Hedy Lamarr was an American actress who is best known for her roles in films like “Algiers,” “Samson and Delilah,” and “White Cargo.” Born on November 9, 1914, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, she became a Hollywood icon known for her beauty and talent.
Personal and Family Life
Hedy Lamarr was born as Hedwig Maria Vera Kiesler to Emil and Gertrud Kiesler, both from Jewish families. She had a calm childhood and became interested in acting during her teenage years. Lamarr was married six times and had three children: James, Denise, and Anthony. Her marriages included prominent figures, such as munitions manufacturer Fritz Mandl, and Hollywood producer John Loder.
Career Highlights
Hedy’s acting career began in Europe, but she gained international fame with the controversial film “Ecstasy” in 1932. After moving to Hollywood, she starred in numerous adventure films, showcasing her acting range. Despite initial success, her career waned after World War II, though her role in “Samson and Delilah” in 1949 became a significant hit. Throughout her career, she became known for her captivating performances and striking appearance.
Death and Legacy
Hedy Lamarr passed away on January 19, 2000, in Casselberry, Florida, due to natural causes. She is remembered not only for her film career but also for her contributions to technology, including co-inventing a radio frequency hopping technique. Her legacy endures as she remains an icon of beauty and ingenuity in the film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Lady Without Passport | 1950-08-03 | Marianne Lorress |
| Experiment Perilous | 1944-12-18 | Allida Bederaux |
| Algiers | 1938-01-16 | Gaby |
| Samson and Delilah | 1949-12-21 | Delilah |
| White Cargo | 1942-12-12 | Tondelayo |
| Ziegfeld Girl | 1941-04-25 | Sandra Kolter |
| Comrade X | 1940-12-13 | Golubka / Theodore Yahupitz / Lizvanetchka ‘Lizzie’ |
| Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage | 1983-02-25 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |