Ilse Steppat

Ilse Steppat Biography

Ilse Steppat as Irma Bunt

Ilse Steppat was a talented German actress who made a significant impact in her short career. Born on November 30, 1917, she began her journey in the entertainment industry at a young age of 15 with the portrayal of Joan of Arc. Throughout her career, Steppat starred in more than 40 German-language films and was a prominent figure in German cinema.

In the 1960s, Steppat rose to fame for her work in crime movies inspired by the works of author Edgar Wallace, such as Captain Wronski, Die Gruft mit dem Rätselschloss, Der unheimliche Mönch, and Die blaue Hand, which solidified her status as a sought-after actress in Germany.

Steppat’s only English-language role came after she was cast to play Irma Bunt, Blofeld‘s assistant and henchwoman, in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Unfortunately, Steppat passed away on 21 December 1969 just four days after the international release of the movie due to a heart attack, preventing her from capitalizing on her newfound international fame.

Kraken

Steppat had a short career due to her untimely death, and although she was famous in Germany, she will always be remembered for the imposing role as Irma Blunt in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.