Zarah Leander was a Swedish actress who is best known for her performances in German films during the 1930s and 1940s, including “Die große Liebe,” “Heimat,” and “Gabriela.” She gained fame for her glamorous and tragic roles, making her an iconic figure in the film industry.
Personal and Family Life
Zarah Leander was born as Sara Stina Hedberg on March 15, 1907, in Karlstad, Sweden. She grew up in a family of five children, including a brother who later became an actor. She had three marriages throughout her life, the first to Nils Leander in 1926, followed by Vidar Forsell, and finally to Arne Hülphers in 1956. She had two children with her first husband.
Career
Leander started her career in 1929 as a chanson singer without any formal training. She quickly became popular in Sweden, performing in numerous revues and films. In 1935, she moved to Germany to sign a contract with Ufa, where she starred in many successful films and became one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, often portraying strong, passionate women.
Death and Legacy
Zarah Leander passed away on June 23, 1981, in Stockholm, Sweden, due to natural causes. Her contributions to film, especially during the Nazi era, make her a significant figure in cinema history. Despite the controversies surrounding her work, she remains celebrated for her powerful performances and memorable songs.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Die große Liebe | 1942-06-12 | Hanna Holberg |
| Zu neuen Ufern | 1937-08-30 | Gloria Vane |
| Äktenskapsleken | 1935-11-25 | Tora Diidiken |
| Der Blaufuchs | 1938-12-14 | Ilona Paulus |
| Premiere | 1937-02-25 | Carmen Daviot |
| La Habanera | 1937-12-18 | Astree Sternhjelm |
| Der Weg ins Freie | 1941-05-06 | Antonia Corvelli |
| Gabriela | 1950-04-06 | Gabriela |
| Heimat | 1938-06-25 | Magda von Schwartze |
| Das Herz der Königin | 1940-11-01 | Maria Stuart |