Elke Sommer, German-born star of 1960s Hollywood films, dies at 85

Elke Sommer, the German-born actor celebrated for her roles in 1960s Hollywood comedies and espionage films, has died at the age of 85. Sommer passed away at her home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, on Wednesday, according to her stepson Sebastian Walther, who spoke with the German outlet Bild.

Sommer, born Elke Schletz in Berlin in 1940, was a prominent figure in international cinema during the 1960s. Her striking looks and talent led her to work alongside major stars of the era.

Her notable filmography includes "The Prize" (1963), where she starred with Paul Newman, and "A Shot in the Dark" (1964), a Pink Panther film directed by Blake Edwards, in which she portrayed Maria Gambrelli. She also appeared in "The Art of Love" (1965) with James Garner and Dick Van Dyke, "Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!" (1966) with Bob Hope, and "The Wrecking Crew" (1968) with Dean Martin and Sharon Tate.

Sommer's career began in Europe after she was discovered during a trip to Italy. Her breakthrough into Hollywood came when producer Pandro S. Berman offered her a role in "The Prize." Her performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe Award for most promising newcomer.

Beyond her acting career, Sommer also posed for Playboy Magazine. She was married twice, first to Joe Hyams from 1964 to 1981, and later to German hotelier Wolf Walther, who died in July at the age of 77.

Sommer addressed the