Elke Sommer Net Worth

Elke Sommer’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of the International Star

Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of Elke Sommer

Elke Sommer, a name synonymous with classic Hollywood glamour and international cinematic success, has captivated audiences for decades. With a diverse career spanning acting, singing, modeling, and painting, Sommer has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of Elke Sommer, exploring her journey from post-war Germany to becoming a celebrated figure in film and television.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Elke Schletz in Berlin on November 5, 1940, Elke Sommer’s early life was marked by the turmoil of World War II. Her family evacuated to the village of Niederndorf to escape the war. After finishing her schooling, she moved to the United Kingdom to work as an au pair, honing her English language skills. This experience proved pivotal, paving the way for her future international success.

Sommer’s foray into the world of entertainment began in Italy. While vacationing in the late 1950s, she was discovered by Italian filmmaker Vittorio De Sica. This serendipitous encounter led to her appearance in four Italian films in 1959, including the comedies “The Friend of the Jaguar,” “Men and Noblemen,” and the musical “Ragazzi del Juke-Box.” That same year, she starred in two West German films, laying the foundation for a prolific career.

The Rise to Stardom: Elke Sommer’s Prolific 60s Film Career

The 1960s marked a significant turning point in Elke Sommer’s career, catapulting her to international stardom. She became one of the most recognizable faces in cinema, appearing in a wide array of films across various genres and countries.

Her early 60s filmography includes German, Italian, British and French productions, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. However, 1963 proved to be a breakthrough year with roles in two major English-language films: the war film “The Victors” and the spy film “The Prize,” where she starred alongside legendary actors Paul Newman and Edward G. Robinson. These roles solidified her presence in Hollywood and beyond.

Sommer’s success continued throughout the decade with notable roles in films like “A Shot in the Dark” (the Pink Panther sequel) in 1964, “The Art of Love” and “The Money Trap” in 1965. Her roles in “The Oscar,” “Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!,” “The Venetian Affair,” and “The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz” further cemented her place as a leading actress. The decade concluded with a role in the spy comedy “The Wrecking Crew,” co-starring with Dean Martin and Sharon Tate.

Elke Sommer in a photo shoot

Continued Success: Sommer’s 70s Film Career

The 1970s saw Elke Sommer continuing to showcase her acting prowess with a diverse selection of roles. She kicked off the decade with an adventure film, “The Invincible Six.” Sommer also starred in the British comedy “Percy” and the action-war film “Zeppelin.”

Sommer collaborated with Italian horror film director Mario Bava on “Baron Blood” in 1972 and “Lisa and the Devil” in 1974. Simultaneously, she continued to work on German productions, including “Trip to Vienna” and “One or the Other of Us.”

Sommer’s presence was felt in both British and American productions. She starred in the 1974 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” She also appeared in “The Net” and “Carry On Behind,” the latter part of the iconic “Carry On” series of British comedies.

Her filmography continued to be diverse, with roles in action movies such as “The Swiss Conspiracy,” “Meet Him and Die,” and “One Away.” She later appeared in “The Astral Factor,” “I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses,” “The Prisoner of Zenda,” “The Double McGuffin,” “The Treasure Seekers,” and “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.”

Transition to Television and Later Work

As film roles became less frequent in the 1980s, Elke Sommer transitioned to television, appearing on popular shows such as “The Dean Martin Show,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and “Hollywood Squares.” She hosted the syndicated show “The Exciting World of Speed and Beauty.”

Notable television appearances included her portrayal of Magda Goebbels in the television film “Inside the Third Reich” and Isabel Von Hohenstauffen in “Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna.” Sommer also appeared in series such as “Jenny’s War,” “Peter the Great,” and “St. Elsewhere.” In the 1990s, she continued to make guest appearances on shows like “Counterstrike,” “Destiny Ridge,” and “Gisbert.” In the 2000s, she starred in several German television films.

Elke Sommer’s Personal Life and Notorious Feud

In 1964, Elke Sommer married Hollywood columnist Joe Hyams, with the marriage ending in divorce in 1993. The same year, she married Wolf Walther, the managing director of the luxury New York hotel Essex House.

In 1984, Sommer entered a long-running feud with actress and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, stemming from their appearance together on the television special “Circus of the Stars.” The feud escalated into a multimillion-dollar libel suit, with Sommer alleging defamation by Gabor and her husband. Sommer was eventually awarded over $3 million in damages.

Elke Sommer: Real Estate and Current Endeavors

For many years, Elke Sommer resided in a 4,000 square-foot mansion in Los Angeles, complete with a pool and tennis court. In March 2022, the property was listed for sale with an asking price of $10.75 million.

While her acting career has slowed down, Sommer has shifted her focus to her passion for painting, primarily in Los Angeles. This new chapter showcases her artistic versatility and continued engagement with the world.

Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Elke Sommer

Elke Sommer’s career stands as a testament to her enduring talent and versatility. From her early roles in Italian cinema to her Hollywood stardom, her work has spanned diverse genres and languages, captivating audiences across generations. Her net worth of $20 million dollars reflects a successful career in entertainment. As she continues to pursue her artistic endeavors, her legacy as an international star remains secure, ensuring that Elke Sommer’s name will continue to be celebrated in the annals of cinema and art.