Angelica Domröse Dies at 85

Why this is here: Domröse initially auditioned against a large group of younger actors for the role of Paula, ultimately securing the part and establishing herself as a character actress.

German actress Angelica Domröse died at age 85, remembered for her role as Paula in the 1973 DEFA film “The Legend of Paul and Paula.” Domröse began her career after a newspaper ad led to a part in a film, initially aiming to change the spelling of her first name. She became a prominent figure in East German cinema and television, though she sometimes felt stifled by political pressures.

She starred at the Berliner Ensemble, playing minor roles before finding her footing at the Volksbühne. Domröse also worked with her husband, Hilmar Thate, and openly supported Wolf Biermann, which led to their eventual emigration from East Germany to Hamburg.

Later in life, she faced challenges finding work in West Germany, but continued to perform in film, television, and theater, culminating in a powerful performance as Mary Tyrone in “A Long Day’s Journey into the Night.” Though she achieved acclaim, Domröse often battled inner turmoil and self-doubt, documented in her memoir “Ich fang mich selber ein.” The work continues to explore the complexities of an artist’s life.