David Niven, born James David Graham Niven on March 1, 1910, in London, England, was a British actor renowned for his charm and wit. He hailed from an upper-middle-class family and attended Heatherdown Preparatory School and Stowe School before enrolling at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Initially commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry, he soon grew disenchanted with military life and resigned his commission in 1933 to pursue acting.

His early acting career began with small roles in British films, but his move to Hollywood in the mid-1930s marked a turning point. He secured a contract with Samuel Goldwyn and appeared in films such as "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1935) and "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1936).

His breakout role came in "Wuthering Heights" (1939), where he starred as the dashing Edgar Linton. His career was interrupted by World War II, during which he rejoined the British Army and served with distinction, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After the war, he returned to Hollywood and continued to build his reputation as a leading man. He starred in notable films such as "A Matter of Life and Death" (1946), "The Bishop's Wife" (1947), and "Enchantment" (1948).

His performance in "Separate Tables" (1958) earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Niven's versatility as an actor was evident in his roles in "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956), "The Guns of Navarone" (1961), and "The Pink Panther" (1963), where he played the suave Sir Charles Lytton.

His personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He married Primula Susan Rollo in 1940, and they had two sons. Tragically, Primula died in an accident in 1946. David Niven later married Swedish model Hjördis Genberg in 1948, and they adopted two daughters.

In addition to his acting career, David Niven was a talented writer. He authored two autobiographies, "The Moon's a Balloon" (1971) and "Bring on the Empty Horses" (1975), which were well-received for their wit and insight into Hollywood's golden age. He also wrote a novel, "Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly" (1981).

Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for "Separate Tables" (1958).

His contributions to the film industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He continued to act until his death on July 29, 1983, in Château-d’Oex, Switzerland.