German actress, born in Bohemia, the daughter of an architect. Trained in Prague and on stage in both classical and modern roles from 1923 to 1945 in Berlin, Vienna and Munich. Discovered for films by Alexander Korda and regular screen appearances from 1926 to 1938. Her career almost ended due to severe injuries sustained in a 1949 car accident. Returned to acting in 1951, also occasional forays into directing for theatre. Won a Bambi Award in 1968 and the Filmband in Gold in 1982.