Erna Sellmer was a German-American actress best known for her roles in “Karriere in Paris,” “Das Fräulein von Barnhelm,” and “So war Mama.” Born on June 19, 1905, in Hamburg, Germany, she had a successful career in both theater and film, becoming a familiar face in German cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Erna Sellmer trained at the Hochschule für Musik and studied under Ilka Grüning in Berlin. She began her acting career on stage in 1929, later joining the Munich Kammerspiele and the Deutschen Theater. She married and had a family, but details about her personal life remain largely private.
Career Highlights
Sellmer was a versatile character actress, often portraying jovial or crabby housekeepers and spinsters in films and television shows. She gained popularity with younger audiences in the 1970s when she starred in the successful series “George.” Despite a decline in film engagements during the 1960s, she continued acting in theater and made occasional screen appearances.
Death and Legacy
Erna Sellmer passed away on May 13, 1983, in Munich, Bavaria, West Germany. She left behind a legacy as a beloved character actress who made significant contributions to German theater and cinema. Her performances continue to be remembered by fans of classic German films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Die Mörder sind unter uns | 1946-10-15 | Frau Brückner |
| Das Herz von St. Pauli | 1957-12-17 | Tante Mathilde |
| Heimweh nach St. Pauli | 1963-08-29 | Mutter Steinemann |
| Klein Erna auf dem Jungfernstieg | 1969-10-31 | Tante Martha |
| Münchhausen in Afrika | 1958-07-17 | Emilie |
| Die Nacht vor der Premiere | 1959-05-13 | Rosalia Fascinelli |
| Freddy, Tiere, Sensationen | 1964-12-18 | Mutter Baldoni |
| So war Mama | 1962-01-21 | Florence Dana Morehead |
| George | 1974-03-15 | Frau Gerber |
| Derrick | 1974-10-20 | Frau Kunz |