German actresses who were born in 1921
Here are 15 famous actresses from Germany were born in 1921:
Vera-Ellen
Vera-Ellen (February 16, 1921 Norwood-August 30, 1981 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Vera-Ellen Westmeyer Rohe, Vera Ellen, Bunny or Vera Ellen Westmeier Rohe was a German actor and dancer. Her child is called Victoria Ellen Rothschild.
Vera-Ellen started her career as a dancer on Broadway in the 1930s and went on to become a successful film actress and dancer in the 1940s and 1950s. She is best known for her roles in musical films such as "On the Town," "White Christmas," and "Damn Yankees." Vera-Ellen was known for her incredible dance skills and her ability to perform complex dance numbers with ease. She was also known for her petite frame, standing at only 5'4". Vera-Ellen retired from the entertainment industry in 1957 at the age of 36, but her legacy as an actress and dancer continues to inspire many today. She passed away in 1981 at the age of 60 from cancer.
Vera-Ellen was born to a German mother and an American father in Norwood, Ohio. Her parents divorced when she was young and she moved to Hollywood with her mother and younger sister. She began dancing at a young age and attended dance classes at the Marianne Preger School of Dance in Hollywood.
At just 18 years old, Vera-Ellen landed her first Broadway role in the musical "Very Warm for May." She quickly became a sought-after dancer in Hollywood and signed a contract with MGM in 1945.
Her breakthrough role came in the 1945 film "Wonder Man," in which she danced with the legendary actor and dancer, Gene Kelly. She went on to star in several other successful musical films, including "Three Little Words," "The Belle of New York," and "Call Me Madam."
Despite her success on screen, Vera-Ellen was known for being shy and private off screen. She was married twice, first to actor Robert Hightower and then to millionaire Victor Rothschild. She retired from show business after her marriage to Rothschild and focused on being a homemaker and raising her daughter.
In her later years, Vera-Ellen battled cancer and passed away on August 30, 1981, at the age of 60. She is remembered as one of the greatest dancers in Hollywood history and her legacy lives on through her iconic performances in film.
Ilse Werner
Ilse Werner (July 11, 1921 Jakarta-August 8, 2005 Lübeck) a.k.a. Ilse Charlotte Still was a German actor, singer and voice actor.
Ilse Werner started her career as a radio singer before making her film debut in 1939. She quickly rose to fame playing cheerful, girl-next-door characters in popular films such as "The Great King" (1942) and "Wir machen Musik" (1942). During World War II, she performed for German troops as a member of the entertainment group "Soldatenkonzerte".
After the war, Werner continued her career in music and film. She had a number of successful recordings, including the hit song "Oh, wann kommst du?" which became a chart-topping single in 1963. She also appeared in several international films, such as "The Crooked Sky" (1957) and "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957).
In addition to her acting and singing career, Werner also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into German. She continued to perform on stage and screen until she retired in the 1980s. Ilse Werner passed away in 2005 at the age of 84.
Ilse Werner was born on July 11, 1921, in Jakarta, which was then Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). She was the daughter of German parents, who later moved to Berlin when Ilse was a child. She began singing in a children's choir and later trained in acting, singing, and dancing. In 1938, she won a talent contest and began her career as a radio singer.
Ilse Werner's breakthrough in film came in 1939 with the movie "Morgen werde ich verhaftet" (Tomorrow I'll Be Arrested). She then went on to become a popular actress during the Third Reich, appearing in many musical comedy films. Werner's cheerful and vivacious performances, coupled with her uplifting voice, made her a beloved figure among German audiences.
After the war, Ilse Werner's career took a hit due to her association with the Nazis. However, she bounced back by expanding her career in music and film. In addition to her acting and singing, Werner also wrote and composed songs. She released several successful albums, and her song "Oh, wann kommst du?" became a chart-topper in many countries, including Germany, France, and Japan.
Ilse Werner's talent was not limited to German productions. She also acted in several international films, including "The Crooked Sky" (1957) and "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957), which won seven Academy Awards. In the later part of her career, she focused more on dubbing foreign films into German.
Ilse Werner lived in East Berlin for many years with her second husband, who was a Russian interpreter. She retired from acting in the 1980s and moved to a nursing home in Lübeck, where she died at the age of 84 on August 8, 2005. Despite her association with the Third Reich, she is remembered for her remarkable talent as an actress, singer, and entertainer.
Eva Vaitl
Eva Vaitl (January 24, 1921 Munich-August 1, 1988 Munich) was a German actor and voice actor.
