Elisabeth Bergner

Biography

Elisabeth Bergner (born Ella vel Ettel Bergner; August 22, 1897 – May 12, 1986) was an Austrian and British actress. Primarily a stage actress, her career flourished in Berlin and Paris, before she moved to London to work in films. She is best known for her title role in The Rise of Catherine the Great (1934) and arguably her signature role, Gemma Jones in Margaret Kennedy's play Escape Me Never. She originated it in London and on Broadway, and later reprised it in the 1935 film adaptation, which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Known For

Cry of the Banshee

as Oona

The Rise of Catherine the Great

as Catherine

As You Like It

as Rosalind

Husbands or Lovers

as Nju

Escape Me Never

as Gemma Jones

BBC Play of the Month

as Catherine of Braganza

Fräulein Else

as Else Thalhof

The Pedestrian

as Frau Lilienthal

Paris Calling

as Marianne Jannetier

Ariane

as Ariane Kusnetzowa