Exorcist and Jesus: Max von Sydow's most memorable roles
From a knight challenging Death to Jesus: Here are some of the many roles that actor Max von Sydow took on during the course of his career.
Iconic: 'The Seventh Seal' (1957)
He shined in one of the most iconic scenes in the history of cinema: In "The Seventh Seal," Max von Sydow portrayed Knight Block playing a game of chess with Death (Bengt Ekerot, right).
In over 10 Bergman films
Following "The Seventh Seal," Max von Sydow starred in many other works directed by arthouse star director Ingmar Bergman. The actor is seen here with Liv Ullmann in "The Passion of Anna" from 1969.
As Jesus in 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' (1965)
His work with Ingmar Bergman led von Sydow to become famous far beyond Sweden. His fame was so great in Hollywood that it landed him the role of Jesus in the monumental 1965 film "The Greatest Story Ever Told," bypassing the likes of superstars Charlton Heston and Kirk Douglas.
Scary: 'The Exorcist' (1973)
He returned to Hollywood in 1973. In William Friedkin's horror film classic "The Exorcist," Max von Sydow played the leading role of the priest Lankester Merrin.
Harry Haller in 'Steppenwolf' (1974)
Beyond Hollywood, other international productions followed, such as the 1974 film adaptation "Steppenwolf" of Hermann Hesse's classic novel. Von Sydow played the leading role of Harry Haller, with Dominique Sanda at his side.
Oscar nomination for 'Pelle the Conqueror' (1987)
For his performance in "Pelle the Conqueror" in 1987, which he himself described as one of his favorite films, von Sydow was nominated for an Oscar for best actor.
Galactic villain in 'Flash Gordon' (1980)
As Emperor Ming, Max von Sydow makes entire galaxies shake with fear. The film adaptation of the comic "Flash Gordon" was not only lauded by critics, it is still a cult classic among science fiction fans.
Another Oscar nomination: 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' (2011)
Yet another literary adaptation: In the film version of Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close," Sydow played a supporting role, which earned him another Oscar nomination.