Bibi Besch was a unique actress whose active film career spanned from the 60s through to the 90s. Although her roots can be traced to Austria, the actress took on the American nationality when her mother got married to a former American military man. Moreso, Bisi later got married to an American government official but the marriage hit the rocks after 8 years.
It is also important to note that it was the passion for a film career that made Bibi quit college and ventured full-time into the film industry, making appearances in several sitcoms and movies before her demise in 1996.
Bibi Besch Biography (Age)
Bibi Besch was an Austrian-American actress and television personality born with the full name Bibiana Maria Köchert on the 1st of February 1942, in Vienna, Austria. She was the youngest daughter of the popular Austrian stage and film actress Gusti Huber, who was known for starring in several movies that were predominant during the second world war era. Bibi’s biological father has been identified as Gotfrid Köchert, a professional Austrian car racer, and one-time pilot for Wehrmacht.
During her childhood, her parents parted ways, and shortly after the second world war, she moved to the United States with her mother and sister, Christiana Barbara Köchert. Bibi’s mum later married an American radio personality and a former military officer named Joseph Besch, who adopted them and changed their surname to Besch.
Bibi Besch attended Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York City, after which she proceeded to study at Connecticut College for Women but did not complete her studies as she left in pursuit of a film career. She made her initial appearance in Robin Hood, an episode in the NBC Children’s Theatre sitcom back in 1964. Bibi was later seen in several other films and television sitcoms which include; Secret Room as Janet Hill, The Edge of Night as Susan Forbes, as well as portraying the role of Eve Lawrence Paisley in the movie Somerset.
After several years in the film industry, the actress got her breakthrough role in 1975 when she was cast for a major part in the romantic movie titled Distance as Joanne Morse. Subsequently, she appeared in television series like the Golden Girls, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, and the popular Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan which earned her wider recognition as an actress. Bibi Besch also gave an impressive performance as Maria Wilson in the 1991 film Lonely Hearts and her last film appearance was in California Myth where she depicted the role of Harriet.
Who Is Bibi Besch’s Spouse?
A glimpse into the marital life of the actress revealed that she was the wife of an American government worker who goes by the name Donald .B. Mathis. The pair tied the nuptial knot sometime in 1965 and along the line, they welcomed their daughter, Samanta Mathis. However, the marriage ended eight years later in 1973 for reasons which were kept private by the couple.
It is worthy to note that Bibi’s daughter Samantha, followed in her mother’s footsteps and she is currently an established actress in Hollywood.
Other Facts About The American-Austrian Actress
- Bibi Besch had several award nominations from notable film associations
The American-Austrian actress who graced the silver screen for about four decades captured the hearts of many film lovers and her talent was also noticed by notable film associations. Irrespective of the fact that she did not receive any award, Bibi is remembered as a recipient of a couple of nominations. Her first award nomination was not really an image booster, as she was nominated by Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress in 1984 for her role in the movie, The Lonely Lady. However, Bibi Besch brought her A-game and a couple of years later, she got an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries for her role in the film, Doing Time on Maple Drive as Lisa Carter. She has also been nominated as Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series by Primetime Emmy award for her role in the sitcom, Northern Exposure, where she depicted the character, Jane.
- Bibi Besch’s cancer battle
Another important fact about the Austrian-American actress is that her death was caused by breast cancer. Bibi is said to have battled with the disease for a relatively long time before it claimed her life in 1996 at the age of 54 years.
- She made a fortune before her demise
It is known that Bibi Besch lived a very comfortable life as she was paid handsomely for her roles in films. Although her specific fees per role were not specified, sources have gone ahead to suggest that the actress had a net worth of over $1 million.
