Why there will be no funeral for Ingrid van Bergen - Ingrid van Bergen, Germany’s iconic film star with a regal presence, dies at 94
Ingrid van Bergen, one of Germany’s most celebrated cinema stars, has died at the age of 94. Known for her distinctive smoky voice, she dominated German film during the 1950s and 1960s. Her passing marks the end of an era for a generation of movie fans.
Van Bergen rose to fame as a leading actress in post-war German cinema. Her deep, recognisable voice and strong screen presence made her a household name. Yet her life took a dramatic turn in 1977 when she fatally shot her lover in a moment of conflict.
She was later convicted of manslaughter and spent years in prison. After her release in the early 1980s, she slowly rebuilt her regal career, though she never fully returned to the spotlight. Throughout her later years, she remained a private figure, avoiding public attention.
In line with her long-standing wishes, there will be no funeral. Her body has been cremated, but the final resting place for her ashes remains uncertain. Van Bergen had once requested they be scattered over Lake Starnberg, but German law forbids this practice. For now, her close friend Linda Schnitzler will hold the urn, with plans to eventually pass it to van Bergen’s daughter Andrea.
Van Bergen’s death closes a chapter in German film history. Her career spanned decades, from golden-era cinema to a controversial later life. The decision on her ashes will be made privately, in keeping with her final wishes.
