Elfriede Florin

Actor

Elfriede Florin (born March 26, 1912 in Düsseldorf; died March 7, 2006 in Berlin) was an influential German actress who focused on theater, film, and television in the German Democratic Republic. She began her career by studying acting in Düsseldorf and then worked mainly in ensembles at renowned Berlin theaters such as the Theater der Freundschaft and the Volksbühne. In the well-known DEFA fairy tale film FRAU HOLLE (1963, directed by Gottfried Kolditz), Elfriede Florin played the role of the widowed mother of Goldmarie and Pechmarie. The colorful children's film remains a classic of GDR film production to this day and features Florin in an impressive supporting role that exemplifies the contrast between strictness and authority. In addition to this fairy tale classic, she also appeared in films such as “Die Elenden” (The Wretched), “Zwei Mütter” (Two Mothers), “Der Moorhund” (The Moor Dog) and in the TV series “Wege übers Land” (Ways Across the Country), where she repeatedly impressed as a striking character actress. Her versatility was evident in both emotional and socio-political roles. Elfriede Florin received numerous public honors. As part of the DEFA era, she was awarded the Patriotic Order of Merit in Silver and later in Gold in the GDR. She is considered one of the most influential actresses of her generation and is remembered for her presence on stage and in front of the camera.

Films on Sooner

Mistress Holle

1963

60 mins

Kids & Family

The DEFA interpretation of the fairy tale Frau Holle – with Karin Ugowski, Katharina Lind, and Elfriede Florin.