Traudl Stark was an Austrian-born American actress who is best known for Prinzessin Sissy, Peter im Schnee, and Liebling der Matrosen.
Personal and Family Life
Born Gertraud Stark on March 17, 1930, in Vienna, Austria, she became a popular child actress in the 1930s, often referred to as the ‘Shirley Temple of Austria.’ After World War II, she lost interest in the film industry and worked in an office of the American occupying forces, where she met her first husband, Jack Elliot. They got married in 1948 and moved to the USA, where they raised four children together. She eventually married Thomas South until her passing.
Career
Traudl Stark began her film career as a child actress, appearing in several notable films during the late 1930s. She was recognized for her talent and became a beloved figure among young audiences of the time. Her career in film was brief, as she stepped away from acting after the onset of the war, focusing instead on her family life.
Death and Legacy
Traudl Stark passed away on October 14, 2021, in Tampa, Florida, USA. At the time of her death, she was known by her married name, Gertraud M. South. Her contributions to early cinema, particularly as a child actress, left a lasting impact on the industry, and she is remembered fondly by those who grew up watching her films.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1935 | Im weißen Rößl | Child |
| 1935 | The Trip to Youth | Not specified |
| 1936 | Manja Valewska | Die kleine Sasja |
| 1937 | Peter im Schnee | Peter |
| 1937 | Liebling der Matrosen | Christl Hofer |
| 1939 | Prinzessin Sissy | Princess Sissy – beider Tochter |
| 1940 | Leidenschaft | Angelika |
| 1940 | Der Fuchs von Glenarvon | Kit Ennis of Loweland |