RTL loves to send controversial celebrities to the jungle camp. When tragic fates are rehashed around the campfire, viewers are glued to their screens. A polarizing jungle queen is still causing controversy today: the former film diva shot her lover and years later celebrated a comeback on reality TV.
Jungle Queen Ingrid van Bergen: She used to be a celebrated film diva
Today, jungle queen Ingrid van Bergen is known for her scandalous private life – but she once made a name for herself with her talent. The blonde beauty had a desire to become an actress from an early age and made her debut on the stage in the 1950s. Her trademark was her unmistakably smoky voice, which gave her a wicked image. She was then able to establish herself as a film star. Van Bergen often played shady women who turned men’s heads as a femme fatale. In the 1950s and 1960s, she was one of the best-known German actresses. She even appeared in front of the camera with Hollywood legends such as Kirk Douglas.
Screenshot: City without pity
Ingrid van Bergen alongside Kirk Douglas in The City Without Pity (1961).
Van Bergen behind bars: This criminal case shocked all of Germany
Van Bergen was a celebrated film star until the 1970s. Even then, her turbulent love life was widely reported in the press, but then one fateful night changed her life forever:
As Focus reports, Ingrid van Bergen shot her lover Klaus Knath (†33) on February 2, 1977. The diva was alone in her villa and was waiting longingly for her lover. When he was too late to show up, her mood changed: Under the influence of alcohol and tranquilizers, she became more and more preoccupied with the idea that Knath might have cheated on her. When he returned home, van Bergen grabbed a revolver and fired. For Klaus Knath, any help came too late – the young man died on the spot.
This shocking news spread like wildfire, and van Bergen’s unconventional love life was particularly exploited by the media. Ultimately, the film diva was sentenced to seven years in prison; her brilliant career seemed to be coming to an early end.
Rehabilitation in the jungle: The second rise of Ingrid van Bergen
Van Bergen was released after just five years for good behavior, but it was not long before she was able to repeat her previous success. Despite the years-long forced break, she persistently fought her way back into the limelight and was ultimately able to secure roles on TV and on the stage again.
Then in 2009 the complete rehabilitation: Van Bergen moves into the jungle camp at the incredible age of 77 and inspires with how openly she talks about her past. The brave step is well received by curious reality fans: Ingrid van Bergen even becomes jungle queen.
RTL / Stefan Menne
She beams like a Cheshire cat: Jungle Queen Ingrid van Bergen 2009.
When does the 2024 summer jungle camp start?
If you want to see some of the most memorable jungle participants again, you will soon have the chance. I’m a Celebrity – Showdown of the Jungle Legends runs daily from August 16th at 8:15 p.m. on RTL. The summer jungle starts on RTL+ on August 15th.