Vaitl began her career in acting in the 1940s, becoming a prominent figure in German cinema and television in the following decades. She appeared in films such as "Königliche Hoheit", "Zwischen Himmel und Erde", and "Heimkehr der Jäger". Vaitl also made her mark as a voice actor and dubbing artist, lending her voice to many foreign films including "Gone with the Wind" and "The Ten Commandments". Despite her success, Vaitl remained relatively private about her personal life, choosing to concentrate on her career as an actor and voice talent.
Vaitl was born into a family of actors, with her father and uncle both being theater actors. Her talent was noticed at a young age, and she began attending acting school at the age of 17. During World War II, Vaitl's acting career was put on hold, and she worked as a nurse instead. However, after the war ended, Vaitl picked up where she left off and continued to act in theater productions and films.
Vaitl was a versatile actor and was known for her ability to portray both comedic and dramatic roles. In addition to her work in film and television, she also appeared on stage in various theater productions, including plays by German playwright Bertolt Brecht.
Despite being a well-respected actor, Vaitl never received any major awards or recognition. However, her legacy lives on through her extensive body of work and her contributions to the German film and television industry.
Gabriele Reismüller
Gabriele Reismüller (December 30, 1921 Wolfratshausen-November 24, 1969 Munich) a.k.a. Gabriele Reissmüller was a German actor.
She was born to a family of artists, and her father was a well-known painter. After completing her acting studies, Reismüller made her stage debut in Munich's Residenztheater. She soon gained recognition for her powerful stage presence and was offered roles in a number of films. Some of her notable film roles include "Zwischen Himmel und Erde," "Der Fuchs von Paris," and "Nachts, wenn der Teufel kam." Reismüller's performance in the latter film earned her critical acclaim and established her as one of Germany's most talented actors. However, her promising career was cut short when she died at the age of 47 due to cardiac arrest.
Despite her short career, Gabriele Reismüller made significant contributions to German cinema and theatre. She was known for her intense and emotional portrayals of complex characters, which earned her widespread admiration among audiences and critics. Reismüller was also a devoted activist, and she served as a member of the Bavarian State Parliament from 1958 until her death. In addition to her acting and political career, she was also a committed philanthropist and worked tirelessly to promote social justice causes. Gabriele Reismüller's legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and activists today.
Edith Teichmann
Edith Teichmann (March 22, 1921 Leipzig-) is a German actor.
She studied acting at the Leipzig Conservatory and made her stage debut in 1940 at the Leipziger Theater. Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous plays, films, and television shows. One of her most memorable film roles was in the 1962 drama, "Journey to the Lost City." Teichmann also worked extensively in German television, including the popular crime series "Tatort." In 1984, she was awarded the National Prize of East Germany for her contributions to the performing arts. Teichmann continued acting well into her 80s, making her final film appearance in the 2008 drama "Cloud 9." She is known for her versatile acting skills and her ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance.
In addition to her successful career as an actor, Edith Teichmann was also a respected acting teacher. She taught at the Leipzig Conservatory, the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin, and the Staatliche Schauspielschule Berlin. Her teaching style focused on the importance of understanding and portraying the emotional lives of characters, and many of her students went on to achieve success in the acting world. Outside of her career, Teichmann was a dedicated advocate for human rights, and was involved in various political organizations throughout her life. She passed away on August 22, 2010 at the age of 89. Today, she is remembered as one of Germany's most talented and beloved actors, and as a pioneer in the field of acting education.
Hannelore Axman
Hannelore Axman (July 14, 1921 Bochum-) a.k.a. Hanne Axman is a German actor.
She began her acting career in the early 1950s and appeared in many German films and TV shows throughout the decades. Some of her most notable roles include "The Master Detective" (1964), "The Gentleman in the Case" (1978), and "Tatort" (1989). In addition to her acting work, Axman was also a prominent voice actress, lending her voice to many animated films and TV shows such as "The Adventures of Pinocchio" (1972) and "The Muppet Show" (1977-1981). Axman continued acting in her later years, making her final film appearance in "Otto - Der neue Film" (1987). She is considered one of the most prolific and respected German actresses of her generation.
Born in Bochum, Germany, Hannelore Axman developed an interest in acting at a young age. She attended the drama school in Münster and later went on to join various theater companies in Germany. Her talent and dedication earned her critical acclaim and eventually led to her debut film role in "Der Rat der Götter" (1950).
Throughout her career, Axman became known for her versatile acting skills and ability to portray a wide range of characters, from dramatic to comedic roles. Her performance in "The Master Detective" (1964) earned her the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. In addition to her on-screen work, Axman was also a respected theater actress, performing in numerous productions throughout her career.
