Cornell Borchers was an American actor known for her roles in The Divided Heart, Never Say Goodbye, and The Big Lift. She was recognized for her striking features and talent in the mid-20th century cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Cornell Borchers, born Gerlind Cornell Borchers, came from Lithuanian ancestry and initially studied medicine before shifting to acting. She was married twice, first to Bruce Cunningham with whom she had one child, and later to Anton Schelkopf, with whom she had two children. Her daughter, Julia, married into nobility, adding to the family’s legacy.
Career Highlights
After her studies, Cornell took drama classes and quickly caught the attention of director Arthur Maria Rabenalt. She moved to Hollywood but left her contract after just one film, believing better roles were not available. Though her career took a brief downturn, she regained recognition with her BAFTA-winning role in The Divided Heart.
Death and Legacy
Cornell Borchers passed away on May 12, 2014, in Germany, leaving behind a rich legacy of film work. She chose to step away from the public eye in 1959, prioritizing her family over her acting career, which added a layer of admiration to her life story.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Lift | 1950-04-26 | Frederica Burkhardt |
| Never Say Goodbye | 1956-03-10 | Lisa Gosting |
| The Divided Heart | 1954-11-09 | Inga |
| Flood Tide | 1958-02-01 | Anne Gordon |
| Das ewige Spiel | 1951-03-21 | Marie Campenhausen |
| Schwarze Augen | 1951-12-25 | Helene Samboni |
| Haus des Lebens | 1952-09-11 | Dr. Elisabeth Keller |
| Rot ist die Liebe | 1957-01-17 | Rosemarie |
| Die tödlichen Träume | 1951-03-16 | Angelika Wilbrand / Donna Inez / Lisette / Maria |
| Die Lüge | 1950-08-10 | Ellen Gruber |
| Arzt ohne Gewissen | 1959-09-04 | Harriet Owen |
| Martina | 1949-07-08 | Irene |
| 0 Uhr 15, Zimmer 9 | 1950-03-23 | Maria Mertens |
| Maxie | 1954-10-13 | Nora, seine Frau |
| Abenteuer in Wien | 1952-08-20 | Karin Manelli |
| Schule für Eheglück | 1954-05-19 | Regine |
| Anonyme Briefe | 1949-03-28 | Cornelia |
| Unvergängliches Licht | 1951-03-22 | Michèle Printemps |
| Absender unbekannt | 1950-02-10 | Dr. Elisabeth Markert – Lehrerin |
| Istanbul | 1957-01-23 | Stephanie Bauer / Karen Fielding |
| Oasis | 1955-03-18 | Karine Salstroem |
| The Dark Wave | 1956-06-01 |