Ondra, Anny (1902–1987)

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Ondra, Anny (1902–1987)

Polish-born film actress. Name variations: Ondrakova. Born Anna Sophie Ondrakowa, May 15, 1902, in Tarnow, Poland; died Feb 28, 1987, in Hollenstedt, Germany; m. director Karel Lamac (div. 1933); m. Max Schmeling (boxer), July 6, 1933.

Trained as a dancer, began career in Czech film Woman with Small Feet (1919) and quickly gained popularity in both comic and serious roles; during 1920s, formed a production company with director-producer Karel Lamac, whom she also married; made a number of films under his direction, and also gave a memorable performance in Hitchcock's early talkie Blackmail (1929), though her heavily accented voice had to be dubbed; made over 35 films.

See also Women in World History.