Wenche Foss
Wenche Foss (full name Eva Wenche Steenfeldt-Foss Stang, born December 5 1917 in what was still named Kristiania, dead March 28 2011 in Oslo) was a Norwegian actress, often characterised as the great diva of the post-war years in Norwegian theatre.
Information
(Objekt ID 8820)Object type | Person |
Born | December 5, 1917 (dead March 28, 2011) |
Functions | Actor |
Nationality | Norwegian |
Gender | Female |
Wenche Foss made her debut in 1935 as Ingrid in Vilhelm Dybwad's operetta Taterblod* (Gypsy Blood) at Søilen Teater.
She was employed at Carl Johan Teatret 1936–39, The National Stage 1939, Centralteatret (now part of Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre), at the time independent) 1940–49, Det Nye Teater 1949–51 (now part of Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre), at the time independent), The National Theatre 1952–67, Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre) 1967–78 and again at The National Theatre from 1978 to 1989, when she officially retired. After this time she also accepted several roles as a freelancer.
As early as 1939 she interpreted the role of Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow with great charms and confidence, showing (as she also did in other operettas) her sense of style and musicality. She also was a character actress, whose roles included Rebekka West in Rosmersholm in 1942.
Her acting was characterised by incredible versatility. Her scope included roles from across the full range of the theatre repertoire, from comedy such as Lysistrata, Helene in Carousel, Lavinia in The Happy Choice and the four women in Twigs, to roles in modern, serious drama, including Lola in Come Back, Little Sheba, the mother in The Glass Menagerie and Maggie in After the Fall (The Norwegian Critics' Award 1965).
Further she interpreted great classical female drama characters such as Mary Stuart, Hedda Gabler, Viola in Twelfth Night, Fanny and Ella in John Gabriel Borkman and Mother Aase in Peer Gynt. Within newer musical theatre her roles included the shrew of Kiss me, Kate, the old woman in Cabaret, the title role of Hello Dolly and she played in the TV version of Cocteau's and Poulenc's one woman opera The Human Voice.
She made her movie debut in Tørres Snørtevold (1940), and starred in comedies during the 1940es, including Den farlige leken (literally: The Dangerous Game) and En herre med bart (literally: A Gentleman with a Mustache) (both in 1942). Later she got The Norwegian Film Critics' Award for the role of the bishop's wife in The Master and His Servants (1959), and during the 1980es she took part in a number of Wam and Vennerød's movies, most importantly Victoria L. (1982), in which the leading role was written particularly for her diverse talent. Later she had major roles in I Am Dina and Music for Weddings and Funerals, both in 2002. She won Honorary Amanda in 1991.
After publicly retiring in 1989 she made her mark in productions including Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, in interaction with Aud Schønemann, and The Old Lady's Guide to Survival by Mayo Simon, both at Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre). At The National Theatre her roles include Mrs. Campbell in Dear Liar (1995), Mrs. Helseth in Rosmersholm (1998) and the nanny Anfisa in Chekhov's Three Sisters (2002).
Wenche Foss had the role of the old grandmother in the TV series Western Wind (1994–95) and was the aging Suzannah Ibsen in Jon Fosse's TV play Suzannah (2004).
The openhearted book Etterpå (literally: Afterwards) (1999) she wrote in collaboration with Sturle S. Nærø and in 2004 Nærkontakt (literally: Close Contact) - with conversations between Wenche Foss and Arne Næss was published - written by Petter Mejlænder. A statue of her in gilded bronze, made by Per Ung, was placed outside of The National Theatre in 2007.
Wenche Foss won Honorary Hedda in 2002.
Sources:
Store Norske Leksikon on Wenche Foss, www.snl.no, 08.11.2012, http://snl.no/Wenche_Foss
Sceneweb on The Hedda Award 2002, www.sceneweb.no, 06.11.2012, http://www.sceneweb.no/en/awarding/23900/The_Hedda_Award_2002-2002
*Not yet translated into English. The title within parentheses is the Norwegian title's literal meaning.
