Oda Nielsen

Oda Laurenze Helmine Nielsen née Larsen (1851–1936) was a highly acclaimed Danish actress who performed both in private theatres in Copenhagen and at the Royal Danish Theatre. Inspired by French actresses, she played the roles of attractive young women, for example in the title roles of Frøken Nitouche and Victorien Sardou's Dora. She later took on roles where she sang, imitating the French singer Yvette Guilbert. This increased her popularity not only in Scandinavia but also in the United States where she performed for Danish audiences. One of her favourite roles in later life was Grevinde Danner (Countess Danner) in Sven Leopold's Hos Grevinden.

Biography Born on 7 August 1851 in Liepāja, Latvia, Oda Laurenze Helmine Larsen was the daughter of the ship owner Jens Larsen (1820–85) and Caresia Møller (1822–74). In 1871, she married the telegraphy executive Jens Petersen (1843–80) and in 1884, the actor Martinius Nielsen (1859-1928).

In later life, one of her most successful roles was Grevinde Danner in Svend Leopold's Hos Grevinden which she continued to perform in the provinces until she was almost 80. In 1910, she was awarded the Ingenio et arti and in 1920 the Danish Medal of Merit.

Oda Nielsen died in Skodsborg on 11 September 1936 and is buried in Copenhagen's Vestre Cemetery.