‘Death in Venice’ Star Björn Andrésen Dies at 70
Björn Andrésen, the Swedish actor and musician who gained international recognition for his role as Tadzio in Luchino Visconti’s 1971 film Death in Venice, has died at the age of 70.
Andrésen passed away yesterday, October 26, 2025, according to Kristian Petri, co-director of the 2021 documentary The Most Beautiful Boy in the World. No cause of death has been publicly released. Andrésen’s breakout role came at age 15, portraying Tadzio, the object of obsession for an older man played by Dirk Bogarde in Visconti’s adaptation of Thomas Mann’s novella. The film remains a landmark of cinematic beauty and a touchstone for discussions of desire and mortality.
Visconti famously dubbed Andrésen “the most beautiful boy in the world” at the film’s premiere, a label that haunted the actor throughout his life. Andrésen later spoke candidly about the negative impact of both the film and Visconti’s treatment, recounting uncomfortable experiences, including being taken to a gay nightclub as a 16-year-old. “The waiters at the club… looked at me uncompromisingly as if I was a nice meaty dish,” he said in past interviews. He also expressed resentment towards Visconti, stating in a 2021 interview, “I’ve never seen so many fascists and assholes as there are in film and theatre… Luchino didn’t give a fuck about my feelings.” Despite his early fame, Andrésen pursued a career as a pianist and musician, even achieving pop star status in Japan, and appeared in over 30 films and television series, including a role in the 2019 film Midsommar.
Petri, who directed the critically acclaimed documentary exploring Andrésen’s life and struggles, described him as a “brave person.” Andrésen endured significant personal tragedy, including the loss of his father in an accident and his mother to suicide, as well as the death of his infant son, Elvin, to sudden infant death syndrome. Authorities have not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements or a memorial service.
