Elke Sommer, born Elke Schletz on November 5, 1940, in Berlin-Spandau, was destined for a life less ordinary. Her beginnings, however, were far from glamorous. The daughter of a Lutheran minister and his wife, Elke’s early years were marked by the turmoil of World War II. In 1942, her family fled to Erlangen, a university town in southern Germany. It was there that her passion for art began, as her parents introduced her to watercolor painting, sparking what would become a lifelong creative outlet.

At just 14 years old, tragedy struck when her father passed away, forcing her to leave school. With resilience that would define her career, Elke moved to Great Britain to work as an au pair, learning English and dreaming of a brighter future. Returning to Germany, she briefly considered becoming a diplomatic translator but ultimately found herself drawn to the world of modeling—a decision that would alter the course of her life forever.

From Beauty Queen to European Starlet

Elke’s big break came during a vacation in Italy, where she won the title of “Miss Viareggio Turistica.” The accolade caught the attention of legendary Italian actor and director Vittorio De Sica, who cast her in her first film, Uomini e nobiluomini (1959). This marked the beginning of her acting career, and she quickly gained momentum with roles in Italian films like Femmine di lusso (1960).

By the early 1960s, Elke was not only a rising star in Italian cinema but also in German films, where her beauty and undeniable talent earned her the title of a European sex symbol. Her pin-up appeal made her a favorite among audiences, whether she appeared in dramatic roles or light-hearted comedies. Her first English-speaking role in Don’t Bother to Knock (1961) showcased her versatility and opened the door to Hollywood.

The Golden Age in Hollywood

Elke’s move to Hollywood in the early 1960s was met with instant success. Her blend of innocence and seduction made her a perfect fit for the silver screen, and she quickly became one of Hollywood’s most captivating imports. She dazzled audiences in the war drama The Victors (1963) and cemented her star status with The Prize (1963), where her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Newcomer.

However, it was her role in the comedic classic A Shot in the Dark (1964) that truly made her a household name. Playing opposite Peter Sellers’ bumbling Inspector Clouseau, Elke brought charm and wit to her role, proving she could hold her own in both drama and comedy. Her career flourished as she starred alongside Hollywood legends like Paul Newman, James Garner, and Glenn Ford.

During this time, Elke also posed for multiple Playboy Magazine spreads, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

Setbacks and Reinvention

Despite her early successes, Elke’s Hollywood career faced challenges in the late 1960s. Films like The Oscar (1966) and The Wrecking Crew (1968) failed to impress critics and audiences alike. By the end of the decade, the quality of her roles began to decline, leading her to seek opportunities in Europe.

In the 1970s, she appeared in several low-budget European films, including cult horror classics directed by Mario Bava, such as Lisa and the Devil (1973). While these films didn’t achieve mainstream success at the time, they later gained a devoted following among genre enthusiasts.

A Return to Television and Stage

Elke’s career found new life in television and theater. She made memorable appearances in TV series like Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and St. Elsewhere. Her talents extended to miniseries, with standout roles in Inside the Third Reich (1982) and Peter the Great (1986).

On stage, Elke showcased her versatility in productions like Cactus Flower and Woman of the Year. She also explored music, releasing several albums and performing as a cabaret singer, further proving her range as an entertainer.

The Artist and Author

While her acting career slowed in later years, Elke’s passion for painting became her primary focus. Influenced by Marc Chagall, her vibrant artwork gained recognition and was exhibited in galleries worldwide. In the 1980s, she hosted a PBS series, Painting with Elke, sharing her love for art with viewers.

In addition to painting, Elke became a published author, further solidifying her reputation as a multifaceted artist.

A Life of Resilience and Reinvention

Today, Elke Sommer is celebrated not only for her beauty and talent but also for her resilience and ability to reinvent herself. From her humble beginnings in wartime Germany to her rise as a Hollywood star and her later success as a painter and writer, Elke’s journey is one of determination and creativity.

Now residing in Los Angeles with her husband, hotelier Wolf Walther, Elke continues to inspire with her enduring charm and passion for the arts. Her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most captivating imports remains as vibrant as ever, proving that true stars shine on, no matter where life takes them.