Actress Wenche Foss dead at 93

Wenche Foss was one of Norway's most popular performers.

Wenche Foss, one of Norway’s most popular actresses, has died at the age of 93, following a period of illness. She made her stage debut at the age of 17 and also starred in a number of movies.

In addition to her long and successful career as an actress, she was also known for her activism in various fields, and for speaking out on behalf of the less fortunate. She did much to remove the stigma of the mentally handicapped, after she gave birth to a son with Down’s Syndrome in 1953. The boy died at age 4.

Foss also was engaged in removing the taboos around cancer, after she publicly announced that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She also campaigned for the rights of homosexuals.

As an actress Foss had a wide range, including comedy and top musicals, and on the big screen. On the stage she performed until well into her 80s.

Last December, Foss publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and that she did not think she would would live to see the new year. She also had planned her funeral in detail.

Upon receiving the news of her death, the Norwegian government immediately decided that all costs of her funeral should be paid by the state, an honor bestowed upon very few Norwegians.

Source: The Norway Post