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Lenya LotteAustrian-American actress and singer
Date of Birth: 18.10.1898
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Lotte Lenya: Early Life and Career
- Berlin and "The Threepenny Opera"
- Exile and Marriage to Kurt Weill
- American Success
- Awards and Acclaim
- Legacy and Death
- Filmography
Lotte Lenya: Early Life and Career
Lotte Lenya, born Karoline Wilhelmine Charlotte Blamauer on October 18, 1898 in Vienna, Austria, began her life in a Catholic family. In 1914, she left Austria for Zurich, where she pursued her education and first took to the stage under the name Lotte Lenya.
Berlin and "The Threepenny Opera"
In 1921, she moved to Berlin to establish herself as an actress. After small roles in Berlin theaters, her breakthrough came in 1928 with her performance in "The Threepenny Opera." Three years later, she made her film debut in the screen adaptation of the musical and recorded songs for the Weill label.
Exile and Marriage to Kurt Weill
In 1926, Lotte married renowned German composer Kurt Weill. The rise of the Nazis in Germany forced the couple to leave the country. They divorced briefly to facilitate immigration and left in March 1933, settling in Paris. In 1935, they relocated to the United States, remarrying in 1937 and purchasing a home in a village 30 miles from New York City in 1941.
American Success
Lotte remained with her husband until his death in 1950. She went on to marry three more times: twice becoming a widow and once divorcing. Throughout World War II, she continued her theatrical work, participating in radio broadcasts and recording songs. She also made her Broadway debut during this period.
Awards and Acclaim
In 1956, Lenya won a Tony Award for her performance as Jenny in the English production of "The Threepenny Opera." The 1960s brought her widespread fame with roles in British films. In 1961, she received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role as Duchess Magda in "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone." In 1963, she played villain Rosa Klebb in the James Bond film "From Russia with Love," a role that only increased her popularity. In 1966, she originated the role of Fraulein Schneider in the Broadway play "Cabaret," which earned her a Tony nomination.
Legacy and Death
Lotte Lenya died of cancer on November 27, 1981 in New York City at the age of 84 and was buried alongside her first husband, Kurt Weill. In 2007, the musical "LoveMusik," based on Lotte and Kurt's life story, premiered on Broadway.
Filmography
- The Threepenny Opera (1931) - Jenny- The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (1961) - Duchess
- From Russia with Love (1963) - Rosa Klebb
- Rendezvous (1969) - Emma Valladdier
Awards
- Tony Award 1956 - Best Actress in a Musical ("The Threepenny Opera")
