Hildegard Knef
Hildegard Knef (28 December 1925 – 1 February 2002) was a renowned German actress, singer, and writer. She was one of the most prominent figures in post-war German cinema and enjoyed a successful career in both her home country and abroad. Knef's contributions to the arts have made her a significant figure in the history of German entertainment.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Hildegard Knef was born in Ulm, Germany, and grew up in Berlin. Her early interest in the arts led her to enroll in the State Film School at Babelsberg, Berlin's prestigious film academy. Knef's education was interrupted by World War II, during which she worked at a munitions factory. After the war, she resumed her pursuit of an acting career.
Career[edit | edit source]
Knef's acting career began in earnest with her role in the film Murderers Among Us (1946), directed by Wolfgang Staudte. The film, which was the first to be released in Germany after World War II, dealt with the aftermath of the war and the Nazi regime. Knef's performance received critical acclaim and established her as a talented actress.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Knef worked extensively in film, both in Germany and internationally. She starred in over 50 films, including The Sinner (1951), which was controversial at the time for its frank portrayal of sexuality. Knef also made a name for herself in Hollywood, appearing in films such as Decision Before Dawn (1951) and The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952).
In addition to her acting career, Knef also achieved success as a singer. Her distinctive voice and emotive delivery made her a popular recording artist in Germany and beyond. Some of her most famous songs include "Für mich soll's rote Rosen regnen" and "Ich hab' noch einen Koffer in Berlin".
Knef was also an accomplished writer, publishing several books throughout her lifetime. Her autobiography, The Gift Horse: Report on a Life (1970), was a bestseller and offered a candid look at her life and career.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Knef's personal life was marked by her marriages and health struggles. She was married three times and had one daughter. Knef battled lung cancer and other health issues later in life, which she discussed openly in her writings and interviews.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Hildegard Knef passed away on 1 February 2002 in Berlin. She is remembered as a trailblazer in the German entertainment industry, breaking taboos and setting new standards for performance in film, music, and literature. Knef's work continues to be celebrated for its impact on German culture and the arts worldwide.
Selected Filmography[edit | edit source]
- Murderers Among Us (1946)
- The Sinner (1951)
- Decision Before Dawn (1951)
- The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952)
Discography[edit | edit source]
- Für mich soll's rote Rosen regnen
- Ich hab' noch einen Koffer in Berlin
Bibliography[edit | edit source]
- The Gift Horse: Report on a Life (1970)
This German actor-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD