Written by: Cassandra Blake

Elke Sommer: The Sizzling Sex Symbol of the Sixties

Elke Sommer is a German actress and sex symbol who scorched the screens with her ravishing beauty, captivating audiences worldwide with her performances in numerous films throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Early Life and Career

Born on November 5, 1940, in Berlin, Germany, Elke Sommer was the daughter of Baron Peter von Schletz, a Lutheran minister, and his wife Renata. Her family was evacuated to Niederndorf during World War II, where she spent her formative years.

In 1957, Sommer dropped out of gymnasium (a university-preparatory secondary school) due to struggles with math and science, and moved to London to work as an au pair and attend an English language institute. This experience marked her first time away from home, and she faced homesickness.

Rise to Fame

Sommer's big break came in 1958 when she was spotted by film director Vittorio De Sica while on holiday in Italy. She began appearing in films there, and soon changed her surname from Schletz to Sommer.

In the early 1960s, Sommer moved to Hollywood, where she became one of the most popular pinup girls of the time, gracing the covers of numerous men's magazines, including the September 1964 and December 1967 issues of Playboy magazine.

Film Career Highlights

Sommer made 99 film and television appearances between 1959 and 2005, working alongside legendary actors and directors in iconic films such as:

• The Prize (1963) with Paul Newman
• A Shot in the Dark (1964) with Peter Sellers
• The Art of Love (1965) with James Garner and Dick Van Dyke
• The Oscar (1966) with Stephen Boyd
• Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number (1966) with Bob Hope
• And Then There Were None (1974) based on Agatha Christie's novel
• Carry On Behind (1975) in the British Carry On series

Personal Life and Legacy

Sommer's personal life was surrounded by controversy, including high-profile relationships and marriages. Despite this, she remained an icon of femininity and glamour, inspiring generations of actresses and models.

Today, Sommer's legacy as a sex symbol and actress continues to captivate audiences, with her work remaining a testament to her enduring beauty and talent.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Sommer was fluent in five languages: German, English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
• She was a talented painter and artist, with her works exhibited in various galleries.
• Sommer was an avid animal lover and supported various animal welfare organizations.

In conclusion, Elke Sommer's remarkable career and captivating persona continue to fascinate audiences, solidifying her place as one of the most iconic sex symbols of the 1960s.