German actresses who were born in 1915
Here are 8 famous actresses from Germany were born in 1915:
Mady Rahl
Mady Rahl (January 3, 1915 Neukölln-August 29, 2009 Munich) also known as Rahl, Mady or Edith Gertrud Meta Raschke was a German actor and voice actor.
Mady Rahl began her acting career in 1934 and appeared in over 200 films. She was known for her roles in popular German films such as "The Trapp Family" and "The Time with You." Rahl's voice was also recognizable in German dubbing, as she provided the voice for iconic actresses such as Marlene Dietrich and Ingrid Bergman. In addition to her acting career, Rahl was also a skilled singer and released several albums. She continued to work in the entertainment industry well into her later years, and her contributions to German film and culture have been celebrated and remembered.
In addition to her successful acting career in cinema, Mady Rahl also appeared in theater productions, including performances at the Theater in der Josefstadt in Vienna and the Deutsches Theater in Berlin. She was known for her versatile acting skills, playing a range of roles from comedic to dramatic. Her talent and popularity made her one of the most in-demand actresses in the German film industry throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
Rahl's personal life was marked by tragedy, as her first husband was killed in action during World War II. She later remarried and had two children, one of whom became a successful actor in his own right. Rahl herself was honored with several awards for her contributions to German cinema, including the Filmband in Gold for her lifetime achievements in 1997.
Despite her success and longevity in the industry, Mady Rahl remained humble and grateful throughout her life, often stating that she was simply grateful to be a working actress in such an exciting and creative field. Her influence on German cinema and her legacy as a talented performer and artist continue to live on.
As Mady Rahl's career progressed, she also became known for her work in television. She appeared in numerous German television series, such as "Tatort" and "Der Alte." Rahl's dedication to her craft was evident in her willingness to continue working even as she aged, and she was widely respected for her professionalism and commitment to her art. In recognition of her contributions to German culture, Rahl was awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin in 2005. She passed away in 2009 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of dynamic performances and a dedication to the craft of acting that continues to inspire generations of performers.
Gisela von Collande
Gisela von Collande (February 5, 1915 Dresden-October 23, 1960 Pforzheim) also known as Gisela Huberta Valentine Maria von Mitschke-Collande was a German actor. She had one child, Andrea Dahmen.
Gisela von Collande began her acting career in the early 1930s and appeared in over 30 films throughout her career. She was a popular actress during the Third Reich and starred in several propaganda films made by the Nazi regime. After World War II, she continued to act in films and on stage, gaining critical acclaim for her performances in dramas and comedies alike. In addition to acting, Gisela von Collande was also a talented voice actor and dubbed the voices of several Hollywood actresses into German. She tragically died in a car accident in Pforzheim, Germany at the age of 45. Despite her controversial past, she is widely regarded as one of the most talented actresses of her time.
Gisela von Collande was born into a noble family and grew up in Dresden, Germany. Her parents were both artistic and supported her interest in theater and performing arts. She attended drama school in Berlin and began her acting career in theater productions in the early 1930s. She quickly gained recognition for her talent and was soon offered film roles.
During the Third Reich, Gisela von Collande starred in several propaganda films, including "Jud Suess" which was widely criticized for promoting anti-Semitism. After the war, she faced scrutiny for her involvement in these films. However, she continued to act and proved herself as a versatile actor with a wide range of performances in dramas and comedies.
In addition to her work in film and theater, Gisela von Collande was also a successful voice actor, often dubbing the German voices for Hollywood actresses such as Hedy Lamarr and Bette Davis.
Despite her success as an actor, Gisela von Collande's life was cut short when she tragically died in a car accident in Pforzheim, Germany in 1960. She was survived by her daughter and her legacy as a talented actress continues to be recognized to this day.
Gisela von Collande's talent as an actor was widely acknowledged even during her lifetime. She was awarded the National Prize of East Germany in 1954 for her performances in the film "Casta Diva" and the play "Die Fliegen". She also received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the character of Martha in the play "Wer den Wind sät" (Whoever Sows the Wind) in 1955.
Apart from her acting career, Gisela von Collande was also known for her intellectual curiosity and interest in literature, philosophy, and politics. She was a close friend of the writer Thomas Mann and corresponded with him frequently. She was also interested in the works of Friedrich Nietzsche and often quoted him in her letters and conversations.
