Anna Sten
Biography
Anna Sten was a Ukrainian-born American actress. Born Anna Petrivna Fesak on December 3, 1908, in Kiev, Russian Empire, she began her career in stage plays and films in the Soviet Union. She later moved to Germany, where she gained recognition for her performances. Noted film producer Samuel Goldwyn brought her to the United States to create a new screen personality. Sten had a contract with Goldwyn, but it was eventually released. She continued to act in films until her final appearance in 1962. Sten passed away on November 12, 1993, at the age of 84.
Career overview
Anna Sten began her acting career in stage plays and films in the Soviet Union. She later moved to Germany, where she appeared in several films. Her performances were noticed by film producer Samuel Goldwyn, who brought her to the United States with the goal of creating a new screen personality to rival Greta Garbo.
In the United States, Anna Sten was contracted by Samuel Goldwyn to star in films. However, her performances in these films were unsuccessful, and Goldwyn eventually released her from her contract. Despite this setback, Anna Sten continued to act, albeit occasionally, until her final film appearance in 1962.
Anna Sten's acting career spanned over five decades, during which she appeared in at least 30 films. She was born on December 3, 1908, in Kiev, Russian Empire, and passed away on November 12, 1993, at the age of 84.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
30 titles- Arrest and Trial (1963)
- The Nun and the Sergeant (1962) as Sister Mary Joseph
- Adventures in Paradise (1959) as Antonia Kohlermann
- The Walter Winchell File (1957)
- Runaway Daughters (1956) as Ruth Barton
- Soldier of Fortune (1955) as Madame Dupree
- Let's Live a Little (1948) as Michele Bennett
- Chetniks! (1943) as Lubitca Mihailovitch
- Three Russian Girls (1943) as Natasha
- They Came to Blow Up America (1943) as Frau Reiter
- So Ends Our Night (1941) as Lilo
- The Eternal Jew (1940) as Gruschenka (archive footage) (uncredited)
- The Man I Married (1940) as Frieda
- Exile Express (1939) as Nadine Nikolas
- A Woman Alone (1936) as Maria Krasnova aka Maria Novikova
- The Wedding Night (1935) as Manya Novak
- Nana (1934) as Nana
- We Live Again (1934) as Katusha Maslova
- The Tempest (1932) as Russen-Annya
- Trapeze (1931) as Marina
- Bombs Over Monte Carlo (1931) as Königin von Pontenero Yola I
- The Murderer Dmitri Karamazov (1931) as Gruschenka
- Bookkeeper Kremke (1930) as Lene, Kremkes ältere Tochter
- Golden Beak (1929) as Varyenka
- Glory Dealers (1929)
- My Son (1928) as Olga Surina
- The Yellow Ticket (1928) as Maria, young farmer's wife
- The White Eagle (1928) as Governess
- The Girl with the Hat Box (1927) as Natasha
- The Traitor (1926) as Prostitute
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Anna Sten best known for?
Anna Sten is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Battle Royale (2000), Adventures in Paradise (1959), Soldier of Fortune (1955), Winx Club: The Magic Is Back (2025).
When and where was Anna Sten born?
Anna Sten was born on December 3, 1908 in Kiev, Russian Empire [now Kyiv, Ukraine]. They passed away on November 12, 1993.
How many credits does Anna Sten have?
Anna Sten has accumulated over 30 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1926 to 1963.
What is Anna Sten's background in cinema and television?
Anna Sten was a Ukrainian-born American actress. Born Anna Petrivna Fesak on December 3, 1908, in Kiev, Russian Empire, she began her career in stage plays and films in the Soviet Union. She later moved to Germany, where she gained recognition for her performances. Noted film producer Samuel Goldwyn brought her to the ...
Anna Sten by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Arrest and Trial (1963) — aged about 54
- Adventures in Paradise (1959) as Antonia Kohlermann — aged about 50
- Soldier of Fortune (1955) as Madame Dupree — aged about 46
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