Our Tribute to Max von Sydow: 1929 – 2020

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Hollywood has lost another legend. Max von Sydow, star of such films as THE EXORCIST & THE SEVENTH SEAL, has passed away. Sydow was 90 years old.4

His widow, the French documentary filmmaker and producer Catherine von Sydow, confirmed the news this morning via this statement:

"It's with a broken heart and with infinite sadness that we have the extreme pain of announcing the departure of Max Von Sydow on March 8, 2020."

Max von Sydow was a legend of Swedish cinema and even pulled off the rare feat of receiving a best actor Oscar nomination for a performance in a non-English-language film, playing a Swedish father who emigrates to Denmark to build a better life for himself and his son in PELLE THE CONQUEROR While it's nearly impossible to single out a defining role for someone of Sydow's caliber, most casual moviegoers will likely remember him playing Father Merrin in 1973's THE EXORCIST. The role was unique in the fact that the character was 80 years old but Sydow was 43 at the time the film was shot. "The power of Christ compels you" is probably one of the most well-known lines from any horror film & that's due in part to Sydow's memorable delivery of the epic words.

Sydow worked steadily over the years in the industry appearing in other notable films such as MINORITY REPORT & SHUTTER ISLAND. He received his second Oscar nomination for his silent, supporting turn in the Stephen Daldry 9/11 drama EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE in 2011. The actor also gained a new generation of fans playing the Three-Eyed Raven on Game of Thrones, a role that also earned him an Emmy nomination.

Max von Sydow was an actor I personally became familiar with because of THE EXORCIST and it was always nice too see a performer of his stature to continue to work over the years as he got older. He was definitely one of the best in the industry and he will be dearly missed but thankfully he leaves behind a body of work that will stand the test of time as others will become lucky enough to discover his work. Sydow was married to Catherine Brelet, who served as his assistant on several films, from 1997 until his death. He also is survived by his four sons.

What are some YOUR favorite films of Max von Sydow?