Karoline Wilhelmine Charlotte Friederike Blamauer, known as Lotte Lenya
- Born:
- October 18, 1898, Pötzleinsdorf, Vienna, Austria-Hungary
- Died:
- November 27, 1981, New York City, USA
- Nationality:
- Austrian-American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Born into poverty and raised in Vienna.
- Ran away to Zurich at age 13.
- Received dance training in Zurich and later in Berlin.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career in Zurich, Switzerland, as a dancer and actress.
- Married Kurt Weill in 1926.
- Achieved international recognition for her performances in Weill's works, including The Threepenny Opera.
- Fled Nazi Germany with Weill in 1933, eventually settling in the United States.
- Revived her career on Broadway in the 1950s, winning a Tony Award for her performance in The Threepenny Opera.
- Starred in several films, including From Russia with Love and Semi-Tough.
- Dedicated much of her later life to preserving and promoting Weill's musical legacy.
Notable Works
Stage
- Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny (Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny)
- The Threepenny Opera
- Happy End
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | Die Dreigroschenoper (The Threepenny Opera) | Jenny Diver |
| 1961 | The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone | Contessa Magda Terribili |
| 1963 | From Russia with Love | Rosa Klebb |
| 1976 | Semi-Tough | Clara Pelfrey |
Discography
- Die Dreigroschenoper (Original Cast Recording)
- Kurt Weill: Berlin to Broadway
- Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill
Legacy and Impact
Lotte Lenya was a highly influential figure in 20th-century musical theatre and film. As this biography of Lotte Lenya shows, her distinctive voice and acting style, coupled with her close association with Kurt Weill, helped to popularize his innovative and politically charged compositions. She played a vital role in bringing Weill's work to international audiences and preserving his legacy for future generations.