Remembering a Trailblazing Actress Who Changed the Industry Forever

The Swedish-born actress May Britt passed away at the age of 91, marking the end of a life that bridged European cinema and Hollywood during a period of major cultural change. Her son, Mark Davis, confirmed that she died of natural causes on December 11 at a medical center in Los Angeles. Born Maj-Britt Wilkens on March 22, 1934, in Lidingö, Sweden, she was raised far from the global spotlight she would later encounter. With no early plans for an acting career, her entry into film came unexpectedly, shaped by opportunity rather than ambition. Her calm presence, distinctive appearance, and understated style soon attracted attention beyond her home country, setting her on a path toward international recognition.

Her early career began in Europe during the early 1950s after she was discovered while working in photography. Italian filmmakers cast her in a series of adventure and drama productions, helping her gain visibility across the continent. A significant turning point came when she appeared in a major screen adaptation of War and Peace, directed by King Vidor and starring Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda. That role opened the door to Hollywood, where she signed a studio contract and relocated to the United States. She soon appeared alongside leading actors such as Robert Mitchum and Marlon Brando, establishing herself as a prominent new face of the era.

In 1959, she starred in the remake of The Blue Angel, taking on a role famously associated with Marlene Dietrich. That same year, her rising profile was highlighted by national media coverage, presenting her as part of a new wave of international talent in American film. Around this time, her personal life also entered the public eye following her relationship with entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.. Their marriage in 1960 occurred during a period of social tension in the United States and drew widespread attention. Despite facing professional setbacks and public pressure, she later spoke of her choices with clarity and conviction, emphasizing personal integrity over career advancement.

After her divorce in the late 1960s, she gradually stepped away from major film roles, later appearing in select television projects and independent films before retiring from acting. In her later years, she focused on painting, family life, and living quietly in California. She remarried in 1993 and remained largely out of the public spotlight. She is survived by her sons, her sister, and her grandchildren. Remembered for both her artistic contributions and her resilience, her life reflects a chapter of film history shaped not only by performance, but by the courage to navigate personal and professional challenges with dignity.