The Swedish actor, who rose to fame for his haunting portrayal of Tadzio in Death in Venice, has passed away at the age of 70.

A Life That Began in the Spotlight

October 28, 2025: Swedish actor and musician Björn Andrésen, best remembered for his ethereal beauty and his role in Luchino Visconti’s 1971 masterpiece Death in Venice, has died at the age of 70. He was only 15 when he played the angelic Tadzio, a performance that earned him global attention and the lasting label of “the most beautiful boy in the world.”

A Role That Defined an Era

Andrésen’s portrayal of Tadzio made him a cinematic symbol of innocence and beauty — but the intense spotlight also brought lifelong challenges. He later revealed that the fame surrounding Death in Venice deeply affected his personal life, saying that being idealized at such a young age felt objectifying and isolating. The label, while flattering, became a burden that followed him throughout his career.

Career Beyond the Classic

Although Death in Venice defined him to the world, Andrésen went on to build a varied career across film and music. He appeared in numerous Swedish productions and even made a return to international cinema with a small role in the 2019 horror hit Midsommar. The contrast between his youthful beauty in Visconti’s film and his haunting older appearance in Midsommar spoke volumes about the passage of time and the complexity of his legacy.

Personal Struggles and Resilience

Behind the fame, Andrésen’s life was marked by hardship. He lost his mother at a young age and later suffered the tragic death of his infant son. Despite these painful experiences, he remained passionate about art and music, using creativity as a form of healing. His story was later explored in the acclaimed 2021 documentary The Most Beautiful Boy in the World, which delved into the darker side of fame and its long-lasting impact on his life.

A Bittersweet Legacy

Björn Andrésen passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 70. Though the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, his life and career continue to resonate with those who saw beyond the surface beauty — seeing instead the soul of a man who struggled, endured, and created art from pain.