Sonja Henie (April 8, 1912 - October 12, 1969) was a Norwegian figure skater and actress. She was a three-time Olympic Champion (1928, 1932, 1936), a ten-time World Champion (1927-1936) and a six-time European Champion (1931-1936). Henie won more Olympic and World titles than any other ladies figure skater. At the height of her acting career she was one of the highest paid movie stars in Hollywood.
Sonja Henie was born in Kristiania, current Oslo...
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Sonja Henie (April 8, 1912 - October 12, 1969) was a Norwegian figure skater and actress. She was a three-time Olympic Champion (1928, 1932, 1936), a ten-time World Champion (1927-1936) and a six-time European Champion (1931-1936). Henie won more Olympic and World titles than any other ladies figure skater. At the height of her acting career she was one of the highest paid movie stars in Hollywood.
Sonja Henie was born in Kristiania, current Oslo, the daughter of Wilhelm Henie, a prosperous Norwegian furrier, and his wife Selma. In addition to the income from the fur business, both of Henie's parents had inherited wealth.
Wilhelm Henie had been a one-time World Cycling Champion and the Henie children were encouraged to take up a variety of sports at a young age. Henie initially showed talent at skiing, and then followed her older brother Leif to take up figure skating. As a girl, Henie was also a nationally-ranked tennis player and a skilled swimmer and equestrienne.
Once Henie began...
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