Trivia of Greta Garbo

Trivia of Greta Garbo

*When she came to America in 1925, Garbo didn’t know any English. Although she eventually learned the language, her heavy accent and deep voice made MGM executives hesitant to transition her from a silent film actress to one who spoke. In 1930, though, she appeared in Anna Christie, her first sound film. MGM publicized the film with the tagline "Garbo Talks!," and Anna Christie was a huge success—Garbo was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award.

*Left John Gilbert (Silent Movie actor) on standing at the altar in 1927 when she got cold feet about marrying him.

*Garbo often sent directors out for milkshakes when she filmed love scenes.

*She disliked Clark Gable, a feeling that was mutual. She thought his acting was wooden while he considered her a snob.

*Gary Cooper was reportedly one of her favorite actors. She requested him for several of her films, but nothing ever materialized.Her personal favorite of all her movies was Camille (1936).

*Greta Garbo was dubbed "the Swedish Sphinx" due to her enigmatic personality.Although Garbo was an international movie star, she shied away from the press, her fans, and Hollywood events. The Swedish Sphinx avoided making public appearances and granted only a handful of interviews to journalists. In 1927, she told Photoplay about her extreme introversion: "When I was just a little child, as early as I can remember, I have wanted to be alone. I detest crowds … don't like many people." Later in life, Garbo used aliases and bought multiple airplane and theater seats to preserve her privacy.

*She was a real jet setter, traveling with international tycoons and socialites. In the 1970s she traveled less and grew more and more eccentric, although she still took daily walks through Central Park with close friends and walkers. In the late 1980s failing health decreased her mobility. In her final year it was her family that cared for her, including taking her to dialysis treatments. She died with them by her side.