German actress Elke Sommer, internationally known for her work in European cinema and Hollywood, has died, leaving behind a career that spanned several decades and made her a familiar face on screen throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Her work in comedies, mystery films, and productions across various genres won over audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and established her as a prominent figure in the film industry. Here’s what is known about her death.
How Did Elke Sommer Die?
According to the information provided, Elke Sommer died of heart failure at her home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The news was shared with German outlet Bild by her stepson, Sebastian Walther.
The actress died three months after her husband, Wolf Walther, passed away from cancer. The couple had been married for 32 years.
How Old Was Elke Sommer?
Elke Sommer was 85 years old and was just one week away from turning 86.
What Was Elke Sommer’s Net Worth?
Elke Sommer’s net worth was estimated at around $5 million. Her work in international cinema, acting contracts, and various professional endeavors contributed to a career that spanned several decades.
Who Was Elke Sommer?
Elke Sommer was born Elke Schletz on November 5, 1940, in Berlin, Germany. The daughter of Peter von Schletz, a Lutheran pastor, and Renata Topp, she grew up in a family that had to leave Berlin during World War II and settle in the Franconia region. After her father died when she was 14, she spent time in England, where she worked as an au pair and improved her English.
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Although she initially considered becoming a translator, her career took a different direction during a vacation in Italy. At 16, she won a beauty contest in Viareggio and caught the attention of Italian filmmaker Vittorio De Sica, who helped open doors for her in the film industry. She made her acting debut in 1959 in the Italian film Uomini e nobiluomini.
During the early years of her career, Sommer appeared in European productions and began landing increasingly prominent roles. Her ability to speak several languages allowed her to work in German, Italian, French, Spanish, and British films before making the move to Hollywood.
In 1963, she appeared alongside Paul Newman in The Prize, a performance that helped boost her international recognition. The following year, she played Maria Gambrelli in A Shot in the Dark, the comedy starring Peter Sellers that is part of The Pink Panther franchise. In 1964, she also won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer for her work in The Prize.
Her popularity continued to grow throughout the 1960s with films such as The Art of Love, The Money Trap, and Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!, the latter co-starring Bob Hope. She later expanded her repertoire to include horror, suspense, adventure, and comedy productions.
In addition to acting, Sommer pursued painting and also worked as a singer. In her personal life, she was married to American journalist Joe Hyams from 1964 to 1981. In 1993, she married Wolf Walther, with whom she shared her life for more than three decades.
Elke Sommer’s Best Movies
Throughout her career, Elke Sommer appeared in numerous film and television productions. Some of her best-known works include:
- The Prize (1963)
- A Shot in the Dark (1964)
- The Art of Love (1965)
- The Money Trap (1965)
- Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! (1966)
- The Oscar (1966)
- The Wrecking Crew (1968)
- Zeppelin (1971)
- Lisa and the Devil (1973)
- And Then There Were None (1974)
- Carry On Behind (1975)
- The Prisoner of Zenda (1979)
- The Double McGuffin (1979)
- Lily in Love (1984)
On television, she also appeared in productions such as The Six Million Dollar Man, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, St. Elsewhere, and Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna, showcasing her versatility across different formats.
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The iconic actress Elke Sommer was known for her work in comedies, mystery films, and productions across various genres Read More