Elke Sommer, known for A Shot in the Dark in the Pink Panther series, has reportedly died at 85. According to Page Six, citing Bild, she died October 28 at her Bel Air home after suffering heart failure.
Her death comes three months after her husband, hotelier Wolf Walther, died following a battle with cancer. Meanwhile, Sommer would have celebrated her 86th birthday on November 5.
Elke Sommer Once Planned a Career Far From Hollywood
Before film offers arrived, Sommer wanted to become an interpreter and spent time in London as an au pair. In fact, she spoke six languages, a skill that matched her life across countries.
However, a 1958 holiday in Italy changed her path when she won the Miss Viareggio beauty contest. Afterward, her photos caught director Vittorio De Sica’s attention and helped open the door to acting.
By 1964, she had won the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, Actress, for The Prize. Alongside Paul Newman and Edward G. Robinson, she had found a place in Hollywood productions.
Later, she played Maria Gambrelli opposite Peter Sellers in A Shot in the Dark, directed by Blake Edwards. Beyond movies, she worked onstage, sang and devoted time to painting.
Elke Sommer’s Final Wishes Pointed Back to Bavaria
Meanwhile, Sommer and Walther began their relationship in 1989 and married in August 1993. After years dividing their time between Germany and California, they moved to America in 2025 for his treatment.
Following Walther’s death on July 22, Sommer said, “My heart is broken.” Subsequently, his son Sebastian cared for her, according to Bild’s reporting.
Now, the family plans to honor her wish for burial in Marloffstein, Bavaria, where her parents rest. According to Blue News, Sebastian will arrange the transfer of both spouses’ urns.
Finally, Page Six reports that Sommer died peacefully. Her career stretched across decades.
