Hollywood Star Elke Sommer, Known For The Prize And A Shot In The Dark, Dies At 85

Hollywood Actress Elke Sommer, Star Of 1960s Cinema, Dies At 85

German-born actress Elke Sommer, who became a familiar face in Hollywood during the 1960s, has died at the age of 85. Known for her glamorous screen presence and performances in comedy and crime films, Sommer worked alongside several leading stars of her era.

She died at her home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, on Wednesday. Her stepson, Sebastian Walther, confirmed her death to German newspaper Bild.

The Los Angeles Police Department also informed The Associated Press that officers had responded on Wednesday night to the death of an 85-year-old woman in Sommer’s neighbourhood.

From Wartime Berlin To The World Of Cinema
Born Elke Schletz in Berlin on November 5, 1940, Sommer spent her early childhood during World War II. Her family relocated to southern Germany in 1942. Her father, a Protestant pastor, died when she was 14 years old.

Acting was not initially among her career ambitions. Sommer was interested in studying languages and had not planned to enter the film industry.

However, a holiday in Italy with her mother, Renata, in 1958 took her life in a different direction. During the trip, she attracted the attention of a person associated with Italian cinema and received an offer to appear in a film.

That opportunity led to her acting debut in The Friend of the Jaguar, setting her on the path to an international film career.