Lilian Ellis was an American-Danish actress, best known for her work in films such as “The Theft of the Mona Lisa,” “Der Raub der Mona Lisa,” and “De kloge og vi gale.” She was born on May 25, 1907, in Denmark and passed away on February 21, 1951.
Personal and Family Life
Lilian Ellis, originally named Ellis Stampe Bendix, was born to Olaf Forchhammer, a well-known engineer. As a child, she studied ballet and even started her own dance company. On April 3, 1943, she married Mogens Lind, who was both an actor and a writer.
Career
Lilian began her acting journey at Max Reinhardt’s Deutsche Theater in Berlin, making her film debut in the silent movie “Strauss, The Waltz King” at just 21 years old. She became a popular musical comedy star in Europe during the late 1920s and was seen as a promising talent in Hollywood, but her strong accent limited her opportunities there. After a brief stint in the U.S., she returned to Europe and performed in revues in various cities, including London and Paris.
Death and Legacy
Lilian was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1950 and underwent surgery in Copenhagen, but complications arose. She died from cardiac arrest on February 21, 1951, at the age of 43. She was laid to rest in Soendermarken Cemetery in Copenhagen, Denmark, leaving behind a legacy as a significant figure in early European cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Alle gaar rundt og forelsker sig | 1941-08-02 | Mette Madsen |
| Elly Petersen | 1944-08-07 | |
| Der Raub der Mona Lisa | 1931-08-24 | |
| De kloge og vi gale | 1945-10-22 | Lily Lund – skuespiller |
| Kyritz – Pyritz | 1931-09-06 | Anni |
| Liebeskleeblatt | 1930-04-08 | Ellen Grant |
| Der Leutnant Ihrer Majestät | 1929-04-12 | |
| Im Prater blühn wieder die Bäume | 1929-11-25 | |
| Wiener Herzen | 1930-04-22 | |
| Die lustigen Weiber von Wien | 1931-03-06 | Christine |
| Tausend Worte Deutsch | 1930-12-05 | |
| En melodi om våren | 1943-07-31 |