Elke Sommer, German-born star of ‘A Shot in the Dark’ and ‘The Prize,’ dies at 85
Elke Sommer, the striking blonde bombshell of German descent who was a mainstay of 1960s Hollywood comedies and espionage movies including “The Prize” and “A Shot in the Dark,” has died. She was 85.
Elke Sommer, a German-born Hollywood actress, has passed away at the age of 85 in Los Angeles. She was known for her roles in iconic 1960s films such as "The Prize" and "A Shot in the Dark," alongside renowned actors like Paul Newman and Peter Sellers. Sommer's striking blonde appearance and expressive eyes were her trademark, and she was often photographed with her golden hair styled in a high beehive.
Born as Elke Schletz in Berlin during World War II, she initially planned to study languages but was discovered by Italian film industry insiders and began her acting career in Europe. Her breakthrough in Hollywood came when producer Pandro S. Berman cast her in "The Prize," for which she won the Golden Globe for most promising newcomer.
Sommer's career spanned several decades, including appearances in other notable films like Blake Edwards' "A Shot in the Dark" and Playboy magazine photos. She also turned to painting in her later years but maintained occasional film roles, even voicing Yzma in the German dub of "The Emperor's New Groove." Sommer's most notable feud was with Zsa Zsa Gabor over alleged remarks about Gabor's body, leading to a defamation lawsuit that resulted in Gabor and her husband paying Sommer $3.3 million.
Written by urgent.news from CityNews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
