An alluring German-born blonde, Elke Sommer was a minister's daughter who studied English while working as an au pair in London. Intellectually inclined (she is fluent in seven languages), she attended university with the intention of working as a diplomatic translator. A brief modeling career led to her first film role in the German-language "Das Totenschiff" (1959). Later, she was spotted by a producer and cast in "Femmine di Lusso" (1960) Her nude scenes in "The Victors" (1963) garnered her press in America and she landed opposite Paul Newman in the engaging drama "The Prize" (1963) and Peter Sellars in the comic romp "A Shot in the Dark" (1964). Her subsequent films have been a mixed bag of generally uninspired and forgettable vehicles.Sommer, however, found a home on television. In the late 60s and early 70s, she was a frequent guest on Bob Hope's variety specials and also proved a lively talk show guest. She headlined the busted CBS pilot "Elke" in 1971. In the mid-80s, Sommer hosted the syndicated "Elke Sommer's World of Speed and Beauty" (later revived on TNN in 1989) and the PBS series "Painting With Elke Sommer" (1985). Among her acting credits are roles in the miniseries "Inside the Third Reich" (ABC, 1982), "Peter the Great" (NBC, 1986) and "Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna" (NBC, 1986). To date, her last regular role was on the Canadian-produced series "Destiny Ridge" (1992-93). Sommer has also appeared in a number of stage vehicles ranging from the comedy "Born Yesterday" to the musical "Woman of the Year".
Profession(s):
Actor, TV host, writer, model, painter
Sometimes Credited As:
Elke Schletz
Golden Globe Award Most Promising Newcomer-Female 1963
1993 - 1994 Was series regular on the Canadian TV show "Destiny Ridge"
1989 Hosted "The Exciting World of Speed and Beauty" on The Nashville Network (TNN)
1986 Had featured roles in the NBC miniseries "Peter the Great" and "Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna"
1985 Wrote and hosted the PBS series "Painting with Elke Sommer"
1984 Hosted "Elke Sommer's World of Speed and Beauty" (syndicated)
1982 Co-starred as Magda Goebbels in the ABC miniseries "Inside the Third Reich"
1980 Had featured role in the syndicated miniseries "Top of the Hill"
1971 Headlined the CBS special "Elke"
1960 English-language screen debut, "Don't Bother to Knock"
1959 Screen debut, "Das Totenschiff"
1956 Emigrated to Britain and worked as an au pair
Was a frequent guest on TV variety specials hosted by Bob Hope