Title | Premiere | Role |
---|---|---|
Tre søstre (The National Theatre) | August 29, 2002 | Actor (Anfisa) |
My fair Lady (The Norwegian Touring Theatre (Riksteatret)) | October 5, 2000 | Actor (Mrs. Higgins) |
Paul Lange og Tora Parsberg (The National Theatre) | February 23, 2000 | Actor (Fru Amalie Bang) |
Et deilig sted* (A Lovely Place) (The National Theatre) | December 9, 1999 | Actor (Charlotte) |
The great premier (Goksøyr & Martens) | Navember 12, 1999 | Author, Performer |
Rosmersholm (The National Theatre) | August 28, 1998 | Actor (Madam Helseth) |
Den perfekte ektemann (The National Theatre) | Navember 6, 1996 | Actor (Lady Markby) |
My Fair Lady (The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet) | August 16, 1996 | Actor (Mrs. Higgins) |
Dear Liar (The National Theatre) | October 21, 1995 | Actor (Mrs. Patrick Campbell) |
The Old Lady's Guide to Survival (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | October 26, 1994 | Actor (Netty Green) |
Faderen (Rogaland Theatre) | Navember 6, 1993 | Actor (Ammen) |
Per Aabel 90 år (The National Theatre) | April 25, 1992 | Actor |
Arsenic and Old Lace (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | April 2, 1992 | Actor (Martha Brewster) |
Den store magi (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | January 30, 1992 | Actor (Zaira Marvuglia) |
Reisen til Julestjernen (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | December 21, 1991 | Actor (Heksen) |
John Gabriel Borkman (The National Theatre) | August 30, 1991 | Actor (Frøken Ella Rentheim) |
Blomster av stål (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | January 31, 1991 | Actor (Ouiser Boudreaux) |
Hello, Dolly! (Thalia Teater ASA/S Proscenium) | September 7, 1990 | Actor (Dolly Levi) |
When the New Wine Blooms (The National Theatre) | Navember 25, 1988 | Actor (Fru Arvik) |
Stemmer (The National Theatre) | Navember 19, 1987 | Voiceover |
Lev farlig (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | April 25, 1987 | Singer |
The Petition (The National Theatre) | February 20, 1987 | Actor (Elisabeth Milne) |
Hjelp, vi har ferie! (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | June 27, 1986 | Actor (Sonja / Elise) |
Peer Gynt (The National Theatre) | August 31, 1985 | Actor (Aase, en bondemanns enke (1. versjon) + (% i 2. versjon)) |
Lystige Koner (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | February 19, 1985 | Actor (Bestemor Hegge) |
The Good Person of Szechwan (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | Navember 6, 1984 | Actor (Fru Yang, Suns mor) |
Hva skal vi gjøre med Penny? (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | June 30, 1984 | Actor (Penny) |
Ordet er André Bjerkes (The National Theatre) | March 15, 1984 | Actor |
Uventet gjest (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | August 20, 1983 | Actor (Mrs. Warwick) |
On the Sunny Side (The National Theatre) | May 14, 1983 | Actor (Fru Margrethe, Riibes mor) |
Camino Real (The National Theatre) | August 21, 1982 | Actor (Marguerite) |
Skritt i mørke - Dovenskap, De sju dødssynder (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | July 24, 1982 | Actor (Dora) |
On Golden Pond (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | February 4, 1981 | Actor (Ethel) |
Isfuglen (The National Theatre) | September 25, 1980 | Actor (Evelyn) |
Mascarade (The National Theatre) | June 2, 1980 | Actor (Magdelone) |
Soloppgang i Riga (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | March 9, 1980 | Actor (Lidja Vasiljevna) |
Grenseland (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | October 21, 1979 | Actor (Eyolfs mor) |
Don Juan in Hell (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | February 27, 1979 | Actor (Doña Ana) |
John Gabriel Borkman (The National Theatre) | February 3, 1979 | Actor (Ella Rentheim, Gunhilds tvillingsøster) |
John Gabriel Borkman (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | January 10, 1978 | Actor (Ella Rentheim) |
Old World (The National Theatre) | 1978 | Actor (Lidja Vasiljevna) |
