German actress, trained as a dancer and on stage from 1922 with touring repertory companies. In Munich and Breslau (1924-26), subsequently in Berlin theatre and at the cabaret 'Tingeltangel'. Remembered chiefly for her early film role as Ilse in
Mädchen in Uniform (1931). Fled the persecution of Jews in 1939, emigrating to the United States via Switzerland and adopted American citizenship in 1944. Worked for some time in theatre under the auspices of producer William Castle. Returned to Europe after the war and lived in Switzerland from 1948, continuing to perform on stage in Basel and Zurich until her retirement in 1970.