West German movie stars died in 1973
Here are 3 famous actors from West Germany died in 1973:
Max Mack
Max Mack (October 21, 1884 Halberstadt-February 18, 1973 London) was a West German screenwriter, actor, film producer and film director.
Mack was a prolific figure in the German film industry during the silent era, directing and producing over 130 films. He is best known for his work in the film genre of "kammerspiel," which focused on intimate and psychological dramas. Mack's most notable works include "Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari" (The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari) and "Der Letzte Mann" (The Last Laugh), both of which are highly regarded as masterpieces of German Expressionist cinema. In an unusual move for the time, he left Germany during the rise of the Nazis and settled in Britain where he continued to work in the film industry until his death in 1973. Despite his significant contributions to cinema, Mack's legacy is often overshadowed by the work of his contemporaries such as Fritz Lang and F.W. Murnau. However, today he is remembered as a pioneer of the horror genre and one of the most influential filmmakers of the silent era.
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Willy Fritsch
Willy Fritsch (January 27, 1901 Katowice-July 13, 1973 Hamburg) also known as Wilhelm Egon Fritz Fritsch, Fritsch, Willy or Willi Fritsch was a West German actor, singer, screenwriter, character actor and dancer. He had one child, Thomas Fritsch.
Willy Fritsch began his career on stage and in silent films during the 1920s. He gained widespread popularity in the 1930s as one of Germany's most beloved actors, starring in many comedic and romantic films, particularly those produced by UFA studios. However, unlike many of his contemporaries in the German film industry at the time, Fritsch was not associated with Nazi propaganda and did not join the Nazi Party.
After World War II, Fritsch continued to act in films and on stage, including several productions in Austria and Switzerland. He also worked extensively in television in the 1960s. Fritsch was known for his suave and charming screen persona, as well as his singing and dancing abilities. He was honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Filmband in Gold from the Deutscher Filmpreis in 1960.
Fritsch suffered a heart attack and passed away in Hamburg in 1973 at the age of 72. Despite his success and popularity, Fritsch's career was often overshadowed by his contemporaries who went on to become major international stars, such as Marlene Dietrich and Conrad Veidt. However, his contributions to German film and stage continue to be celebrated to this day.
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Willy Birgel
Willy Birgel (September 19, 1891 Cologne-December 29, 1973 Dübendorf) also known as Wilhelm Maria Birgel or Willy Brugel was a West German actor.
Birgel began his acting career in the 1920s and appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He was particularly known for his appearances in German historical dramas and melodramas. Birgel's popularity saw an upswing in the 1950s when he took on leading roles in successful comedies like "The Heavenly Waltz" (1953) and "Heldentum nach Ladenschluß" (1956).
Birgel was married twice, first to the actress Herta Göring in 1924 and second to the actress Ruth von Zerboni in 1944. He had two children, Hansjörg and Diana, who both followed in their father's footsteps and became actors. In addition to his film career, Birgel was also active on the stage, performing in various classical works and contemporary plays.
Towards the end of his life, Birgel struggled with health issues and was diagnosed with lung cancer. He passed away in 1973 at the age of 82 in Switzerland where he had been living for several years. Today, he is remembered as one of the most iconic actors of German cinema.
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