Legendary prima ballerina and “Dracula” and “Phantom of the Opera” actress, Carla Laemmle, passed away Thursday night at her home in Los Angeles. Miss Laemmle was the niece of Universal Studios founder, Carl Laemmle. Miss Laemmle was 104 and would have been 105 this October 20th.

I was fortunate to meet Carla on many occasions and interviewed her not too long ago. Her great niece, Rosemary Hilb, and dear friend and film biographer, Tom Tangen, were always with Carla at the special appearances she made for her loving friends and fans. They both those appearances extra special and my thoughts are with them at this time.

Carla Laemmle was one of the kindest, sweetest, and most interesting ladies I have ever met. Every time I greeted her was met with a warm hello and smile. She always had interesting and detailed stories to share about her life, Hollywood, and her uncle, Carl Laemmle and Universal Studios. She will be surely missed but never forgotten.