Greta Thyssen | |
---|---|
Born |
Greta Thysegen 30 March 1933 Copenhagen, Denmark |
Occupation | Actress, model |
Years active | 1956-67 |
Children | Genevieve Juliette Guenther (born 1969) |
Greta Thyssen (born Greta Thysegen; March 30, 1933) is a Danish film actress and former model, long-resident in the United States. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, she appeared in films and television series between 1956 and 1967.
Thyssen arrived in the United States after winning the Miss Denmark crown in 1952. She attempted to follow in the footsteps of the reigning blonde sex symbols Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield by forging a movie career. She was Monroe's double in Bus Stop, and appeared in Accused of Murder, Terror Is a Man, Three Blondes in His Life and Journey to the Seventh Planet.
In addition to her appearances on the television series Dragnet and Bachelor Father, she appeared as Roxy Howard, the title character in the Perry Mason episode, "The Case of the Nervous Accomplice". Thyssen also appeared on Broadway in Pajama Tops as a replacement for June Wilkinson.
Thyssen is probably best remembered for her appearances in the Three Stooges films Quiz Whizz, Pies and Guys and Sappy Bull Fighters. In her brief stint with the Stooges, she endured a cream pie to the face in the latter film. From 1956-1958, Thyssen was the original Pirate Girl on the game show Treasure Hunt, assisting host Jan Murray with presenting prizes hidden in miniature treasure chests. After appearing in the musical comedy Cottonpickin' Chickenpickers (1967), she retired from acting.