Born in Vienna, she became a prominent figure in both theater and film. She gained fame through her work with composer Kurt Weill, her husband, starring in his operas such as "The Threepenny Opera." Her career spanned both Europe and the U.S., earning her critical acclaim. In Hollywood, she is remembered for her role as Rosa Klebb in the James Bond film "From Russia with Love." Her distinctive voice and commanding presence made her an enduring icon of 20th-century performing arts.