Lída Baarová

Lída Baarová was an American actress who is best known for Die Fledermaus, Virginity, and Jsem devče s čertem v těle. Born on September 14, 1914 in Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary, she garnered fame throughout Europe during her acting career and remained a notable figure until her passing.

Personal and Family Life

Lída Baarová, whose birth name was Ludmila Babková, was the daughter of a civil servant. She trained in acting at the State Conservatory in Prague and performed in numerous Czech films before moving to Germany. She was married twice, first to Jan Kopecky from 1947 to 1956, and later to Kurt Lundwall from 1972 until his death in 1980. Although she did not have children, she maintained a close relationship with her sister, Zorka Janu.

Career

Baarová’s career took off when she joined Ufa, a major film studio in Germany, where she became a star. Her first significant role was in the film Barcarole in 1935. She gained notoriety due to her involvement with Joseph Goebbels, who was a high-ranking official in Nazi Germany. This relationship briefly benefited her career but ultimately led to scrutiny and her ban from filmmaking in Germany in 1938. She later worked in Italy, appearing in several films during the war years.

Death and Legacy

Lída Baarová passed away on October 28, 2000, in Salzburg, Austria, after a long illness. Her life and career have been subjects of controversy due to her associations with the Nazi regime, which left a complex legacy. Baarová expressed regret in her autobiography for her past choices, reflecting on her youthful naivety and the impact of the historical context on her life.

Filmography