Despite her controversial past, Gisela von Collande's contribution to German cinema and theater cannot be denied. She was one of the most talented actors of her time and her legacy continues to be recognized and studied.
Hilde Sessak
Hilde Sessak (July 27, 1915 Berlin-April 17, 2003 Berlin) also known as Hilda Sessack, Hildegard Sessack, Hilde Sessack or Hilde Czeszak was a German actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s, performing in several films throughout the decade. During World War II, she worked in theater productions and radio plays. In 1945, she returned to film acting and continued to appear in German and international productions until her retirement in 1984. Some of her notable films include "Quax in Africa" (1941), "Ich denke oft an Piroschka" (1955), and "The Blue Max" (1966). She received numerous awards for her performances, including the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Filmband in Gold award from the German Film Awards.
In addition to her successful acting career, Hilde Sessak was also a talented writer, publishing several books of poetry and prose. She was known for her passion for music, especially opera, and often attended performances in Berlin. Sessak was also involved in charitable work, volunteering with organizations such as the German Red Cross and the Berliner Tafel. She remained a beloved figure in the German entertainment industry and was celebrated for her talent and dedication to her craft. Sessak passed away in Berlin in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of iconic performances and literary works.
Despite her success, Hilde Sessak's career was not without controversy. She was known to have worked for the Nazi-controlled UFA film studio during World War II, a fact that caused some criticism later in her career. However, she maintained that she was not a political person and had only acted to support her family during difficult times.
In addition to her writing and charitable work, Sessak was also a mentor to younger actors and actresses. She often gave advice and encouragement to those starting out in the industry and was respected for her generous spirit and kind nature.
Outside of her professional life, Sessak was married to film director Paul Martin for many years until his death in 1967. They had one son together, actor and director Peter Martin. Sessak also had a deep love for animals and was known to have many pets throughout her life.
Today, Hilde Sessak is remembered as one of Germany's most talented and versatile performers, with a legacy that spans over five decades. Her contributions to both film and literature continue to inspire new generations of artists and entertainers.
Ursula Abel
Ursula Abel (February 21, 1915 Berlin-December 21, 1951 Berlin) was a German actor.
She was best known for her roles in German films during the 1930s and 1940s. Abel made her acting debut in 1936 in the film "I Promise You" and went on to appear in over 25 films throughout her career. She often played leading ladies and was known for her dramatic performances. During World War II, Abel continued to act in German propaganda films, but after the war, she struggled to rebuild her career due to her association with the Nazi regime. She died tragically in 1951 at the age of 36 due to complications from childbirth. Despite her relatively short career, Ursula Abel is remembered as one of the most talented actresses of her time.
Abel was born into a family of intellectuals and artists. Her mother was a successful opera singer, and her father was a well-known writer and journalist. She was raised in a cultured environment and received a classical education. Abel discovered her passion for acting at a young age and took private lessons to develop her skills.
In 1938, Abel appeared in the film "The Blue Fox," which was directed by her husband, filmmaker Karel Lamac. The couple had met on the set of "I Promise You" and married soon after. Lamac, who was of Czechoslovakian origin, was able to protect Abel and her family during the war due to his foreign status.
After the war, Abel struggled to find work as she was associated with the Nazi regime. She appeared in a few films in East Germany, but her career never regained the momentum it had before the war. Abel's tragic death at a young age, just four days after giving birth to her second child, was a shock to the German film community.
Despite the controversies surrounding her career and personal life, Ursula Abel is still considered a talented actress, who left an indelible mark on German cinema. Her performances continue to resonate with audiences today, and her influence on the industry can still be felt, years after her passing.
Abel's career was not limited to the big screen. She also had a successful stage career, performing in theaters across Germany. One of her most notable stage performances was in the play "The Broken Jug," which she performed in her hometown of Berlin.
In addition to her acting career, Abel was also involved in humanitarian work. During the war, she worked with the German Red Cross, providing aid to wounded soldiers. She also volunteered at a hospital, tending to the sick and injured.
Abel's legacy continues to be celebrated today. In 2021, the Ursula Abel Foundation was established in Berlin to honor her life and work. The foundation supports young artists and filmmakers, striving to promote creativity and artistic expression.
Despite the controversies surrounding her association with the Nazi regime, Abel is remembered for her exceptional talent and contributions to German cinema. Her performances continue to captivate audiences and inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers today.
