Elke Sommer, Star of 'A Shot in the Dark' and 'The Prize,' Dies at 85

Elke Sommer, the prominent German-born actress known for her roles in 1960s Hollywood comedies and thrillers such as *A Shot in the Dark* and *The Prize*, has died at the age of 85. Her stepson, Sebastian Walther, confirmed that she passed away on Wednesday at her home in Bel-Air from heart failure.

Throughout her career, Sommer established herself as a versatile international star, appearing in films across Europe and the United States. Fluent in five languages, she gained major Hollywood recognition after starring alongside Paul Newman in the 1963 thriller *The Prize*, a role that earned her a Golden Globe Award for best female newcomer. She later gained widespread fame as maid Maria Gambrelli in Blake Edwards' 1964 comedy *A Shot in the Dark*, starring opposite Peter Sellers.

Career Highlights and International Success

• Early Breakthrough: Discovered after winning a beauty contest in Italy, she transitioned from European cinema to Hollywood after being spotted by American producer Pandro S. Berman.
• Genre Versatility: Appeared in espionage films, comedies, and 1970s Italian horror projects directed by Mario Bava, including *Baron Blood* and *Lisa and the Devil*.
• Beyond Acting: Sommer was also an accomplished painter, cabaret singer, tennis player, and host of a PBS painting program.

Personal Life

Sommer was previously married to Hollywood columnist Joe Hyams from 1964 until their divorce in 1981. She later married German hotelier Wolf Walther in 1993, remaining with him until his death earlier. She had no children.

Readers can verify original reporting through established entertainment publications like The Hollywood Reporter, which first reported the statement from her family.