German actors who were born in 1917
Here are 8 famous actors from Germany were born in 1917:
Karl Gass
Karl Gass (February 2, 1917 Mannheim-January 29, 2009 Kleinmachnow) was a German film director, screenwriter, actor and voice actor.
Throughout his long and accomplished career, Karl Gass directed and wrote screenplays for numerous German films, including "Der Teufel von Amsterdam" (1953), "Der Mann, der seinen Mörder sucht" (1931), and "Nachts auf den Straßen" (1952). He also worked as an actor, appearing in several films, including "Die Venus vom Montmartre" (1927). In addition, Karl Gass was a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to animated characters in German dubs of popular films such as "Lady and the Tramp" (1955) and "101 Dalmatians" (1961). He is remembered as a talented and versatile artist who left a lasting impact on the German film industry.
Karl Gass was born on February 2, 1917, in Mannheim, Germany. He began his career in the film industry as an actor in the silent era, making his debut in "Die Venus vom Montmartre" (1927) at the age of ten. Gass later transitioned to directing and screenwriting, and went on to create several successful German films in the 1930s, including "Der Mann, der seinen Mörder sucht" (1931), which starred the legendary actor Peter Lorre. Despite Nazi censorship in Germany, Karl Gass continued to produce high-quality films throughout World War II, such as "Nachts auf den Straßen" (1952).
After the war, Karl Gass continued his prolific work as a director and screenwriter, producing several films that explored social issues and the complexities of human relationships. He also worked as a voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to many animated characters, including Trusty the Bloodhound in "Lady and the Tramp" (1955) and Pongo in "101 Dalmatians" (1961). In addition to his work in film, Gass also wrote several books and was an accomplished painter.
Karl Gass died on January 29, 2009, in Kleinmachnow, Germany, at the age of 91. He is remembered as one of Germany's most talented and influential film directors.
Olf Fischer
Olf Fischer (October 3, 1917 Munich-March 1, 1998 Munich) was a German film director, actor and writer.
He studied philosophy, art history, and literature at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich before pursuing a career in the film industry. Fischer began his career as an actor, appearing in several German movies during the 1930s.
In the 1950s, Olf Fischer switched gears and started directing movies. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative director, known for his use of light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere. Some of his most famous films include "The Captain from Köpenick," "The Destroyed Room," and "The Uninvited Visitor."
In addition to his work behind the camera, Fischer was also an accomplished writer, penning several plays and screenplays throughout his career. He was awarded many accolades for his contributions to the German film industry, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Bavarian Order of Merit.
Despite his success, Olf Fischer remained a deeply private person throughout his life, rarely giving interviews or appearing in public. He died in Munich in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of Germany's most celebrated contributors to the arts.
Fischer's father was a successful art dealer and the family was well-connected in Munich's cultural circles. Fischer was exposed to the arts from a young age and developed a love for cinema. During World War II, he served in the German army and was captured by the Americans in 1945. He spent several years as a prisoner of war in the United States, where he developed an interest in American cinema.
After his release, Fischer returned to Munich and began his career in the film industry. He worked as a scriptwriter for several years before turning to directing in the 1950s. His early films were marked by a sense of social realism, exploring the struggles of ordinary people in post-war Germany. Later in his career, Fischer moved towards more experimental and expressionistic filmmaking, using surreal imagery and dreamlike sequences to explore themes of memory and identity.
Fischer was known for his collaborations with actor Klaus Kinski, who starred in several of his films including "The Destroyed Room" and "The Uninvited Visitor." He also worked with other prominent German actors such as Romy Schneider and Gert Fröbe.
In addition to his film work, Fischer was a respected theater director and worked extensively in the German theater scene. He also taught film at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich.
Despite his reclusive nature, Fischer was widely admired in the German film world and his influence can still be felt today. Many of his films are considered classics of German cinema and his visual style continues to inspire filmmakers around the world.
