Ingrid van Bergen, Beloved german Actress, Announces Complete blindness at 94
Table of Contents
A celebrated figure in German entertainment, Ingrid van Bergen, has revealed she is now wholly blind, marking a poignant chapter in the life of the 94-year-old actress and reality television personality. Van Bergen shared the news in a recent interview, stating simply, “I can’t see anything anymore. I’m blind.”
A Long Battle with Vision loss
The loss of sight follows a protracted struggle with macular degeneration, a disease affecting the retina, in her left eye.More recently, bleeding in her right eye prompted surgical intervention, but regrettably, the procedure failed to restore her vision, ultimately resulting in total blindness.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Van Bergen is reportedly facing her new reality with remarkable courage. A close friend, Linda Schnitzler, with whom the actress has lived for many years, shared that Van Bergen “is brave, copes with her fate wonderfully and doesn’t complain.” The actress herself reportedly affirmed, “I’m fine.”
Impact on Daily Life and Fan Connections
The blindness presents meaningful challenges. Van Bergen is now unable to read the numerous letters from her devoted fans, a loss she deeply regrets. According to Schnitzler, “Her fans should know that she can no longer do it because she can no longer see or read. Ingrid is vrey sorry for that.” Furthermore, Van Bergen’s mobility is limited, as she requires a wheelchair, and Schnitzler currently lacks the physical strength to assist with maneuvering it.
Financial Strain Adds to challenges
Adding to the difficulties,Schnitzler revealed that Van bergen receives a modest pension,making essential care unaffordable. “A nurse from Poland or Hungary would be good, but she can’t afford that.Especially not a retirement home. The health system in Germany is not fair,” Schnitzler explained.
A Life Marked by Both Triumph and Tragedy
Ingrid van Bergen’s life has been a complex tapestry of success and hardship. She rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s,becoming a popular actress known for her roles in films like “Das Mädchen Rosemarie” (Rosemarie).However, her personal life was also marked by controversy. In February 1977, she shot her lover, Klaus Knaths, and was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison for manslaughter. She was released early on good behavior after serving two-thirds of her sentence.
Later in life, Van Bergen experienced a resurgence in public attention when she participated in and ultimately won the RTL show “I’m a Star – Get Me Out of Here!” in 2009.
Despite the current hardships, Ingrid van Bergen’s spirit remains unbroken, a testament to her enduring strength and resilience.
