Greta Thyssen was a Danish-American actress and model, who made a huge impact on the Hollywood scene during the 50s and 60s. Her exotic beauty, stunning figure, and enigmatic personality earned her a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Thyssen's remarkable talent, striking appearance, and charismatic presence were truly unparalleled, cementing her status as a Hollywood icon and a fashion icon.
But Greta Thyssen's life was far from glamorous. Like many other Hollywood stars of her time, she had to overcome numerous obstacles and challenges in order to achieve success. Born on March 30, 1933 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Thyssen grew up during World War II. Her family's struggle to survive during this turbulent period shaped her character and instilled in her a fierce independence and determination.
After relocating to the United States in her teens, Thyssen was discovered by a talent scout in New York City. She quickly made a name for herself as a model, appearing in various magazines and fashion shows. Her undeniable beauty and charisma made her a favorite of many photographers and designers, and soon she was offered her first movie role. From there, her career skyrocketed, leading to numerous film and television appearances.
In this article, we will explore Greta Thyssen's life and career in detail, including her age, height, figure, and net worth. Through her story, we will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by Hollywood actresses and models during the golden age of the film industry.
Greta Thyssen: A Brief Biography
Greta Thyssen was a Danish-born actress and model who was active in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. She was born on March 30, 1927, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and grew up in a wealthy family. Her father was a director of one of the largest steel manufacturers in Europe, and her mother was a fashion model.
At the age of 18, Greta moved to Paris to study art, but soon she was discovered by a talent scout and started her modeling career. She worked for some of the biggest fashion houses, such as Dior and Balenciaga, and appeared in magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
In 1952, Greta moved to the United States and signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. She made her acting debut in "The Accused" (1953) alongside Cary Grant and received critical acclaim for her performance. She went on to appear in several other films, including "Fort Ti" (1953), "Terror in a Texas Town" (1958), and "The Big Circus" (1959).
Greta retired from acting in the early 1960s and focused on her personal life. She was married four times and had three children. She passed away on January 6, 2018, at the age of 90.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Greta Thyssen was known for her beauty and elegance. She was 5'7" tall, had a curvaceous figure, and was often referred to as "the Danish Marilyn Monroe." Her net worth was estimated to be around $5 million at the time of her death.
- Full Name: Greta Thyssen
- Date of Birth: March 30, 1927
- Place of Birth: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Height: 5'7"
- Figure: Curvaceous
- Net Worth: $5 million
Early Life and Career
Greta Thyssen was born in Hareskovby, Denmark on March 30th, 1933. She grew up in Copenhagen with her parents and younger sister, and attended school at the Royal Danish Ballet.
Thyssen began her career in entertainment as a model at the age of 17, and went on to become the runner-up in the Miss Denmark beauty pageant in 1951. She was discovered by film producer Joe Pasternak while working as a model in Paris, and was offered a contract with Universal Pictures.
Thyssen made her film debut in the 1956 comedy "Three Ring Circus" with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. She went on to star in several more films including "Terror Is a Man" (1959), "The Big Bankroll" (1961), and "The Ladies Man" (1961).
In addition to her film career, Thyssen also appeared in numerous television shows including "77 Sunset Strip", "Maverick", and "Bonanza". She retired from acting in the 1960s and went on to marry Howard Lee, a millionaire oil executive. Thyssen passed away on January 6th, 2018 at the age of 84.
Rise to Fame
Greta Thyssen's path to fame was not a straight one. Born in Denmark in 1933, she began her career as a model, working for major fashion brands in Europe. In 1952, she made her way to Hollywood, hoping to break into the film industry.
Her first major film role came in the 1953 comedy "White Witch Doctor," in which she starred alongside Robert Mitchum. While the film did not receive critical acclaim, Thyssen's performance was noted and caught the attention of producers.