Axman's contributions to the entertainment industry were not limited to acting alone. She was also a skilled voice actress and dubbed the German versions of many beloved animated characters, including Snow White and Bugs Bunny.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, Axman was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Federal Cross of Merit. Her legacy as one of Germany's most accomplished actors and voice actresses continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Antje Ruge
Antje Ruge (June 26, 1921 Frankfurt-December 1, 2006 Berlin) was a German actor.
Born in Frankfurt in 1921, Antje Ruge began her acting career in the late 1940s. She gained critical acclaim for her performances in German films such as "Ehe im Schatten" (Marriage in the Shadows) (1947) and the international hit "The Bridge" (1959). Ruge also appeared on stage in numerous productions, including plays by Bertolt Brecht and Shakespeare. In addition to her acting career, she was also an accomplished painter and exhibited her works in galleries throughout Germany. Ruge continued to act in films and on television until her death in Berlin in 2006 at the age of 85.
Antje Ruge was known for her elegant and sophisticated presence both on and off the screen. Her performances were often characterized by a subtlety and emotional depth that captivated audiences. During her career, she worked with some of the most prominent German directors of her time, including Wolfgang Staudte, Konrad Wolf, and Bernhard Wicki. In addition to her film and stage work, Ruge was also a dedicated activist for social and political causes and was involved in various progressive movements throughout her life. She was a legendary figure in German cinema and her legacy as an actor and artist continues to inspire future generations.
Yvonne Merin
Yvonne Merin (September 19, 1921 Siedlęcin-June 15, 2012 Germany) was a German actor and screenwriter.
She started her career in the film industry during the 1940s and went on to appear in over 50 films. Merin was best known for her work on the theater stage as a founding member of the Theater im Zimmer in Munich. She also wrote several screenplays and acted in many television productions. Merin's contributions to German theater and film were recognized with numerous awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit in 2003. In addition to her work in the arts, she was a fierce advocate for human rights and social justice, and was involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes throughout her life.
Merin was born to Jewish parents in Siedlęcin, Poland, and moved to Germany as a child. During World War II, she was forced to flee to Switzerland to escape persecution by the Nazis. After the war, she returned to Germany and began her career in the film industry. Merin's performances were praised for their depth and emotional range, and she was known for her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters on screen and stage.
In addition to her acting and writing, Merin was a devoted teacher and mentor to aspiring actors and filmmakers. She taught acting classes at numerous universities and theater schools throughout Germany, and was widely respected for her generosity and kindness towards her students.
Merin continued to work in the entertainment industry up until her death, and remained an active member of the German film and theater communities. She will be remembered for her contributions to German culture and society, both as an artist and as a passionate advocate for social justice.
Christa Lehmann
Christa Lehmann (March 30, 1921 Berlin-October 18, 1992 Weimar) was a German actor.
She trained as an actor at the State Drama School in Berlin and began her career on stage in Dresden before moving to the Berlin State Theatre in 1949. Lehmann was known for her roles in both theatre and film, including her breakthrough role in the 1957 film "The Story of Little Mook." She went on to appear in over 70 films, including several DEFA productions, often playing strong, confident women. In addition to her work in film and theatre, Lehmann also had a successful career as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films for German audiences. She was awarded the National Prize of East Germany in 1959 for her contributions to culture and the arts. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she continued to act and work in the cultural sector. She passed away in Weimar in 1992 at the age of 71.
Lehmann's career spanned several decades and her acting prowess was admired by many in the industry. Some of her notable film roles include "Wolffs Revier" (1964), "New Year's Eve Punch" (1970), "The Story of the Goose Princess and Her Faithful Horse Falada" (1981), and "The House on the River" (1986). In addition to acting, Lehmann was also a well-respected drama teacher and served as a professor at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy in Berlin during the 1970s and 1980s. She was known for her commitment to promoting the arts and culture in East Germany, and was a member of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party. Lehmann was honored with several awards throughout her career, including the Patriotic Order of Merit and the Art Prize of the German Democratic Republic. Despite living most of her life in East Germany, Lehmann's legacy continues to be celebrated in reunified Germany, where she is remembered as a talented and influential actor.
Marianne Wischmann
Marianne Wischmann (October 20, 1921 Düsseldorf-November 6, 2009 Starnberg) also known as Marianne Ruth Wischmann was a German actor.
