Nora Gregor Film and theatre actress, acted in silent and sound films. Date of Birth: 03.02.1901 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Career
2. Film Breakthrough and International Stardom
3. Personal Life and Controversy
4. Rise and Fall of a Film Icon
5. Tragic End

Early Life and Career

Nora Gregor, a talented actress who graced both the stage and screen, was born into a watchmaker's family in Gorizia, Italy (then part of Austria-Hungary) on February 3, 1901. Her parents, Carlo Gregor and Maria Brunold, moved to Austria in 1919. Nora began her theatrical career in Vienna and Graz.

Film Breakthrough and International Stardom

Gregor's film debut came in 1920. She gained prominence in productions such as "Flames" with Anita Berber (1923), "Michael" with Walter Slezak (1924), and "The Florentine Fiddler" with Conrad Veidt (1926). In 1930, she ventured to the United States, starring in "Olympia" (1930) and "The Trial of Mary Dugan" (1931). Despite her success abroad, her Hollywood aspirations weren't fully realized, prompting her return to Europe.

Personal Life and Controversy

Gregor's love life became entangled with politics in 1933 when she fell for Ernst Rüdiger Starhemberg, an Austrian aristocrat and political leader. Amidst their marital commitments, Gregor gave birth to Starhemberg's son in 1934. After her first husband's death in 1936, Gregor and Starhemberg officially married in 1937.

Rise and Fall of a Film Icon

Despite her success in "The Rules of the Game" (1939), Gregor's film career suffered a setback with the bombing of its negatives during World War II. She emigrated to Latin America, and her final film, "The Bitten Fruit," was released in 1945.

Tragic End

Nora Gregor's life ended on a tragic note on January 20, 1949, when she committed suicide in Santiago, Chile. Her loss marked the end of an era in cinema and theater, leaving behind a legacy of talent and controversy.