Over the next few years, Thyssen appeared in a number of films, including the 1954 musical "Unchained" and the 1956 drama "Three Blondes in His Life." However, it was her role as the villainous Valkyrie in the 1959 comedy "The Giant of Marathon" that cemented her status as a sex symbol.
From there, Thyssen continued to receive roles in films and television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She also became a regular fixture in the pages of men's magazines, including Playboy and Esquire, further cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most desirable actresses.
Today, Thyssen is remembered as a trailblazer in the film industry, paving the way for other foreign actresses to find success in Hollywood.
Personal Life and Relationships
Greta Thyssen was known not only for her beauty and talent but also for her eventful personal life. She was married three times and had several high-profile relationships.
Her first marriage was to American actor and producer Theodore Bikel, which lasted from 1963 to 1967. Prior to their marriage, Thyssen had a brief engagement with American comedian Johnny Carson, which ended in a publicized breakup.
After her divorce from Bikel, Thyssen married wealthy businessman Wilbur Ross Jr. in 1981. However, their marriage also ended in divorce in 2000.
Throughout her life, Thyssen had been linked to several famous personalities, including Elvis Presley, whom she dated briefly in the 1950s. She was also rumored to have had an affair with billionaire Howard Hughes.
Despite her turbulent personal life, Thyssen remained an icon of beauty and style until her death in 2018.
Physical Appearance and Net Worth
Physical Appearance
Greta Thyssen was known for her stunning beauty and hourglass figure. With her luscious blonde hair and blue eyes, she quickly became a sex symbol in the 1950s and 1960s. Standing at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters), she had a statuesque figure that attracted attention wherever she went. Her measurements of 36-24-35 inches (91-61-89 cm) were considered ideal for a pin-up girl of that era.
Greta Thyssen's physical appearance made her popular in both Hollywood and Europe. She had a unique combination of elegance and sensuality that made her stand out among other actresses of her time.
Net Worth
Greta Thyssen's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. Her wealth comes from her successful career as a model, actress, and television personality. She appeared in over 20 films, including "Terror is a Man" and "Three Blondes in His Life." Her modeling career included work for popular brands such as Coca-Cola and General Electric. In addition, she hosted her own TV show, "The Greta Thyssen Show," which aired on ABC in the early 1960s.
Greta Thyssen's net worth was a reflection of her hard work and dedication to her career. She will always be remembered as one of the most beautiful actresses of the 1950s and 1960s, with a net worth that reflects her success.
Greta Thyssen: Legacy and Honors
Greta Thyssen was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Her talent, beauty, and grace captivated audiences on both the big screen and stage, making her a beloved icon of her time.
Throughout her career, Greta received various awards and honors for her contributions to the entertainment industry. In 1957, she was named "Miss Denmark" and represented her country in the Miss Universe pageant. Her stunning looks and charming personality earned her the "Miss Photogenic" title, further solidifying her international status as a beauty queen.
As an actress, Greta's performances were recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In 1956, she received a Golden Globe nomination for "Most Promising Newcomer" for her role in the film "Three Blondes in His Life". She later went on to star in numerous movies, establishing herself as a prominent leading lady of the era.
In addition to her success in the entertainment industry, Greta also made significant philanthropic contributions. She was actively involved in various charity organizations and dedicated her time and resources towards making a positive impact on people's lives.
Greta Thyssen's legacy continues to live on, inspiring generations of artists and professionals in the entertainment industry. Her beauty, talent, and altruism serve as a reminder of the enduring power of human compassion and creativity.
FAQ
Who is Greta Thyssen?
Greta Thyssen was a Danish actress and model who rose to fame in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s.
What was her height?
Greta Thyssen was quite tall for a woman in her time, standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
What was her figure like?
Greta Thyssen was known for her curvaceous figure, with measurements of 36-24-36 inches (91-61-91 cm).
How old was she when she passed away?
Greta Thyssen died on January 6, 2018, at the age of 90.
What was her net worth?
Greta Thyssen's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million at the time of her death.
