Swedish-born actress May Britt has passed away at 91. Her son, Mark Davis, confirmed she died of natural causes on December 11 at a Los Angeles medical center. Born Maj-Britt Wilkens on March 22, 1934, in Lidingö, Sweden, she grew up far from the spotlight, entering film unexpectedly rather than through early ambition.
Britt’s calm presence, distinctive appearance, and understated style quickly drew attention, setting her on a path to international recognition. Her early career in Europe began in the early 1950s after she was discovered while working in photography. Italian filmmakers cast her in adventure and drama films, building her visibility across the continent.
A turning point came with her role in a major screen adaptation of War and Peace, directed by King Vidor and starring Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda. This performance opened the door to Hollywood, where she signed a studio contract and appeared alongside stars like Robert Mitchum and Marlon Brando.
In 1959, Britt starred in the remake of The Blue Angel, taking on a role famously associated with Marlene Dietrich. That year, she gained national media attention as part of a wave of international talent in American film.
Her personal life also drew public interest with her relationship to entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. Their 1960 marriage occurred during a period of social tension in the U.S., attracting widespread attention. Despite professional challenges and public scrutiny, Britt later emphasized personal integrity over career advancement.
After her divorce in the late 1960s, she stepped back from major film roles, appearing occasionally in television and independent films before retiring.
In later years, she focused on painting, family, and a quiet life in California. She remarried in 1993 and remained largely out of the public eye.
May Britt 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 marked by talent, courage, and dignity.