She began acting during World War II with the Staatstheater in Darmstadt. In the 1950s, she became a popular voice actor, lending her voice to numerous films and TV shows. She was perhaps best known for providing the German voice of Cruella de Vil in the original 1961 Disney animated film "One Hundred and One Dalmatians." Wischmann continued acting well into her 70s and was awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit in 2004 for her contributions to German culture.
In addition to her voice acting work, Marianne Wischmann also appeared in a number of films and television shows as an on-screen actor. She starred in the 1959 film "Die Brücke" and the 1962 film "Das Gasthaus an der Themse." Her television credits include appearances in shows such as "Tatort," "Der Kommissar," and "Derrick." Wischmann was also a prolific dubbing director and helped to bring many foreign films and TV shows to German audiences. Outside of her work in the entertainment industry, Wischmann was known for her activism and support of various social causes. She was a member of the German Communist Party and was involved in efforts to promote peace and disarmament.
Evelyn Künneke
Evelyn Künneke (December 15, 1921 Berlin-April 28, 2001 Berlin) also known as Evelyn Kunneke, Künneke, Evelyn, Künnecke, Evelyn, Eva-Susanne Künneke or Evelyn King was a German actor.
In addition to her acting career, Künneke was also a successful singer and dancer, appearing in numerous films and stage productions throughout Germany in the 1940s and 1950s. She was known for her dynamic on-stage presence and her powerful, soulful voice, which won her many devoted fans in her home country and beyond. Despite her early success, Künneke's career was not without its challenges; she faced criticism and controversy for her perceived association with the Nazi party, and her personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships and struggles with addiction. Nonetheless, she remained a beloved figure in German popular culture, and her legacy as a pioneering entertainer continues to inspire generations of performers to this day.
Künneke was born into a showbiz family. Her father, composer Eduard Künneke, was a well-known figure in the German music scene, and her mother, actress Käthe Dorsch, was equally renowned. Encouraged by her parents, Künneke began her career as a child performer, making her stage debut at the age of six. She rose to fame in the 1940s, starring in popular films such as "Kleines Herz in Not" and "Meine Herren Söhne" and releasing hit songs such as "Ich hab' Musik so gern" and "Wie ein Wunder kam die Liebe". Künneke was lauded for her versatility as an entertainer, and her talents as a dancer and actress were as well-regarded as her singing abilities.
However, as Künneke's fame grew, so too did scrutiny of her political affiliations. Her father had composed music for the Nazi party, and Künneke was accused of being a member of the Hitler Youth. While she denied any involvement with the organization, the accusations stung, and Künneke struggled to shake off the association with her family's past. She continued to work in show business throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but her star began to fade, and she eventually retired from the public eye.
Künneke's personal life was similarly tumultuous. She was married and divorced several times, and struggled with alcohol and prescription drug abuse. She died in 2001 at the age of 79.
Despite the controversies and challenges of her life, Künneke is remembered as a trailblazer in German entertainment, a woman who broke barriers and blazed trails for generations of performers to come. Her legacy lives on through her music and performances, which continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Johanna König
Johanna König (March 27, 1921 Leipzig-March 3, 2009 Berlin) was a German actor.
She began her acting career in 1945 at the Volksbühne theater in Berlin, and later became a member of the ensemble at the Deutsches Theater. König was known for her versatility and ability to portray various characters with depth and nuance, whether it was in classic plays or contemporary productions.
Outside of theater, König also appeared in a number of films and television shows. She worked with renowned directors such as Konrad Wolf, and was often praised for her performances. In addition to her acting work, König was also known for her strong social and political engagement. She was an active member of the Communist Party of Germany, and was involved in various cultural and political organizations throughout her life.
König received numerous accolades for her work, including the National Prize of East Germany for her contribution to German culture. She remained active in the theater scene until her retirement in the 1990s, and passed away in Berlin in 2009 at the age of 87.
König was born in Leipzig in 1921 and began her artistic pursuits early on. She trained in ballet and acting, studying at the State Drama School in Berlin from 1938 to 1940. After her acting debut in 1945, she quickly rose to fame and became one of the most famous actors in the German Democratic Republic's theater scene. König's talent was not limited to acting, as she also directed plays and worked as a dramaturg.
One of her most notable performances was in Bertolt Brecht's play Mother Courage and Her Children, in which she played the titular role. König's portrayal of Mother Courage was highly praised, and she went on to reprise the role in several different productions throughout her career.
König was also involved in the German-Soviet Friendship Society, an organization aimed at fostering positive relations between East Germany and the Soviet Union. This involvement led to her receiving the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1965 for her contributions to Soviet-German friendship.
