Born in September of 1905 in Stockholm, Sweden Greta Garbo started her acting career in Europe. After turning nineteen she moved to the United States to start working a contract with MGM. Garbo virtually instantly became and international movie star. Her mysterious looks brought many admirers to the screen, and many were her fans throughout the transition from silent to sound pictures.
Although most critics argue that majority of 27 films Garbo stars in are not really of any cinematic value, it is said that Greta Garbo’s screen-presence was enough. Her commanding and intense performances overtake any plot or writing flaws.
"Pure witchcraft. I cannot analyze this woman's acting. I only know that no one else so effectively worked in front of a camera." ~Betty Davis
Even at the end of her life, Garbo’s career was deeply romanticized. Even decades after Greta Garbo retired from acting her films were played across the world. After retiring Garbo wanted nothing more than, “to be let alone.” Ironically, in seeking solitude she was left with paparazzi and press stalking her every move. Eventually, however, the long-retired actress was able to achieve the peace and solitude she was searching for. Greta Garbo was left in privacy and died a recluse, but even still her work in the art world is not forgotten and long celebrated.