Wolfried Lier
Wolfried Lier (February 1, 1917 Berlin-December 14, 1993 Munich) also known as Wilfrid Lier, Wolfgang Lier, Wolfrid Lier or King Lier was a German actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s in theaters in Hamburg and Munich, and later went on to star in numerous films and TV shows. Lier became particularly famous for his portrayal of King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 1973 film "Ludwig II: Glanz und Ende eines Königs" (Ludwig II: Splendor and Misery of a King). He also appeared in several other films and TV shows, including "The Adventures of Werner Holt" (1965), "Derrick" (1975-1987), and "The Old Fox" (1985-1993). Apart from his successful acting career, Lier was also a talented painter and writer, and published several books throughout his life.
Lier's love for acting began at an early age when he performed in school plays. He trained at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna and made his professional debut in theater in 1945 at the Munich Kammerspiele. After gaining popularity on stage, Lier transitioned to screen acting in the 1950s. He acted in a variety of films, ranging from drama to comedy, horror, and crime thrillers.
Aside from his successful career, Lier was also known for his romantic relationships, including his brief engagement with actress Romy Schneider. In his later years, Lier retired from acting and focused on his passion for painting. He held several exhibitions of his artwork and won numerous awards for his paintings. In addition, he wrote several books including his memoirs "King Lier - Mein Leben" published in 1992.
Lier's contribution to German cinema and theater was significant, earning him the Bavarian Order of Merit in 1987. He passed away at the age of 76 due to a heart attack in Munich.
Franz-Otto Krüger
Franz-Otto Krüger (April 1, 1917 Berlin-March 17, 1988 Munich) a.k.a. Franz Grüger or Franz Otto Krüger was a German actor, film director, film producer and screenwriter.
Krüger started his career as an actor in the early 1930s and later transitioned to directing and producing films in the 1950s. He was known for his work in the post-war German film industry and was a member of the German Film Academy. Krüger directed over 40 feature films in his career, many of which were successful at the box office. He also wrote screenplays for several of his films, demonstrating his versatility as a filmmaker. Despite his success, Krüger was known to be critical of the German film industry and often spoke out against what he perceived as its shortcomings. He passed away in Munich at the age of 70.
Krüger's most notable works as a director include "The Captain from Köpenick" (1956), "The Haunted Castle" (1960), and "Das Mädchen Rosemarie" (1958), which was based on the true story of a prostitute who was murdered in Frankfurt. He also acted in a number of films throughout his career, including "Eva in Chains" (1948) and "08/15" (1954), both of which were popular films in post-war Germany. In addition to his work in film, Krüger was also a respected theater actor and director, and he occasionally worked in television as well. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Krüger's personal life was often tumultuous, and he struggled with alcoholism for much of his adult life. Nonetheless, he remained a beloved and influential figure in German cinema, and his contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated today.
Ulrich Matschoss
Ulrich Matschoss (May 16, 1917 Herne-July 1, 2013 Lüneburg Heath) also known as Ulrich Matschoß was a German actor.
He began his acting career in 1937 at the Schauspielhaus Bochum and later worked in various theaters throughout Germany. In addition to his stage career, Matschoss appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He was particularly known for his collaborations with director Volker Schlöndorff and for his role as Uncle Quentin in the German television series "Fünf Freunde" (Five Friends). Matschoss was also a founding member of the German Film Academy and was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his contributions to German culture.
Matschoss grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals. His father was a writer and his mother was an actress. Matschoss himself studied acting at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna before beginning his career in Bochum. He made his film debut in 1941 in the German propaganda film "Ich klage an" (I Accuse).
In the 1950s, Matschoss began working with director Volker Schlöndorff, appearing in several of his films including "Young Törless" and "Baal". Matschoss continued to work steadily in film and television throughout his career. He was also a renowned stage actor, performing in numerous productions at theaters throughout Germany, including the Berliner Ensemble and the Thalia Theater in Hamburg.
Matschoss was a member of the German Film Academy from its founding in 2003 until his death in 2013. He was also an advocate for the rights of artists and served as the head of the actors' union in Germany for many years. Despite his success, Matschoss remained humble and dedicated to his craft until the end of his life.
