Elke Sommer, ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘The Prize’ Star, Dies at 85 — SkimNews
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- Elke Sommer died at 85 in Los Angeles, with her stepson Sebastian Walther confirming the news to German outlet Bild
- Elke Sommer passed away three months after her husband Wolf Walther died of cancer, and her stepson said she can now be with her beloved husband again
- Elke Sommer was born in Berlin in 1940 during Nazi occupation, fled with her family during WWII, and moved to London in 1957 to work as an au pair
- Elke Sommer was discovered in Italy by director Vittorio De Sica, launched her film career there, and moved to Hollywood in the early 1960s as a rising pin-up model
- Elke Sommer starred in major 1960s films including 'The Prize' with Paul Newman and 'A Shot in the Dark' with Peter Sellers, winning a 1964 Golden Globe for most promising newcomer actress
- Elke Sommer appeared in 1970s films such as 'Ten Little Indians,' 'Baron Blood,' and 'Carry On Behind,' maintaining a diverse international film presence
Why it matters: Sommer’s death marks the loss of a prominent European actress who successfully crossed into Hollywood during a time when few non-American stars achieved such visibility, and her passing so soon after her husband’s underscores a personal story of long-term partnership ending in quick succession, resonating with audiences who followed her career and personal life.
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