Ruth Leuwerik was a German actress who is best known for her roles in The Trapp Family, Rosen im Herbst, and Liebling der Götter. She gained immense popularity in the 1950s and became recognized as one of Germany’s leading actresses.
Personal and Family Life
Ruth Leuwerik was born on April 23, 1924, in Essen, Germany. She had a strong interest in acting from a young age and pursued her passion despite initial setbacks in her career. Throughout her life, she was married three times, with her last husband being Dr. Heinz Purper, whom she married in 1969.
Career Highlights
Leuwerik started her acting career in the early 1940s and quickly became a prominent figure in German cinema post-World War II. She starred in numerous successful films and showcased her versatility by playing various roles, from glamorous leads to strong heroines. Notably, she portrayed Maria von Trapp long before the famous musical adaptation, which cemented her status in cinema.
Death and Legacy
Ruth Leuwerik passed away on January 12, 2016, in Munich, Germany, at the age of 91. She is remembered as a beloved figure in German cinema, often referred to as the “First Lady of German cinema” for her substantial contributions to film and acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ninotschka | 1965-03-18 | Ninotschka |
| Auf Wiedersehen, Franziska! | 1957-09-05 | Franziska |
| Die Trapp-Familie | 1956-10-09 | Baronin Maria von Trapp |
| Geliebte Feindin | 1955-07-27 | Violante Gore |
| Ludwig II: Glanz und Ende eines Königs | 1955-01-14 | Empress Elisabeth von Österreich |
| Das Haus in Montevideo | 1963-10-16 | Marianne Nägler |
| Rosen im Herbst | 1955-09-28 | Effi Briest |
| Ein Tag, der nie zu Ende geht | 1959-12-21 | Maureen |
| Bildnis einer Unbekannten | 1954-08-26 | Nicole |
| Dreizehn unter einem Hut | 1950-02-27 | Evelyne Winterthur |