She was already "renowned for her performances of modern high literature at leading German theaters",[1] according to historians Jennifer Kapczynski and Michael Richardson, before she starred in the classic Danish silent film Atlantis, which was based upon the 1912 novel by Gerhardt Hauptmann.

Educated initially in a convent, she pursued advanced training at Vienna's Ottosche Theaterschule following her stepfather's death.

[2] She began her acting career in the world of theater, and ultimately adopted the stage name of Ida Orloff.

[3] He frequently signed his letters to her as "Your Wann" in reference to a character in his work, And Pippa Dances.

On 9 April 1945, while the Battle of Vienna was raging only a few miles away, Ida Orloff committed suicide at her home in the suburb of Tullnerbach, fearing reports of widespread rape and looting by the advancing Soviet Army.