supporting role in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011).
2 Britannica Sources
1. Max von Sydow
2. Max von Sydow: Facts & Related Content
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Max von Sydow (born April 10, 1929, Lund, Sweden—died March 8, 2020) was a Swedish actor who was perhaps best known for his dour brooding characterizations in the films of the Swedish director Ingmar Bergman.

Interested in the theatre from childhood, von Sydow studied at the Royal Dramatic Theatre School in Stockholm (1948–51). He established his reputation as one of Sweden’s most promising young actors at the Norrköping-Linköping Municipal Theatre (1951–53). He then gained popularity at the Municipal Theatre in Helsingborg (1953–55), the Municipal Theatre of Malmö (1955–60), and the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm (1960–62), where he appeared in productions as varied as William Shakespeare’s King John and Arthur Miller’s After the Fall.

Von Sydow made his film debut in a minor part in 1949. His first Bergman film was the allegory Det sjunde inseglet (1957; The Seventh Seal), in which he portrayed a gaunt knight who plays a game of chess with Death. Von Sydow’s aloof presence and the spiritual complexity of the characters he portrayed contributed significantly to the gloomy atmosphere and ambiguity characteristic of Bergman’s films. Other Bergman films in which von Sydow appeared include Ansiktet (1958; British title, The Face; American title, The Magician), Jungfrukällan (1960; The Virgin Spring), Sasom i en spegel (1961; Through a Glass Darkly), Nattvardsgästerna (1963; Winter Light), Skammen (1968; Shame), and En passion (1969; The Passion of Anna).

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*The Exorcist*Jason Miller (left) and Max von Sydow in *The Exorcist* (1973).

During the height of his career in Sweden, von Sydow also appeared in a number of American films, portraying Christ in The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and a fanatical missionary in Hawaii (1966). His subsequent English-language films included The Exorcist (1973), Voyage of the Damned (1976), and Three Days of the Condor (1976). In 1982 he appeared in the Swedish film Ingenjör Andrées luftfärd (The Flight of the Eagle).

Von Sydow’s career took a downturn in the 1980s when he appeared mostly in insignificant character roles. He had memorable moments in films such as Never Say Never Again (1983), Dreamscape (1984), and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), but not until 1988 did he revive his career with an Oscar-nominated performance in Pelle erovraren (Pelle the Conqueror). After that he turned in fine performances in numerous international films, including the American productions Awakenings (1990), A Kiss Before Dying (1991), What Dreams May Come (1998), and Snow Falling on Cedars (1999).

At the beginning of the 21st century, von Sydow appeared in such films as Minority Report (2002) and Le Scaphandre et le papillon (2007; The Diving Bell and the Butterfly). His supporting turn in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011) earned him a second Oscar nomination. He played a priest in The Letters (2014), a Mother Teresa biopic. In 2015 von Sydow joined the cast of the sci-fi epic Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the following year he portrayed the Three-Eyed Raven in the HBO TV series Game of Thrones. His later movies included The Command (2018; also called Kursk).

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Max von Sydow

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