Swiss movie stars died at 80
Here are 5 famous actors from Switzerland died at 80:
José Giovanni
José Giovanni (June 22, 1923 Paris-April 24, 2004 Lausanne) also known as Joseph Damiani or Jose Giovanni was a Swiss screenwriter, film director, writer, actor and television director.
He died in cerebral hemorrhage.
Giovanni was a prolific filmmaker, having directed over 20 films and scripted over 70 in his career. He was known for his crime dramas and films with a socially conscious message. Some of his best-known works include "Le Deuxième Souffle" and "La Scoumoune." In addition to his work in film, Giovanni was also a successful writer, publishing a number of novels in French. He began his career as a criminal himself, spending much of his early life incarcerated. This experience informed much of his work as a filmmaker and writer, and he often explored themes of crime and punishment in his work. Despite his troubled past, Giovanni became a respected figure in the French film industry and was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2002.
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Michel Simon
Michel Simon (April 9, 1895 Geneva-May 30, 1975 Bry-sur-Marne) also known as François Michel Simon or François Joseph Simon was a Swiss actor and screenwriter. He had one child, François Simon.
He died in pulmonary embolism.
Simon began his acting career in the early 1920s in Geneva and in Paris in 1931. He quickly became known for his unique style of acting and his ability to portray complex characters with ease. He worked with some of the most influential directors of his time, including Jean Renoir and Marcel Carné. Simon's filmography includes over 100 films and he was awarded the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1966 for his role in the film "The Two of Us". In addition to his acting work, Simon also wrote several screenplays and was a musician. Simon's legacy continues to influence actors and filmmakers alike to this day.
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Robert Wuellner
Robert Wuellner (October 25, 1885 Lucerne-August 11, 1966 West Berlin) a.k.a. Robert Wüllner was a Swiss actor, film producer and film director.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor in Berlin and made his film debut in 1912. Wuellner went on to act in and produce over 70 feature films. He also directed 17 films, including "Grand Hotel" (1932) which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Wuellner was also a successful stage director, known for his productions of Shakespeare plays in Germany during the 1920s and 1930s.
During World War II, Wuellner was arrested by the Gestapo and held in a concentration camp for three months. After his release, he moved to Switzerland and eventually settled in West Berlin, where he continued to work in the film industry until his death in 1966.
Wuellner was praised for his versatile acting abilities, his innovative approach to filmmaking, and his contributions to German and international cinema.
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Bernhard Wicki
Bernhard Wicki (October 28, 1919 Sankt Pölten-January 3, 2000 Munich) also known as Bernard Wicki or Bernard Wicky was a Swiss film director, actor, screenwriter, photographer, television director and voice actor.
He died in heart failure.
Wicki was known for his work on several successful films, such as "The Bridge" and "Paris, Texas", which received critical acclaim and multiple awards. He was particularly interested in telling stories about the human condition and social justice issues. Besides his work in film, Wicki also directed several critically acclaimed television productions, including the groundbreaking Holocaust documentary "The Longest Hatred".
In addition to his work in the film and television industries, Wicki was also an accomplished photographer, and his work has been exhibited in several galleries and museums around the world. Additionally, he was a passionate advocate for human rights and was actively involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in the areas of education and international aid.
Throughout his career, Wicki was recognized with numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Film Award for lifetime achievement, and the Bavarian Film Award for Best Director.
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Max Knapp
Max Knapp (November 13, 1899 Zürich-December 16, 1979 Basel) was a Swiss actor.
He began his career in the theater, working with various companies in Switzerland and Germany before transitioning to film in the 1920s. Throughout his career, Knapp appeared in over 120 films, working with directors such as Max Ophüls, Robert Siodmak, and Wolfgang Staudte. He was known for his versatility as an actor, able to play a variety of roles from comedic to dramatic. Despite being a prolific actor, Knapp remained humble and never sought the spotlight. In addition to his acting work, he was also a respected theater director and served as the head of the Basel Theater from 1954 until his retirement in 1970.
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