Despite spending most of her career in East Germany, König never shied away from expressing her political views, openly criticizing government policies when she felt it was necessary. Her dedication to her art and her political beliefs made her a beloved figure in the German cultural scene, and her legacy continues to be celebrated to this day.
Winnie Markus
Winnie Markus (May 16, 1921 Prague-March 8, 2002 Munich) also known as Winifred Maria Eveline Markus was a German actor.
She began her acting career in 1939 and appeared in over 70 films during her career. Markus became renowned for her portrayal of cheerful and charming personas on screen. Some of her most famous roles include 'Wir Kellerkinder' (1941), 'Spuk im Schloß' (1942), and 'Münchhausen' (1943). Markus was also a successful singer and recorded several albums in the 1950s. During the 1960s, she shifted her focus to television and appeared in a number of popular German series. Markus was highly regarded in the German entertainment industry and won several awards for her work, including the Bambi Award and the Goldene Kamera. She remained active in her career until the early 1990s and passed away in Munich in 2002.
Markus was born to a Czech father and Austrian mother in Prague, but her family moved to Berlin when she was just four years old. Her parents owned a small fashion business, and Markus showed little interest in acting until her mother took her to see a play by the young German director Leni Riefenstahl. Markus was immediately captivated by the world of theater and pursued acting as a career soon after.
During her early years as an actor, Markus often played supporting roles in popular wartime films in Nazi Germany. However, after the war, she managed to shift her career to more substantial roles and became one of the most beloved actors of the post-war generation in Germany. Besides acting and singing, Markus was also a skilled equestrian and owned several horses.
Markus was married twice in her life, first to the actor Wolfgang Kieling, with whom she had a son named Johannes. She then married the musician and TV producer Hans Herbert Blatzheim and moved to Munich with him. Markus remained very private about her personal life and did not give any interviews for many years. She was known for her elegant and poised demeanor on and off the screen and was regarded as a true lady of German cinema.
Dorle Rath
Dorle Rath (March 10, 1921 Germany-July 9, 1989 Germany) was a German actor.
She is best known for her roles in various German films and TV shows during the 1950s and 1960s. Rath started her acting career in the theater before transitioning to film. Some of her notable works include "L'Ennemi public n° 1" (1953), "Der Mustergatte" (1956), and "Traumrevue" (1961). Despite experiencing success as an actress, Rath took a break from her career to raise her family. She returned to acting in the 1980s, appearing in a few TV movies before her death in 1989.
Rath was born in Düsseldorf, Germany and grew up in a family of actors. Her mother, father, and older brother were all involved in the theater. Rath studied acting at the Max Reinhardt School of Drama in Berlin and began her theater career in the 1940s. She was known for her ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles.
In addition to her acting career, Rath was also a talented singer and dancer. She performed in numerous revues in the 1950s and 1960s. Her performances often showcased her skills in tap dancing and singing.
Rath was married to fellow actor Werner Lieven from 1951 until his death in 1971. The couple had two children together, a son and a daughter. Rath took time off from acting in the 1970s to focus on her family.
After returning to acting in the 1980s, Rath appeared in several TV movies and series, including "Das Traumschiff" and "Der Alte". She passed away in Germany in 1989 at the age of 68.
Ursula Braun
Ursula Braun (August 8, 1921 Berlin-December 3, 1984 East Berlin) was a German actor.
She began her acting career on stage and later went on to appear in films and television shows. One of her notable roles was in the 1955 East German film "Gerichtet bei Nacht" (Judged at Night), which earned her critical acclaim. She was also a regular cast member on several East German TV series, such as "Das grüne Ungeheuer" (The Green Monster) and "Polizeifunk ruft" (Police Radio Calls). Braun was known for her versatility as an actor, equally at ease with comedic and dramatic roles. She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious National Prize of East Germany in 1956. Despite her success, she remained humble and dedicated to her craft, continuing to work until her death in 1984.
Braun was born into an artistic family, with her father being a sculptor and her mother a painter. She was introduced to theater at a young age and went on to study acting at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Leipzig. After graduation, she joined the ensemble at the Deutsches Theater Berlin, where she performed for over a decade.
In addition to her acting career, Braun was also a vocal advocate for the cultural and artistic freedoms of East Germany. She was an active member of the East German Actors' Association and served on the board of the East German Academy of Arts. She used her platform to speak out against censorship and support the creative expression of her fellow artists.
Braun was married to fellow actor and director Wolfgang Langhoff, with whom she had two children, Thomas and Matthias. Her legacy as an actor and a champion for artistic expression continues to be recognized today.