Swiss movie stars died in 1997
Here are 3 famous actors from Switzerland died in 1997:
Roland Amstutz
Roland Amstutz (January 12, 1942 La Chaux-de-Fonds-May 21, 1997 Recklinghausen) was a Swiss actor.
Amstutz was born on January 12, 1942, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. He studied acting at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna and later worked as a stage actor at the Burgtheater in Vienna and the Schauspielhaus Zurich. Amstutz also appeared in several films, including "The American Friend" (1977) and "The Tin Drum" (1979). He received critical acclaim for his performance in the film "Abschied" (1982), which won several awards at the Berlin International Film Festival. Amstutz passed away on May 21, 1997, in Recklinghausen, Germany, at the age of 55.
In addition to his successful career in film, Amstutz was also a prolific television actor, appearing in many popular European TV shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He was particularly well-known for his work on the German crime drama series "Tatort," in which he appeared in several episodes. Amstutz was known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation and is remembered as a true icon of Swiss and European cinema.
Amstutz was also a talented theater director and playwright. In 1985, he founded the Theater am Turm in Frankfurt, which became one of the most important theaters in Germany during the 1990s. Amstutz's plays, such as "The Last Days of Mankind" and "The Red and the Green," were known for their avant-garde style and their social commentary. He was also a passionate advocate for the arts and served as the president of the Swiss Actors Association from 1987 until his death in 1997. Outside of his artistic pursuits, Amstutz was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife and two children. His legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and theater-makers.
Heinrich Starhemberg
Heinrich Starhemberg (October 4, 1934 Lucerne-January 30, 1997 Buenos Aires) otherwise known as Enrique Gregor, Henry Gregor, Enrique Starhemberg, Prince Heinrich Rüdiger Karl Georg Franciscus von Starhemberg or Heinrich Gregor was a Swiss actor and film producer.
Heinrich Starhemberg was born into a prominent Austrian aristocratic family, which had a rich history in military service. Despite his family's military tradition, Heinrich pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He started his acting career in Switzerland, appearing in various plays and theatrical productions. In the 1960s, he moved to Argentina, where he became a well-known figure in the country's film industry.
Heinrich appeared in over 100 films and TV shows throughout his career. Some of his notable performances include his role in the 1970 film "El Santo de la Espada" and the 1976 film "La Mary". He also produced several films, including "Las Tumbas" in 1965 and "El Santo de la Espada" in 1970.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Heinrich was involved in political activism. He was a member of the National Autonomist Party in Argentina and actively campaigned against the military dictatorship in the country at the time. In 1975, he was arrested and held in detention for several months before being released.
Heinrich Starhemberg died in Buenos Aires in 1997 at the age of 62. His contributions to the entertainment industry and political activism in Argentina are remembered to this day.
Heinrich Starhemberg was also a polyglot and spoke multiple languages fluently, including German, Spanish, French, and English, which made him a versatile actor in different film industries. He also received several awards for his acting career, including the Silver Condor Award for Best Supporting Actor in the film "La Patagonia Rebelde" in 1974. In addition to his ventures in film production, he founded his production company, "Estudios San Miguel," in the late 1960s, which produced various films in Argentina. After his release from detention in 1975, Heinrich moved to Europe, where he continued to produce films until his death. Besides his work in the entertainment industry and his political activism, he was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and was actively involved in several animal welfare organizations throughout his life.
Heinrich Starhemberg's family had a fascinating history, with his grandfather, Ernst, serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Austria and his father, Ernst Rüdiger, being a prominent member of the Austrian resistance during World War II. Following his own political activism and social awareness, Heinrich also become involved in various philanthropic efforts. He served as the Vice President of the "Unión Protectora de Animales" (Animal Protection Union) in Buenos Aires and also helped establish the "Fundación del Tigre" (Tiger Foundation) in Argentina to help protect endangered species. In addition, he was also a member of the "Verband der Gedenkdienst Vereine" (Association of Memorial Service Organizations) in Austria, which commemorated the victims of the Holocaust. Heinrich Starhemberg was truly a versatile and well-rounded person, remembered not only for his work in the entertainment industry but also for his contributions to various social causes.
Hans Gaugler
Hans Gaugler (February 25, 1913 St. Niklaus-June 10, 1997 Ueberstorf) was a Swiss actor.
Gaugler was known for his dynamic and versatile acting skills. He initially pursued a career in the military but eventually switched to acting, studying at the State Drama School in Berlin. He appeared in over 45 films and television shows, including the popular Swiss film "Ueli der Knecht" and the American film "The Young Lions" alongside Marlon Brando. In addition to his work in film, he was also a successful theater actor, working with prestigious companies in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Outside of acting, Gaugler was an accomplished painter, with his works exhibited in galleries throughout Switzerland. He was also a passionate advocate for Swiss culture and heritage, and served as president of the Swiss Actors Association.
One of Hans Gaugler's most notable performances was in the Swiss-German film "Ueli der Knecht," which was based on one of the country's most beloved novels. Gaugler played the lead character, Ueli, a young man who works as a farmhand and becomes embroiled in a romantic relationship with his boss's daughter. The film was a critical and popular success, solidifying Gaugler's status as one of Switzerland's most beloved actors.
Despite his success in Switzerland and Germany, Gaugler was always eager to work internationally. In 1958, he was offered a role in "The Young Lions" alongside Hollywood stars Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Dean Martin. Gaugler was initially unsure about working in Hollywood, but ultimately accepted the role and received critical acclaim for his performance as a German soldier.
In addition to his acting and painting, Gaugler was also involved in politics. He served on the local council of his hometown, Ueberstorf, and was active in the Swiss People's Party. Despite his political involvement, Gaugler remained focused on his work as an actor and artist, and continued to perform on stage and on screen until his death in 1997. Today, he is remembered as one of Switzerland's greatest actors and cultural ambassadors.
Gaugler's passion for the theater led him to found the Berner Theatergesellschaft in 1947, a company that toured throughout Switzerland and focused on bringing high-quality performances to smaller towns and communities. His dedication to preserving Swiss culture also extended to his work as a voice actor, as he lent his voice to several Swiss-German language dubbing projects of foreign films, including for Han Solo in the Swiss-German dubbed version of the original Star Wars trilogy. In recognition of his contributions to Swiss culture, Gaugler was awarded the Bernese Culture Prize in 1980. Today, his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the many actors and artists he inspired throughout his career.