Bodil Kjer
Bodil Kjer (Danish: [ˈpoːtil ˈkʰeˀɐ̯]; 2 September 1917 – 1 February 2003) was a Danish actress and a leading actress in mid-20th century Danish cinema. Her talent and charisma earned her status as a primadonna and the title of first lady of Danish theater.
Kjer studied at the Royal Danish Theatre where she made her debut in 1937. She continued to perform with the Royal Danish Theatre throughout her career, except during the period from 1955 to 1960 when she performed with Det Ny Teater. Although she became a staple of Danish cinema and gained popularity through her roles on film, she remained closely associated with the theatre, where the majority of her artistic development is considered to have occurred.
Kjer's leading roles reflect the span of Denmark's modern cinema: from the artistic maturity of the war-torn 1940s in Jenny and the Soldier, the light-hearted romance of the 1950s and 1960s in Mød mig på Cassiopeia, the action drama of the 1970s in Strømer, to the modern epic tale in Babette's Feast (1987).
She was the recipient of a number of awards for her contributions to Danish theatre and cinema, including the Ingenio et arti, Order of the Dannebrog, Rungstedlund Award, Tagea Brandt Rejselegat, and several Bodil Awards. Denmark's most prestigious film prize, the Bodil Awards, were named in honor of Kjer and Bodil Ipsen.
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