Barbara Valentin, the Austrian actress known for her prominent roles in films directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, was a versatile talent in the entertainment industry. Initially recognized for her appearances in erotic thrillers, Valentin later established herself as a character actress through her collaborations with Fassbinder. She also made significant contributions to television series and even shared a home with the renowned British singer Freddie Mercury. Valentin’s dedication to supporting organizations fighting against AIDS and her enduring friendship with Mercury until his death are testaments to her compassionate nature. Sadly, Valentin’s life was cut short at the age of 61 due to a stroke, and she was laid to rest in Munich, Germany.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Ursula Ledersteger
- Died At Age: 61
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Helmut Dietl (m. 1976–1983), John Ashton (m. 1983–1986)
- Father: Irmgard Alberti
- Mother: Hans Ledersteger
- Born Country: Austria
- Actresses
- Austrian Women
- Died on: February 22, 2002
- Place of death: Munich, Germany
- Cause of Death: Stroke
- City: Vienna, Austria
Early Life & Career
Barbara Valentin, born Ursula Ledersteger on December 15, 1940, in Vienna, Austria, began her acting career at the age of 19. She made her debut in the 1959 science-fiction film ‘The Head’ directed by Victor Trivas. In 1960, she appeared in the West German horror film ‘Horrors of Spider Island’ as Babs. Valentin continued to work in films throughout the 1960s, including ‘Das Mädchen mit den schmalen Hüften,’ ‘The Festival Girls,’ and ‘There is Still Room in Hell.’
In 1963, Valentin made her television debut in the movie ‘Die Jagd nach Helena,’ playing the character Heidi. She went on to appear in various films and television series, such as ‘Our Man in Jamaica’ and ‘Party-Geschichten.’ Valentin also collaborated with filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder, appearing in his science fiction television series ‘World on a Wire’ and films like ‘Ali: Fear Eats the Soul’ and ‘Effi Briest.’
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Valentin continued to work in both television and film. She had recurring roles in TV series like ‘Der ganz normale Wahnsinn’ and ‘Berlin Alexanderplatz.’ Valentin also appeared in films such as ‘Lili Marleen’ and ‘Looping.’ In the 1980s, she shifted her focus to AIDS activism and supported organizations fighting against the disease.
Family & Personal Life
Barbara Valentin’s father, Hans Ledersteger, was an art director in the German film industry. Her mother, Irmgard Alberti, was an actress known for her work in films like ‘Der König lächelt – Paris lacht’ and ‘Women’s Paradise.’ Valentin had a half-brother named Alfred Ledersteger.
Valentin was close friends with Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band Queen. They lived together in Munich during the 1980s, and Valentin even appeared in one of Queen’s music videos, ‘It’s a Hard Life.’ She shifted her attention to AIDS activism during this time and remained friends with Mercury until his death in 1991.
Barbara Valentin passed away on February 22, 2002, in Munich, Germany, after suffering a stroke. She was buried in the ‘Ostfriedhof’ cemetery, where many other famous personalities are laid to rest.