Bodil Kjer (1917–2003) was a Danish actress whose talent and charisma earned her status as a Primadonna and the title of first lady of Danish theater. Kjer's leading roles reflect the span of Denmark's modern cinema: such as the artistic maturity of the war-torn 1940's in Jenny and the Soldier, the light-hearted romance of the 1950s and 1960s in Mød mig på Cassiopeia, the action drama of the 1970s in Strømer, and the modern epic tale in Babette's Feast (1987). Denmark's highest film prize, the Bodil Awards, were named in honor of Kjer and Bodil Ipsen. Kjer twice received her namesake award for Best Actress (1948, 1952) and once for Best Supporting Actress (1977). In 1997, she accepted an honorary Bodil for lifetime achievement.

Biography

Bodil Valborg Karen Ellen Kjer was born 2 September 1917 in Odense, Denmark. She entered film in 1938 in Balletten danser. Kjer died on 1 February 2003.