The German-born star passed away Wednesday, October 28, just over a week before her 86th birthday. Her longtime friend, photographer Erwin Schneider, confirmed the news to German media today.
Sommer starred opposite Peter Sellers in A Shot in the Dark, Paul Newman in The Prize, and Dean Martin in The Wrecking Crew. She also starred alongside Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller in the 1966 comedy Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! Her performance in The Prize earned her a Golden Globe as Most Promising Newcomer.

Beyond the movies, you may remember her from Coppertone suntan lotion advertisements in the 1960s.
She also joined Kermit and the gang as a guest star on The Muppet Show in 1979, memorably appearing as Cleopatra and singing “Row, Row, Row.”
She later brought her distinctive voice to Disney, voicing Yzma in the German-language version of The Emperor’s New Groove.

Her passing comes just three months after the death of her husband, Wolf Walther.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and everyone who loved her work. 🙏 Thank you for the memories, Elke. Rest in peace. ❤️