Spira, Camilla (1906–1997)

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Spira, Camilla (1906–1997)

German actress. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Mar 1, 1906; died in Berlin, Aug 25, 1997; dau. of Fritz (formerly Jacob) Spira (1881–1943, Viennese-born singer and comic actor) and Wilhelmine Emilie Charlotte (Lotte) Andresen Spira (actress known as Lotte Spira-Andresen, 1883–1943); sister of Steffie Spira (1908–1995); married; children: 2 sons.

Was a singing and acting star in various operettas, including Im Weissen Rössl (White Horse Inn, 1930); starred in film Morgenrot (Break of Dawn, 1933); because of her mixed parentage, could only perform for the Nazi-approved Jüdischer Kulturbund (Jewish Culture League); fled Nazi Germany with family (1938); while in Amsterdam, was interned in Westerbork concentration camp (1943); spent remainder of war in hiding in Amsterdam; returned to West Berlin (1947), where she was a highly successful actress on Berlin and West German stage, as well as in films; in later years, had motherly roles on tv; when the Berlin Wall ceased to divide Germans (1989), was able to reconcile with sister.

See also Women in World History.