A street and a subway station in Munich are named after her.
As she was a left-wing, Jewish artist, she had to leave Nazi Germany in 1933 and emigrated to Switzerland.
Attended acting lessons under Toni Wittels from 1918 to 1920.
Born to Salomon Gift, a salesman, and his wife Gertrude, she grew up in Munich.
Director Paul Verhoeven died during the eulogy he delivered for her at the Munich Kammerspiele (22 March 1975).
Founded the cabaret "Die Pfeffermühle" (The Peppermill) together with her close friends Erika Mann and Klaus Mann (1933).
Has been ensemble member at the Munich Kammerspiele from 1926 to 1933 and from 1949 to 1973.
Pictured on a 1 DM stamp, which was part of a series honoring women of the German history (11 November 1988).