Laya Raki: German Classic Bombshell in the 1950s and Early ’60s

Born 1927 as Brunhilde Marie Alma Herta Jörns in Hamburg, German dancer and actress Laya Raki attracted attention for the first time in 1947–1950 as a dancer in Frankfurt and other German cities. When she performed in Berlin, her star began to rise: her 38-23-36 figure figure (5.35 ft, 110 lbs) and erotic radiance became the talk of the town.

In 1953, Raki danced in the film Ehe für eine Nacht (“Marriage for One Night”). Her next film was Die Rose von Stambul (“The Rose of Stamboul”), in which the Austrian actor Paul Hörbiger wants to marry her after seeing her dance. After taking acting lessons in Hollywood, she appeared in several UK TV productions, including 39 episodes of the popular series Crane (1962–1965), which made her a well known actress.

Raki appeared in revealing outfits in both film and in photographs, capturing men’s attention like no other German showgirl of the 1950s. She modeled for postcards, pin-up photographs, and magazines all over the world. The Broadway columnist Earl Wilson noted her preference for scanty clothing: “You should have seen Laya Raki. Even if she is dressed, she looks like, as if she only wears the zipper and has forgotten the material”. He placed photos of her in the first issue of “Earl Wilson’s Album of Showgirls (1956)”.

Laya Raki died peacefully in 2018 at age 91. Take a look at these fabulous photos to see the beauty of young Laya Raki in the 1950s and Early 1960s.