Björn Andrésen

Björn Johan Andrésen (26 January 1955 – 25 October 2025) was a notable Swedish actor and musician, celebrated primarily for his role as the youthful Tadzio in Luchino Visconti's 1971 film adaptation of Thomas Mann's novella, Death in Venice. At the time he was cast, he had only a single film credit to his name—En kärlekshistoria (1970)—but this performance catapulted him into international fame. Though Death in Venice did not perform well commercially, Andrésen's portrayal of Tadzio—a striking Polish boy who captivates the aging protagonist Gustav von Aschenbach—left a lasting impression. Film historian Lawrence J. Quirk remarked that some of Andrésen’s scenes were so visually striking they could be displayed in prestigious art institutions like the Louvre or the Vatican.

Following the film's release, speculation regarding Andrésen's sexuality arose, partly due to the nature of his character and his interactions with the older male lead. Andrésen firmly refuted these rumors and expressed discomfort over being pressured by Visconti to visit a gay bar, where he drew unwanted attention. Seeking to break free from his "pretty boy" image, he often turned down roles that leaned into this stereotype. He was particularly incensed when feminist author Germaine Greer used his photograph for her book, The Beautiful Boy (2003), without his consent.

Throughout his career, Andrésen appeared in various other films, including Pelikaanimies (2004), Kojan (1992), and Smugglarkungen (1985), showcasing his versatility as an actor.