Charlotte Witthauer
Charlotte Witthauer (July 18, 1915 Wrocław-May 6, 1980 Tutzing) otherwise known as Charlotte Witthauer-Quest was a German actor. She had two children, Christoph Quest and Thomas Quest.
She began her acting career in the Berlin State Theater in 1937, and appeared in several theater productions throughout her career. She also worked in film and television, making her screen debut in the 1948 film "1-2-3 Corona". She went on to star in several other films, including "Die Trapp-Familie" (1956) and "Die Tote von Beverly Hills" (1964). In addition to her acting work, she was also a successful writer, penning several novels and scripts for television. Charlotte Witthauer-Quest passed away in 1980 at the age of 64.
Charlotte Witthauer-Quest was born on July 18, 1915, in Wrocław, Germany. She was the daughter of a judge and grew up in a privileged household. Her parents supported her passion for acting, which led her to study at the Max Reinhardt School of Drama in Berlin. During World War II, she worked as an air raid warden and appeared in propaganda films for the German government. After the war, she continued her acting career and became a well-known performer in Germany.
In addition to her successful career in the entertainment industry, Charlotte Witthauer-Quest was also passionate about writing. She published several novels and was a regular contributor to various German newspapers and magazines. She also wrote scripts for television shows, including the popular German series "Der Kommissar."
Throughout her career, Charlotte Witthauer-Quest received several awards and honors for her contributions to the arts. She was awarded the Bundesverdienstkreuz, Germany's highest civilian award, for her work in theater and film. She was also recognized by the state of Bavaria for her achievements in literature.
Charlotte Witthauer-Quest passed away on May 6, 1980, in Tutzing, Germany, at the age of 64. Despite her untimely death, she left behind a lasting legacy in the German entertainment industry and is remembered as a talented performer and writer.
During her career, Charlotte Witthauer-Quest was known for her versatility as an actor, effortlessly transitioning between dramatic and comedic roles. She was particularly renowned for her portrayal of strong, independent women in film and theater. In addition to her work in front of the camera, Charlotte was also involved in the local theater scene, serving as a director and mentor to young actors in her community. She was a steadfast advocate for the arts and believed in the transformative power of storytelling.
Charlotte Witthauer-Quest's personal life was complex and marked by tragedy. She lost her first husband, fellow actor Hans Quest, in a plane crash in 1951. They had two children together, both of whom would go on to become actors like their parents. Despite this hardship, Charlotte persevered and continued to pursue her career with resilience and determination.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to German culture, a street in Berlin was named after Charlotte Witthauer-Quest in 2017. Her legacy as a trailblazing artist and icon of the German entertainment industry continues to inspire generations of performers and creatives today.
Loni Nest
Loni Nest (August 4, 1915 Berlin-October 2, 1990 Nice) a.k.a. Eleonore Nest, Elly, Eleonore Smythe or Eleonore "Loni" Nest was a German actor and teacher. Her children are called Stephen Smythe, Laura Smythe and Martin Smythe.
Loni Nest began her acting career in Berlin during the 1930s and later worked in Hamburg, Vienna, and Zurich. Despite her success in Europe, Nest decided to move to the United States in 1947 to pursue her career in Hollywood. She appeared in a variety of films and television shows, including "The Big Circus" (1959) and "Perry Mason" (1960).
In addition to her acting career, Nest was an accomplished teacher and founded the Actor's Workshop in Hollywood. She taught at the workshop for over 20 years and her students included famous actors such as William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Sally Kellerman.
Nest was married to the American producer William Smythe and they had three children together. She passed away in 1990 in Nice, France at the age of 75.
During her time in Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s, Loni Nest was known for her work in television commercials, where she often played the role of a sophisticated and glamorous woman. She also had a successful career as a voice-over artist, lending her voice to numerous radio and television advertisements. Nest was a multilingual actor who was fluent in German, English, French, and Italian, and she often played characters of different nationalities in her films and television shows. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Nest was also actively involved in various humanitarian causes and was a supporter of the United Nations. Her legacy as an actor and teacher continues to be celebrated by those who knew her and worked with her.
Loni Nest was born in Berlin, Germany in 1915 to a Jewish family. During World War II, she fled to Switzerland with her husband and children as refugees to avoid persecution by the Nazis. After the war, she returned to Germany where she continued her acting career before ultimately moving to Hollywood. Her experiences as a refugee fueled her passion for humanitarian causes and she was a vocal advocate for human rights and peace throughout her life.
