Lily Bouwmeester

Lily Bouwmeester was a Dutch actress known for her roles in Pygmalion, Ergens in Nederland, and Vadertje Langbeen. She began her career in the early 20th century and became a prominent figure in Dutch theater and film.

Personal and Family Life

Lily Bouwmeester was born on September 28, 1901, in Amsterdam to a musical family. Her father was a violinist, and her mother was a pianist. She belonged to the famous Bouwmeester family and was the granddaughter of Frits Bouwmeester, Sr. Lily had two marriages; her first was to actor Theo Frenkel Jr., with whom she had a brief career partnership, and later she married Cor van der Lugt Melsert Jr.

Career Highlights

Bouwmeester’s acting journey began in 1916, and she gained recognition in both theater and film. She became famous for her comedic roles, especially after debuting in the talkie Pygmalion in 1937, which marked her return to the screen after a long absence. Throughout the late 1930s, she starred in multiple successful Dutch films. After World War II, she continued acting in theater until her eventual retirement in 1969.

Death and Legacy

Lily Bouwmeester passed away on July 12, 1993, in Sliedrecht at the age of 92. Although she received the Golden Calf award for the “Best Actress of Pre-War Movies” in 1991, her later years were marked by loneliness after her husband’s death. Bouwmeester left a lasting legacy in Dutch cinema and theater through her extensive body of work.

Filmography