Siegfried Brachfeld
Siegfried Brachfeld (April 17, 1917 Berlin-June 22, 1978 Budapest) was a German actor.
Born into a Jewish family, Brachfeld fled Nazi Germany in 1933 and spent time in Austria and then Denmark before eventually settling in Hungary. He began his acting career in 1938 and became well-known for his roles in both Hungarian and German films. Brachfeld was a prolific actor, appearing in over 50 films throughout his career. He was also involved in the Hungarian resistance against the Nazis during World War II. After the war, he continued his acting career and was awarded the Kossuth Prize, Hungary's highest artistic honor, in 1953. Later in life, Brachfeld suffered health issues and was forced to retire from acting. He passed away at the age of 61 in Budapest.
Brachfeld was known for his versatility as an actor and for his ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles with ease. He often played supporting roles, but was equally skilled in leading roles. Some of his notable films include "A Bíró" (1940), "Az Életbe Térő Ember" (1941), and "A Mi Kis Falunk" (1943).
In addition to his acting career, Brachfeld was also a translator, translating works by authors such as Dostoevsky and Gogol into Hungarian. He was also an avid collector of books, artwork, and antiques.
Brachfeld's legacy lives on through his extensive body of work as an actor and his contributions to Hungarian culture. He is remembered as a talented and dedicated performer who persevered through difficult times and left a lasting impact on the film industry.
Rudolf Klick
Rudolf Klick (May 21, 1917 Berlin-September 5, 1997 Germany) was a German actor.
He was best known for his roles in films such as "The Captain from Köpenick" (1956), "The Tiger of Eschnapur" (1959), and "The Indian Tomb" (1959). Klick started his acting career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1950s. He was known for his versatility as an actor and often played a range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. Klick also appeared in numerous TV shows throughout his career. He remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 1997.
In addition to his successful acting career, Rudolf Klick also had a passion for music. He was a trained singer and often incorporated his musical talent into his acting roles. Klick was known for his deep and resonant voice, which added a unique dimension to his performances. He also recorded several albums throughout his career, showcasing his singing talent. In his personal life, Klick was married twice and had five children. He was highly respected in the German entertainment industry and was honored for his contributions to cinema and theater. Today, Rudolf Klick is remembered as a versatile actor who made significant contributions to German film and theater.
Hanns Anselm Perten
Hanns Anselm Perten (August 12, 1917 Bydgoszcz-November 29, 1985 Rostock) was a German actor, film director and theatre director.
He began his career in the 1940s as a theatre actor and director, performing in many productions in Berlin and Munich. Perten made his film debut in 1950, appearing in the movie "The Dubarry" directed by Josef von Báky. He went on to act in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career.
In the 1960s, Perten began directing films himself, including "The Return of Dr. Mabuse" (1961) and "Katarina Witt" (1968). He also continued to direct and act in theater productions.
Perten was known for his strong character portrayals and his ability to bring complex, often tragic, figures to life on both stage and screen. He was widely respected in the German theater and film communities and received many awards throughout his career.
After his death in 1985, the Hanns Anselm Perten Foundation was established to support young theater and film artists.
Perten was born in Bydgoszcz, which was then part of Germany, but is now in Poland. After completing his education, he began working for Deutsche Reichsbahn, the national railway company in Germany. However, his passion for acting soon led him to leave his job and pursue a career in theatre.
During World War II, Perten served in the German army, but was captured by Soviet forces and spent several years as a prisoner of war. After the war, he returned to Germany and resumed his career in theatre and film.
In addition to his work as an actor and director, Perten was also a keen writer and wrote several plays and screenplays throughout his career. He was particularly interested in the portrayal of complex characters and often explored themes of morality, justice, and human nature in his work.
Despite his success as an artist, Perten was known for his modesty and humility. He was dedicated to supporting young theatre and film artists and was a mentor to many during his career.