The Bed before Yesterday (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | August 30, 1977 | Actor (Alma) |
Twigs (The National Stage) | April 30, 1976 | Actor (Emily / Celia / Dorothy / Mutter) |
Twigs (Rogaland Theatre) | January 16, 1976 | Actor (Mutter / Emily / Celia / Dorothy) |
Den lille Prins (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | Navember 12, 1975 | Actor (Rosen) |
Twigs (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | February 6, 1975 | Actor (Emily / Celia / Dorothy / Mutter) |
The Seagull (The Norwegian Theatre) | March 1974 | Actor (Arkadina) |
The Happy Choice (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | August 23, 1973 | Actor (Lavinia) |
Aske (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | March 27, 1973 | Actor (Cecilie) |
Over Evne (I) (The Norwegian Touring Theatre (Riksteatret)) | February 22, 1973 | Actor (Fru Klara Sang) |
Sommerfugler er fri (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | February 2, 1972 | Actor (Mrs. Baker) |
Forty Carats (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | August 19, 1971 | Actor (Lisa) |
Tusen kyss fra Bagdad* (A Thousand Kisses from Baghdad) (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | March 4, 1971 | Actor (Grace, Hannibals kone) |
Symptomer (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | January 5, 1971 | Actor |
Plaza Suite (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | 1970 | Actor (Karen Nash / Muriel Tate / Norma Hubley) |
John Gabriel Borkman (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | December 4, 1969 | Actor (Ella Rentheim, fru Borkmans tvillingsøster) |
Sweet Bird of Youth (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | December 4, 1969 | Actor (Prinsesse Kosmonopolis) |
Glassmenasjeriet (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | January 7, 1969 | Actor (Amanda Wingfield) |
Cabaret (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | Navember 8, 1968 | Actor (Fräulein Schneider) |
Lille Eyolf (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | May 9, 1968 | Actor (Fru Rita Almers, Alfreds hustru) |
Black Comedy (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | January 4, 1968 | Actor (Frk. Furnival) |
White Lies AKA The White Liars (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | January 4, 1968 | Actor (Baronesse Lemberg) |
The Three Musketeers (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | October 8, 1967 | Actor (Milady) |
Cocktailparty (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | September 5, 1967 | Actor (Julia Shuttlethwaite) |
Cactus Flower (Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)) | August 16, 1967 | Actor (Stephanie) |
Anatol (The National Theatre) | April 27, 1967 | Actor (Ilona) |
Love and Geography (The National Theatre) | February 15, 1967 | Actor (Birgit Rømer) |
The Bird Lovers (The National Theatre) | Navember 10, 1966 | Actor (Rosa, Carusos kone) |
Kom tilbake, lille Sheba (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | Navember 1, 1966 | Actor (Lola) |
Private Lives (The National Theatre) | Navember 25, 1965 | Actor (Amanda Prynne) |
John Gabriel Borkman (The National Theatre) | April 22, 1965 | Actor (Fanny Wilton) |
Kontoristene og Tigeren (The National Theatre) | Navember 21, 1964 | Actor (Sylvia) |
Etter syndefallet (The National Theatre) | August 25, 1964 | Actor (Maggie) |
Ah, Wilderness! (The National Theatre) | May 23, 1963 | Actor (Lily Miller, Nats søster) |
Stemmen (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's TV drama division) | January 17, 1963 | Singer |
Iguananatten (The National Theatre) | Navember 9, 1962 | Actor (Frk. Hannah Jelkes) |
Agnete (The National Theatre) | September 1, 1962 | Actor (Fru Agnete Lindemann) |
Carousel (The National Theatre) | May 15, 1962 | Actor (Helene, Jeans kone) |
Cirkelen (The National Theatre) | December 7, 1961 | Actor (Elizabeth) |
Leketøy på loftet (The National Theatre) | May 3, 1961 | Actor (Carrie Berniers) |
Clérambard (The National Theatre) | October 16, 1960 | Actor (Reka) |
