Celia Lovsky was an American actress best known for her role as T’Pau in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” as well as her appearances in films like “Soylent Green” and “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.”
Personal and Family Life
Celia Lovsky was born as Cäcilie Josefina Lvovsky in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, on February 21, 1897. She was the daughter of a Czech opera composer and received her training at the Royal Academy of Arts and Music. In 1934, she married actor Peter Lorre, with whom she moved to several cities, including London and Hollywood. They divorced in 1945, after which Celia pursued an acting career.
Career Highlights
Lovsky’s acting career began in Europe before she transitioned to Hollywood following her divorce. During her time as a character actress, she appeared in over 40 films and made about 200 television appearances. Her distinctive accent often led her to portray European characters and occasionally other ethnicities, including a Native American in “Duel on the Mississippi.” One of her most memorable roles was as T’Pau, the Vulcan leader, in the iconic “Star Trek” episode “Amok Time” in 1967.
Death and Legacy
Celia Lovsky passed away on October 12, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, due to natural causes at the age of 82. She remained friends with Peter Lorre until his death in 1964. Lovsky’s contributions to film and television, particularly in genre works, have secured her a place in the annals of Hollywood history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Foxfire | 1955-07-13 | Princess Saba |
| The Garment Jungle | 1957-05-01 | Tulio’s Mother |
| Soylent Green | 1973-04-18 | The Exchange Leader |
| New York Confidential | 1955-02-15 | Mama Lupo |
| The Scarf | 1951-04-06 | Mrs. Cyrus Barrington |
| Star Trek | 1966-09-08 | T’Pau |
| The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre | 1967-06-30 | Josephine Schwimmer |
| Death of a Scoundrel | 1956-10-31 | Mrs. Sabourin |
| Harlow | 1965-05-14 | Marie Ouspenskaya |
| While the City Sleeps | 1956-04-19 | Miss Dodd |