Sonja Henie
Sonja Henie was a Norwegian figure skater and actress, known for her dominance in women’s figure skating during the 1920s and 1930s. She was a three-time Olympic champion in figure skating and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood. Henie’s innovative skating style and charisma made her a beloved and influential figure in both the sports and entertainment worlds.
Biography
| Date of Birth | 8 April 1912 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | 12 October 1969 |
| Occupation | Figure Skater, Film Star |
| Olympic Titles | 3 (1928, 1932, 1936) |
| World Titles | 10 (1927–1936) |
| European Titles | 6 (1931–1936) |
| Acting Career Highlights | Thin Ice (1937), Happy Landing, My Lucky Star (1938), Second Fiddle (1939), Sun Valley Serenade (1941) |
Early Life
Sonja Henie was born on April 8, 1912, in Kristiania, now Oslo, Norway. She was raised in a family that valued sports and athleticism, and she showed a natural talent for figure skating from a young age. Her family eventually moved to the United States in the 1930s, where she continued to hone her skating skills and eventually became a world-renowned figure skater and actress.
Family
| Family Member | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Parents | Wilhelm Henie | Wilhelm Henie was a prosperous furrier in Norway. He was supportive of Sonja’s skating career and encouraged her to pursue her passion. |
| Selma Lochmann-Nielsen | Selma Lochmann-Nielsen was a former Danish ballerina. Her artistic background had a significant influence on Sonja’s career as a figure skater and performer. | |
| Siblings | Leif Henie | Leif Henie was Sonja’s older brother. He was also involved in figure skating and supported Sonja throughout her career. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Other Body Measurements | 36-24-36 inches (91-61-91 cm) |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Sonja Henie was married to Niels Onstad from 1956 until her passing in 1969. Niels Onstad was a Norwegian shipowner, art collector, and philanthropist. They were married for 13 years until Sonja Henie’s untimely death in 1969.
| Name | Relationship Period | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Fritz Stengel | 1938–1944 | Sonja Henie was previously married to German screenwriter Fritz Stengel. Their marriage lasted from 1938 to 1944. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Sonja Henie became famous as a Norwegian figure skater and actress. She rose to fame for her exceptional ice skating talents and her pioneering performances in ice revues.
Sonja Henie’s career began with her success in figure skating competitions, where she won numerous titles, including three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936. She then transitioned into professional ice shows and became internationally renowned for her innovative and graceful skating routines. Henie also starred in several Hollywood films, such as “One in a Million” and “Sun Valley Serenade,” which showcased her talents both on and off the ice.
Sonja Henie received multiple accolades throughout her career, including ten World Championships in figure skating and various honors for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She was also inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame for her impact on the sport of figure skating.
Sonja Henie was not immune to controversies, particularly surrounding her associations with Nazi officials in Germany during the 1930s. Her performances in the country and alleged relationships with high-ranking German officials drew criticism and speculation about her political affiliations, tarnishing her reputation during that period.
Faq
Sonja Henie was a Norwegian figure skater and actress who gained fame as a three-time Olympic champion in women’s figure skating in the 1920s and 1930s.
Sonja Henie was born on April 8, 1912, in Oslo, Norway.
Sonja Henie won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in women’s figure skating in 1928, 1932, and 1936. She also won ten consecutive World Figure Skating Championships from 1927 to 1936.
Yes, after retiring from competitive skating, Sonja Henie pursued a successful career in Hollywood as an actress. She starred in a number of popular films, including “One in a Million” and “Sun Valley Serenade.”
Sonja Henie is remembered as a groundbreaking figure skater who brought a new level of artistry and showmanship to the sport. Her success as an athlete and her transition to a successful career in entertainment have solidified her legacy as an iconic and influential figure in figure skating history.
