Top actress lands in town, hints at filming in Kenya

By PHILIP MWAKIO

The festive season may have ended, but for some millionaire tourists, the party has just began.

As Kenyans who have been holidaying at he coast return home with punctured pockets, the country’s tourism havens were opening doors to more international celebrities.

Popular German film and television actress, Uschi Glas added her name to the list of some of the world’s best-known celebrities to visit Mombasa in the recent past.

Uschi, 66, arrived quietly in Mombasa two days ago for a 10-day holiday to sample Kenya’s magical tourism sector.

Top German actress Uschi Glas walks towards the parking bay at Mombasa International Airport [PHOTO: PHILIP MWAKIO]

The film star immediately fell in love with Kenya’s beautiful scenery and hinted she may consider shooting a film in the country.

She is accompanied by her husband, Dieter Herman and her two daughters Julia and Charlie. The family will be will staying at the Finch Hattons tented camp in Tsavo West National Park.

The camp was made famous by the Robert Redford film Out of Africa.

They will wind up their Kenyan holiday at the Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel and Spa next week, according to her tour operators.

Born in Laundau, Bavaria as Helga Ursula Glas, she started appearing in films as early as 1965. She got a breakthrough after an appearance in a film Zur Sache, Schatzchen (Go for it baby) that premiered in 1968.

SEXUAL REVOLUTION

This particular production captured the spirit of the times because it presented youthful protest against the German establishment and hinted at loosening morals in the wake of the sexual revolution.

"My husband has been in Kenya before and he is the one who suggested that we come for holiday here,’’ she told The Standard Thursday.

Also in her party to Kenya is Paldecerini, a designer with popular label Hugo Boss.

"I have been to South Africa and Tanzania before. I am looking forward to the real Kenyan experience and hope to see all the Big five,’’ she said.

EXCITING FILM

Asked about the possibility of shooting films in the country, Uschi said she was keeping her options open.

"Kenya needs to open its doors wide and we will be here doing what we do best.

You have amazing sceneries, landscapes which are an added incentive,’’ said Uschi.

She has also featured in an exciting film ‘Die Lummel von der ersten bank (The brats on the front beach row).

In the 1980s and 1990s Uschi concentrated on her television work, appearing in a succession of TV series, playing, among other characters. She also appeared in many feature-length made-for-TV movies.

And to help them better appreciate Kenya’s true hospitality, Kenya Tourist Board officials at Moi International Airport — Susan Nyambura and Emmanuel Komen gave them information booklets on Kenya.

Uschi’s visit comes in the wake of reports that a group of millionaire tourists spent close to Sh 100m during Christmas and New Year festivities in Malindi.