Wera Engels, a truly remarkable and intriguing individual, whose life story is replete with fascinating and extraordinary events, was born into a family of considerable influence and prestige, being the daughter of a distinguished German Admiral and Governor, who had played a pivotal role in the administration of the German colony of Tsing-tau, situated in the culturally rich and historically significant region of China.
As a remarkably gifted and skilled thespian, Engels embarked upon her illustrious career by assuming leading roles in prominent productions of the esteemed German UFA-studios, situated in the renowned city of Babelsberg, as well as in France, thereby attracting the attention of the film industry's prominent figures.
Her outstanding success in these roles subsequently led to an invitation to the glamorous city of Hollywood, where she was perceived as a budget-friendly alternative to the highly acclaimed and respected actresses Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich, renowned for their captivating on-screen presence.
As a result of her exceptional talent and undeniable charm, Engels was subsequently contracted with RKO, a prominent film production company, paving the way for a promising and illustrious career in the world of cinema.
Under the auspices of distinguished directors Walter Futter and M.H. Hoffman, Engels embarked on a multifaceted career trajectory, which was marked by a series of diverse roles, and it was during this pivotal period that she cultivated a profound and lasting bond with the legendary silent film icon Mary, Pickford.
By the year 1935, the renowned actress, Engels, had made a return journey to her native Germany, only to subsequently depart once more due to the precipitous decline of the German film industry, which was severely impacted by the pervasive influence of Nazi propaganda.
After the unfortunate passing of Lebedeff in 1953, due to the debilitating effects of Angina pectoris, Engels made the decision to relocate to the European continent, where she would reside with friends in the vibrant city of London and the charming city of Stockholm, before eventually returning to her native Germany.
She spent the remainder of her life in the company of Erna Hoffmann, the widow of Heinrich Hoffmann, a close friend and personal photographer of the infamous Adolf Hitler, in the picturesque Munich area.
Wera Engels, a woman of remarkable vitality, departed this mortal coil on November 16, 1988, after having lived a fulfilling life that spanned nearly eight decades. At the tender age of 79, she bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a legacy that would be cherished by those who knew her. The city of Munich, Germany, served as the backdrop for her final moments, a place that had no doubt played a significant role in the rich tapestry of her existence.
