Losch, Tilly (1903–1975)

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Losch, Tilly (1903–1975)

Austrian dancer, actress, and choreographer. Name variations: often wrongly seen as Tillie Losch; countess of Carnarvon. Born Ottilia or Ottilie Ethel Leopoldine Losch in Vienna, Austria, Nov 15, 1903; died of cancer in a New York hospital, Dec 24,1975; studied at Vienna Opera Ballet School; m. Edward James (poet, architect, and arts patron), 1930 (div. 1934); m. Edward F. Willis James, 6th earl of Carnarvon, 1939 (div. 1947).

Heralded as one of the great beauties of her day, debuted with Vienna Opera (1924), dancing the role of Princess Teaflower in Schlagobers; made dramatic acting debut in Leonce and Lena at Vienna Burgtheater; had 1st choreography credit for Max Reinhardt's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream (1927), in which she also played First Fairy; choreographed and danced with Reinhardt for some time, traveling with him to US (1928) and dancing the role of the Nun in his production of The Miracle (1932); while in America, appeared in several films, including The Garden of Allah (1936), The Good Earth (1937), and Duel in the Sun (1945); was also noted for her "hand dances" and appeared in Brecht-Weill collaboration The Seven Deadly Sins, with Lotte Lenya; later enjoyed some success as a painter.

See also Women in World History.