Early Life and Career
Maria Schell was born on January 15, 1926, in Vienna, Austria. She was the daughter of a Swiss author and an Austrian actress. Schell started her acting career on stage and made her film debut in 1942. She quickly became a popular actress in Europe, starring in films such as “The Angel with the Trumpet” and “Gervaise.”
Her breakthrough role came in 1954 when she starred in the German film “The Last Bridge.” The film was a critical success and led to her being cast in international productions such as “The Brothers Karamazov” and “The Hanging Tree.”
Affairs and Relationships
Schell was known for her beauty and charm, and she had several high-profile affairs throughout her life. She was briefly engaged to the French actor Jean-Pierre Aumont, but the engagement was called off. She also had a relationship with the American actor Glenn Ford while they were filming “The Sheepman” in 1958.
Later in life, Schell had a long-term relationship with the German director Horst Hächler. They were together for over 20 years until Hächler’s death in 2007.
Superman and Later Career
In 1978, Schell had a small but memorable role in the blockbuster film “Superman.” She played Vond-Ah, one of the Kryptonian elders. The film was a huge success and helped to introduce Schell to a new generation of audiences.
After “Superman,” Schell continued to act in films and on television. She also worked as a voice actress, lending her voice to several animated films and TV shows.
Quilting and Personal Life
In addition to her acting career, Schell was also an avid quilter. She often used quilting as a way to relax and unwind between film projects. She even published a book about her quilting experiences called “Maria Schell’s Quilt Basics.”
Schell was married twice in her life. Her first marriage was to the Austrian film director Horst Hächler, with whom she had a daughter. Her second marriage was to the French actor and director Philippe Noiret. They were married from 1960 until their divorce in 1978.
Legacy and Death
Maria Schell passed away on April 26, 2005, in Preitenegg, Austria. She was 79 years old. Schell left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and beloved actresses of her generation. Her performances in films such as “The Last Bridge” and “Gervaise” continue to be celebrated by film fans around the world.
Conclusion
Maria Schell was a talented actress who had a successful career in Europe and Hollywood. She was known for her beauty, charm, and talent, as well as her love of quilting. Although she had her share of personal struggles, Schell will always be remembered for her contributions to the world of film and entertainment.
FAQ
Who is Maria Schell?
Maria Schell was an Austrian-Swiss actress who was active in the film industry from the 1940s to the 1990s. She appeared in more than 50 films and won numerous awards for her performances.
What were her affairs?
Maria Schell was known for her numerous affairs with famous men, including actor Marlon Brando, director Richard Brooks, and musician Henri Mancini. She was also married twice, first to Horst Hächler and later to Veit Relin.
What is the Superman connection?
Maria Schell appeared in the 1978 film “Superman” as Vond-Ah, a Kryptonian elder. This was one of her most famous roles and helped to cement her status as an international movie star.
What is the quilting connection?
Later in life, Maria Schell became a passionate quilter and even published a book on the subject titled “Maria Schell’s Quilt Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Quilting.” She was known to spend hours working on her quilts and enjoyed the meditative quality of the craft.