Hedda Gabler (The National Theatre) | June 9, 1960 | Actor (Hedda Tesman) |
Kameliadamen (The National Theatre) | March 13, 1960 | Actor (Marguerite Gautier) |
The Two-Family House (The National Theatre) | February 3, 1960 | Actor (Nina) |
Jorden rundt på 80 dager (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | October 18, 1959 | Actor (Prinsesse Aouda) |
He Who Said No (The National Theatre) | October 1, 1959 | Actor (Elena Mikropolus) |
Helter (The National Theatre) | May 14, 1959 | Actor (Raina) |
Siste stasjon (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | May 20, 1958 | Actor (Fanny) |
Te og sympati (The National Theatre) | May 8, 1958 | Actor (Laura Reynolds) |
På rødt pass* (With a Red Passport) (The National Theatre) | February 27, 1958 | Actor (Pamela Dennis) |
Misantropen (The National Theatre) | December 11, 1957 | Actor (Célimène) |
Mary Stuart in Scotland (The National Theatre) | October 27, 1957 | Actor (Maria Stuart) |
Gerts have (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | September 3, 1957 | Actor (Fru Løven) |
Love and Geography (The National Theatre) | April 4, 1957 | Actor (Karen) |
Den Glade Enke (The National Theatre) | Navember 17, 1956 | Actor (Hanna Glawari) |
Helligtrekongers aften (The National Theatre) | September 27, 1956 | Actor (Viola) |
My woman! (The National Theatre) | April 22, 1956 | Actor (Irene) |
Tre kvinner* (Three women) (The National Theatre) | March 16, 1956 | Actor (Fru Irene Bugge) |
Emperor and Galilean (The National Theatre) | Navember 15, 1955 | Actor (Fyrstinne Helena) |
Når vi døde vågner (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | February 1, 1955 | Actor (Irene, en reisende dame) |
Etienne (The National Theatre) | October 21, 1954 | Actor (Simone) |
John Gabriel Borkman (The National Theatre) | October 9, 1954 | Actor (Fanny Wilton) |
Flodlinjen (The National Theatre) | August 13, 1954 | Actor (Marie Chassaigne (Wyburton)) |
Orfeus i underverdenen (The National Theatre) | December 8, 1953 | Actor (Eurydice) |
Eva and Johannes (The National Theatre) | Navember 8, 1953 | Actor (Jussia Gamborg) |
Den store Gatsby (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's radio drama division) | Navember 3, 1953 | Actor (Daisy Buchanan) |
As You Like It - Som De vil ha det (The National Theatre) | September 19, 1953 | Actor (Phebe, en gjeterpike) |
Carousel (Oslo Parkkvelder) | July 20, 1953 | Actor (Helene Blom, Jeans kone) |
Hjerter er meldt (The National Theatre) | May 27, 1953 | Actor (Fru Remisol) |
Kaptein Brassbounds forvandling (The National Theatre) | March 28, 1953 | Actor (Lady Cicely Waynflete) |
Skole for fedre (The National Theatre) | December 26, 1952 | Actor (Araminte) |
Kiss Me, Kate (Det Nye Teater) | May 29, 1952 | Actor (Lilli Canessi/Kate) |
Kjærlighetens narrer* (Fools of Love) (Det Nye Teater) | June 19, 1951 | Actor (Herdis, en lege) |
Ikke for dem mine damer! (Det Nye Teater) | May 19, 1951 | Actor (Madeleine, hans kone) |
Mannen i regnfrakken (Det Nye Teater) | April 6, 1951 | Actor (Helen, hans hustru) |
Atten år (Det Nye Teater) | Navember 14, 1950 | Actor (Maud, Woodleys hustru) |
The Farce of Love (Det Nye Teater) | August 18, 1950 | Actor (Edle, hans kone) |
Nina (Det Nye Teater) | June 1, 1950 | Actor (Nina) |
Krista (Det Nye Teater) | April 3, 1950 | Actor (Freja) |
The Maids (Det Nye Teater) | March 19, 1950 | Actor (Madame) |
The Professor (Det Nye Teater) | February 24, 1950 | Actor (Alma Ludvigsen, datteren) |
The School for Scandal (Det Nye Teater) | January 9, 1950 | Actor (Lady Sneerwell) |
Lucienne og slakteren (Det Nye Teater) | December 2, 1949 | Actor (Lucienne) |
Bajaderen (Trøndelag Theatre) | May 14, 1949 | Actor (Odette Darimonde, operettesangerinne) |
Min søster og jeg (Centralteatret) | February 2, 1949 | Actor (Dolly St. Labiche, prinsesse) |
Den glade enke (Centralteatret) | January 28, 1948 | Actor (Hanna Glavari) |
Clutterbuck (Centralteatret) | September 19, 1947 | Actor (Deboran Pomfret) |
Skygger i solskinn (Centralteatret) | August 19, 1947 | Actor (Marguerite Nelson-Blitz) |
Lysistrata (Centralteatret) | February 20, 1947 | Actor (Lysistrata, dame fra Aten) |
