Vilma Degischer was a renowned Austrian actress, born on November 17th, 1911, in Vienna. Initially, she aimed to become a dancer, studying ballet under the tutelage of renowned instructors Grete Gross, Gertrude Bodenwieser, and Ellinor Tordis. However, she soon discovered her latent acting talent.
Degischer enrolled in the Wiener Reinhardt Seminar, where she honed her acting skills. Upon graduating, she began performing in various Austrian and German theaters, particularly in Berlin, Vienna, and Salzburg. Her debut in Berlin in the 1930s, as Hermia in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Max Reinhardt, marked a significant milestone.
The turning point in her career came in 1939 when she joined the Viennese theater "Theater in der Josefstadt," where she remained for an extended period. Vilma became a "salondame" and landed numerous leading roles, including Helen in "Der Schwierige," Generalin in "Der Walzer der Toreros," the unforgettable Queen in "Die Jüdin von Toledo," Marie in "Das Konzert," and Mother Carmen in "Maria Pineda."
In the 1940s, Degischer expanded her repertoire, taking on roles in musicals, films, and television mini-series. Many remember her portrayal of the cruel Archduchess Sophie in Ernst Marischka's three-part series "Sissi" (1955, 1956, 1957),alongside Romy Schneider and Karlheinz Böhm. She also appeared in films such as "Der veruntreute Himmel" (1958),"The Cardinal" (1963),"Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1965),and numerous other roles.
In her later years, Degischer could be seen in a minor role in the mini-series "The Strauss Dynasty" (1991) by Marvin J. Chomsky, alongside Anthony Higgins and Stephen McGann.
Vilma Degischer passed away on May 3rd, 1992, at the age of 80. She was married to actor Hermann Thimig, with whom she had two daughters. Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades, including the "Ehrenkreuz für Wissenschaft und Kunst erster Klasse," the "Kainz Medaille," and the title "Kammerschauspielerin."
Those who knew her remember her appreciation for elegance, perfection of acting, good manners, and culture. She will be remembered by those who share her values as a great actress from a great country.
