Biography

Character actress, trained at the Hochschule für Musik and under Ilka Grüning in Berlin. On stage from 1929. Ensemble member of the Munich Kammerspiele (1937-40) and the Deutschen Theater (1940-45). On screen played alternatively jovial or crabby housekeepers, landladies, spinsters or aunts (the type of role usually associated with Reta Shaw in America). German dubbing voice for Hattie McDaniel and Helen Broderick.

Her film engagements dropped off from the 60's.

She continued her career after the war at the theater as well as in the film business.

The actress Erna Sellmer began her acting career at the theater where she proved her talent in countless plays.

When she took on the role of the housekeeper in the serial "George" in 1972 it happened a late popularity rise to her, and with the adventures of the St. Bernard George she also became a notion for a young audience.