På solsiden (Centralteatret) | December 21, 1946 | Actor (Ester, Hartvigs kone ) |
Hvis et folk vil leve (Centralteatret) | May 4, 1946 | Actor (Agnes, Thorsteins hustru) |
Tilbake ved daggry (Centralteatret) | February 7, 1946 | Actor (Grevinne Doris Skriczevinsky) |
To tråder (Centralteatret) | May 31, 1945 | Actor (Oda) |
Takk skal du ha, Martin (Centralteatret) | March 8, 1945 | Actor (Sonja Ekre, hans kone) |
33.333 (Centralteatret) | May 20, 1944 | Actor (Jenny) |
For åpent teppe (Centralteatret) | February 22, 1944 | Actor (Eva Høeg) |
Rosmersholm (Centralteatret) | December 14, 1943 | Actor (Rebekka West, i huset hos Rosmer) |
Kommer du Elsa? (Centralteatret) | May 20, 1943 | Actor (Elsa Rieber, Leifs kone ) |
Den gyldne kro (Centralteatret) | Navember 17, 1942 | Actor (Kvinnen) |
Kunsten å leve (Centralteatret) | August 6, 1942 | Actor (Karin) |
Det store spørsmål (Centralteatret) | May 21, 1942 | Actor (Cecilie Grong, Oles hustru) |
Livet er skjønt! (Centralteatret) | April 19, 1942 | Actor (Miky) |
Jeg drepte! (Centralteatret) | Navember 20, 1941 | Actor (Frk. Bull (overtagelse) ) |
The Count of Luxembourg (Centralteatret) | March 20, 1941 | Actor (Angele Didier, sangerinne) |
The Cousin from Nowhere (Centralteatret) | December 21, 1940 | Actor (Julia de Werth) |
Min hustru, doktor Carson (Centralteatret) | Navember 13, 1940 | Actor (June Harvey, sogneprestens sekretær) |
Halmstrået eller Teatersjefen som ble vekk* (The Straw or The disappeared head of the theatre) (Centralteatret) | June 23, 1940 | Actor (Frøken Sørensen / En klagende dame / En av fire som også holder hjula i gang) |
Hele byen takker for sist (Centralteatret) | April 27, 1940 | Actor (Sangerinnen) |
Bajaderen (Centralteatret) | December 31, 1939 | Actor (Oddette Darimonde) |
Når den ny vin blomstrer (Centralteatret) | Navember 19, 1939 | Actor (Marna) |
Hva sa jeg - ! (Centralteatret) | October 7, 1939 | Actor (Marcia Townsend) |
Peer Gynt (The National Stage) | June 20, 1939 | Actor (Seterjente) |
Anna Sophie Hedvig (The National Stage) | May 1, 1939 | Actor (Esther) |
Den glade enke (The National Stage) | February 22, 1939 | Actor (Hanna Glawari) |
Kvinner (The National Stage) | December 26, 1938 | Actor (Frk. Crystal Allen (overtagelse)) |
The Ghost Train (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | Navember 1938 | Actor (Peggy Murdock) |
Min søster og jeg (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | June 1, 1938 | Actor (Dolly, prinsesse av Saint-Labiche) |
Skyskraperen (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | March 31, 1938 | Actor (Blanche «Blanny» Wheeler) |
Fine banditter (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | February 19, 1938 | Actor (Josephine Fitch) |
Parsengene (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | February 1, 1938 | Actor (Amanda Davis) |
Dagdriveren (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | Navember 4, 1937 | Actor (Anna, datter av Penn) |
Pompen (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | September 28, 1937 | Actor (Ossy Lemke) |
Champagnepiken (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | April 15, 1937 | Actor (Champagnepiken, Germaine Leverrier) |
Lillegutts bryllupsdag (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | February 23, 1937 | Actor (Clara) |
Familiens sorte faar (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | January 15, 1937 | Actor (Asta, Ottos kone) |
Loppen i øret (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | October 21, 1936 | Actor (Lucienne, Carlos' kone) |
Ugler i mosen (Carl Johan Teatret (Karl Johans gate)) | May 6, 1936 | Actor (Nanette) |
Larsen eller melodien som ble vekk (Det Nye Teater) | January 1, 1936 | Actor (Melodien) |
Taterblod (Søilen Teater) | March 28, 1935 | Actor (Ingrid, Sjurs og Majas datter) |
Regnfrakken (Søilen Teater) | February 2, 1935 | Actor (Anna, stuepike (på Søilen Teater)) |
Suzannah (NRK ) | Actor (Den gamle Suzannah) |
Title | Premiere | Role |
---|---|---|
Etterpå | 1999, Literature, Biography | – Author |