In addition to her work as an actor and teacher, Nest was also a writer and published several books, including an autobiography titled "Ich Bin Eine Jüdin" (I Am a Jew). She was also a painter and her artwork was exhibited in galleries around the world.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Nest remained humble and committed to her craft, often refusing to promote herself and preferring to let her work speak for itself. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and artists around the world.
Janne Furch
Janne Furch (May 6, 1915 Kiel-March 28, 1992 Feldafing) otherwise known as Janne Furch Allers or Jane Furch was a German screenwriter, actor, performer, translator, songwriter and playwright.
She began her career as a screenwriter for German cinema in the 1930s and continued her work in the German film industry after World War II. Furch also acted in several films throughout her career, such as "Ein Leben lang" (1940) and "Kreuzweg" (1944). In addition to her work in film, Furch wrote and translated plays, as well as composed songs. Her most notable song, "Die kleine Stadt will schlafen gehn," was popularized by the singer Marlene Dietrich. Furch also performed as a cabaret artist, often incorporating political satire into her acts. She remained active in the entertainment industry until her death in 1992 at the age of 76.
Throughout her career, Furch worked with some of the most prominent figures in German cinema, including actors Marlene Dietrich and Gustaf Gründgens, and director Fritz Lang. Her work as a translator included the translation of several plays by French playwrights such as Molière and Jean Anouilh, which were well-received by German audiences. Furch was also known for her activism and advocacy for women's rights, and was a member of the German PEN Center, which promotes literature and freedom of expression. Despite facing challenges during her career due to the gender and political climate of the time, Furch remained dedicated to her craft and made significant contributions to German cinema and culture.
She was born into a family of artists, with her mother being a well-known actress and her father a theater director. Furch was educated at the Max-Reinhardt-School of Drama in Berlin and later began her career in film. During World War II, Furch's political views and relationship with a Jewish man led to her being briefly imprisoned by the Gestapo. However, she was released due to the intervention of Gustaf Gründgens, who was a prominent figure in the German arts scene and had used his position to protect others from persecution.
After the war, Furch continued her work in film and theater, as well as her activism for women's rights. She was a founding member of the Bund Deutscher Frauenvereine, an organization that focused on improving women's working conditions and social welfare. Furch's work in promoting women's rights extended to her art as well, with many of her plays and songs addressing issues such as equal pay and access to education.
In addition to her creative and activist work, Furch was also an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages fluently. This skill allowed her to work as a translator and interpreter for foreign dignitaries and artists.
Today, Furch is remembered as a pioneering woman in German cinema and culture, who used her voice and art to advance the cause of gender equality and social justice.
Rotraut Richter
Rotraut Richter (May 15, 1915 Berlin-October 1, 1947 Berlin) also known as Rottraut Richter was a German actor.
Richter began her acting career in the early 1930s with small roles in German films. She gained recognition for her performances in several popular films of the time, including "Münchhausen" (1943) and "Herzkönig" (1947). Despite the success achieved in her career, Richter's life was cut short due to illness. She passed away at the age of 32 years old in Berlin, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and dedicated actress.
Despite her career being tragically cut short, Rotraut Richter left an indelible mark on the German film industry. While much of her early work was in supporting roles, she quickly garnered critical acclaim for her performances. In 1935, she appeared in the film "Mazurka," in which she played the sister of the lead character. It was her work in the propaganda film "Jud Süß" (1940), however, that made her an overnight star.
Throughout the 1940s, Richter continued to work on a range of films, from romantic comedies to war dramas. She was known for her emotional range, often taking on roles that demanded intense emotional depth.
During her short life, Richter made a significant contribution to German cinema, and she continues to be remembered as a talented and influential actor. In addition to her work onscreen, she was also an accomplished theater actress, with many notable performances to her name. Her legacy endures, as she remains an icon of German film history to this day.
In her personal life, Richter was known to be passionately committed to her work as an actor. She was known for her professionalism on set, and for her tireless dedication to perfecting her craft. Despite her hectic schedule, she was also known for her kindness and generosity towards her colleagues and fans alike.
In her final years, Richter battled with a serious illness that eventually led to her untimely death. Her passing was a shock to the German film industry, and many mourned the loss of such a talented and promising young actress.
Despite her brief career, Richter's impact on German cinema has endured. Her performances continue to be studied and appreciated by film scholars and cinephiles around the world. Through her work, she has left a lasting legacy as one of the most significant actors of her generation, and as a symbol of the rich history of German film.