Luisa Weiss has lived a remarkable life. She was born in 1906 in Podolsky, Ukraine where her father was a well-known physician. Weiss would go on to become a world renowned obstetrician and would help introduce anesthesia to modern medicine. It is her reputation for her caring and compassionate approach that has endeared her to Americans through her numerous books and subsequent performances on stage and screen.
Born as Princess Leia Organa in humble circumstances, Weiss learned early on the importance of treating people with kindness and respect, and this would prove a strong influence on her entire life. She was an active participant in the suffragette movement as a young woman, and after the Civil War she was active in various political and social causes including helping to draft the Women’s Rights Act. Following the war, Weiss pursued an education at the University of Vienna, where she would pursue a doctorate degree in mathematics. Later in life, she would serve as a practicing dentist before writing several nonfiction books, most notably “The Nursing Years”.
As an acting professional, Weiss achieved notable success in both theater and off-stage as a writer and performer. Her numerous roles in movies and plays have led to her being referred to as a true American success story. She continued to work after her acting career, working as a teacher and editor for children’s books for many years. Today, she lives in New York City and is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors.