West German musicians died at 68
Here are 5 famous musicians from West Germany died at 68:
Fritz Arno Wagner
Fritz Arno Wagner (December 5, 1889 Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig-August 18, 1958 Göttingen) also known as F.A. Wagner, Fritz A. Wagner or Otto Wagner was a West German cinematographer, secretary and chef.
Fritz Arno Wagner was a highly acclaimed cinematographer known for his contribution to the German Expressionist movement. He began his career in the film industry in 1913 and worked on several notable films of the era including "Homunculus" (1916) and "The Golem" (1920). However, it was his work on the iconic film "Nosferatu" (1922) that cemented his place in film history.
Wagner's distinctive visual style was characterized by his use of contrast, shadow, and innovative camera techniques, which helped create the unsettling atmosphere that was a hallmark of the Expressionist style. He continued to work in the film industry throughout the 1920s, collaborating with directors such as F.W. Murnau and Georg Wilhelm Pabst.
As a member of the Nazi party, Wagner's career was somewhat controversial following World War II, although his work on films including "Kolberg" (1945) and "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1943) was still highly regarded. Despite his political affiliations, his contribution to the German film industry was immense and his influence can still be felt in contemporary cinema.
Though he started his career in Germany, Fritz Arno Wagner later emigrated to Hollywood, where he continued his work as a cinematographer. His notable works in Hollywood included "Dark Streets of Cairo" (1940) and "The Stranger on the Third Floor" (1940). Wagner's influence on cinematography was recognized when he was awarded the Bundesfilmpreis (Federal Film Prize) in 1951, which was the highest prize for film work in Germany at the time. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his willingness to experiment with new techniques, which made him one of the most important cinematographers of his time. Despite his controversial political views, Fritz Arno Wagner remains an important figure not only in the history of German cinema but also in the development of modern cinematography.
In addition to his work as a cinematographer, Fritz Arno Wagner was also an accomplished writer and lecturer on the subject of film. He wrote extensively on the technical and artistic aspects of filmmaking, publishing several books on the subject.
Wagner was born in the Thuringian Forest in Germany and grew up in a family of artists. His father was a painter and his mother was a musician. He initially pursued a career as a chemist but became interested in film after attending a screening of "The Great Train Robbery" in 1903.
Throughout his career, Wagner was known for his collaborative approach to filmmaking, working closely with directors, writers, and other members of the film crew to achieve a cohesive vision. He was also known for his use of natural light and his ability to create complex lighting setups to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere in a scene.
Despite his political affiliations, Wagner's contributions to the art of cinema continue to be celebrated today. His work on "Nosferatu" in particular is widely regarded as a masterpiece of early cinema and a landmark achievement in the horror genre.
He died caused by traffic collision.
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Hans Albers
Hans Albers (September 22, 1891 Hamburg-July 24, 1960 Starnberg) otherwise known as Hans Philipp August Albers, Hanne, Der blonde Hans or Hans Dampf in allen Gassen was a West German actor, singer and film producer.
His albums include Auf der Reeperbahn nachts um halb eins, Der blonde Hans, Hoppla, jetzt komm' ich, Auf der Reeperbahn nachts um halb eins, Golden Greats, Das Beste von Hans Albers, Flieger, grüß' mir die Sonne...: Fliegermarsch (feat. Odeon-Künstler-Orchester), Hoppla, jetzt komm ich, Hans Albers - Nostalgiestars and Hans Albers & Heinz Rühmann.
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Iván Petrovich
Iván Petrovich (January 1, 1894 Novi Sad-October 18, 1962 Munich) a.k.a. Ivan Petrovich, Ivan Petrovitch, Borislav Petrowitsch, Petrovics Iván, Petrovitch, Swetislaw Petrowitsch, Petovich Szvetiszláv, Petrovics, Ivan Pétrovich, Svetislav Petrovic or Petrovics Szvetiszlav was a West German actor and singer.
He was born into a Serbian family and began his career as an opera singer, performing in various theaters across Europe. In the 1930s, he turned his attention to acting and landed his first film role in the German film "Ich bei Tag und du bei Nacht" (1932). He went on to appear in over 70 films, often playing supporting roles.
Despite his success in Germany, Petrovich was forced to flee the country in 1938 due to rising anti-Semitism. He eventually settled in the United States and continued his acting career, appearing in films such as "The Song of Bernadette" (1943) and "A Bell for Adano" (1945).
After World War II, Petrovich returned to Germany and continued his acting career there. He was known for his roles in films such as "The Devil's General" (1955) and "The Marriage of Mr. Mississippi" (1961).
In addition to his acting work, Petrovich was also a respected painter and sculptor. He died in Munich in 1962 at the age of 68.
Petrovich was fluent in several languages including German, English, Russian, French, Italian, and Serbian. His language skills were often put to use in his acting roles, allowing him to play characters from a variety of backgrounds. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Petrovich was deeply affected by the persecution he faced as a result of his Jewish heritage. He once stated in an interview, "I don't talk about my past, but it is always with me. I have seen too much suffering to forget." Nevertheless, he persevered and continued to make significant contributions to the arts throughout his career. In recognition of his many achievements, Petrovich was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2010.
Petrovich's singing talent was recognized at an early age, and he began his musical training when he was only six years old. He went on to study at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he honed his vocal abilities. His talent as an opera singer was widely recognized, and he performed in numerous productions throughout Europe. In addition to his opera work, Petrovich also sang popular songs and recorded several albums of traditional Serbian music.
After his success in films such as "A Bell for Adano" in the U.S., Petrovich returned to Germany and resumed his acting career. He continued to work in both film and theater, appearing in productions such as "The Visit" at the Schaubühne in Berlin. He also continued to paint and sculpt, creating works that were exhibited in galleries across Europe.
Despite the challenges he faced in his life, Petrovich remained committed to his craft and his passions. His legacy as a talented actor, singer, and artist continues to inspire others in the entertainment industry.
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Reinhold Schünzel
Reinhold Schünzel (November 7, 1886 St. Pauli-November 11, 1954 Munich) also known as Reinhold Schunzel, Reinhold Schuenzel, Richard Scheer, Rheinhold Schünzel or Schünzel Reinhold was a West German film director, actor, screenwriter, film producer and writer. He had one child, Marianne Stewart.
Schünzel started his career as a stage actor in the early 1900s and appeared in various theaters in Berlin, Vienna, and Hamburg. He later transitioned to film and directed his first feature film in 1917. Schünzel had a successful career in Germany's burgeoning film industry, directing over 40 films and appearing in over 80 movies as an actor.
Following the rise of the Nazi party, Schünzel was forced to flee Germany in 1933 due to his Jewish ancestry. He settled in the United States and continued to work as a director and actor in Hollywood films. He was involved in several notable films, including "The Three Musketeers" (1935) and "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940).
Schünzel returned to post-war Germany in the 1950s and continued to work in the film industry until his death. He was known for his versatility as a director and his ability to work across various genres. In addition to his film work, Schünzel was also a successful writer, having published several works including the novel "Ich war Jack Mortimer".
During his time in Hollywood, Schünzel worked with major stars such as Maurice Chevalier, Greta Garbo, and James Stewart. He also directed the film "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1935) which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Despite his success in Hollywood, Schünzel returned to post-war Germany out of a sense of duty to help rebuild the country's film industry. He made several German-language films in the 1950s, including "Das Haus in Montevideo" (1951), which remains one of his most popular works. Schünzel's legacy as a filmmaker is widely recognized in both Germany and Hollywood, and his influence can still be seen in modern film.
In addition to his work in film, Reinhold Schünzel was also a noted theater director, having directed productions in Germany, Austria, England, and the United States. He was particularly known for his work in musical theater and operetta, and was regarded as one of the foremost experts in the field. Schünzel also taught drama at the University of Vienna and was a respected acting coach, having worked with such notable actors as Marlene Dietrich and Elisabeth Bergner. In recognition of his contributions to the field of film and theater, Schünzel was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1954, shortly before his death. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of early cinema and a master of his craft.
He died in cardiovascular disease.
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Else von Möllendorff
Else von Möllendorff (December 29, 1913 Munich-July 28, 1982 Lübeck) also known as Else von Möllendorf was a West German actor.
She made her stage debut in 1933 in Munich and went on to perform in various theater productions throughout her career. In addition to her work on stage, Von Möllendorff appeared in several films, including "Die Gerechten" (1946) and "Der Tag vor der Hochzeit" (1952). She was also a dubbing artist, lending her voice to characters in German-language versions of foreign films. Von Möllendorff was known for her versatility as an actress and her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles. She was widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of her generation in Germany.
In the 1950s and 60s, Else von Möllendorff began to work extensively in television, appearing in numerous popular shows such as "Familie Schölermann", "Das Kriminalmuseum", and "Der Forellenhof". She continued to perform on stage well into her later years, and was particularly acclaimed for her performances in classic plays such as "Medea" and "The Cherry Orchard". Von Möllendorff was also a respected acting teacher, and taught at several prestigious drama schools in Germany. She was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her contributions to the arts in 1978. Today, she is remembered as a beacon of the German stage and screen, and a revered figure in the world of acting.
In addition to her extensive work in theater, film, and television, Else von Möllendorff was also a talented writer. She published several books, including an autobiographical work titled "Morgenröte im Osten" (Dawn in the East) and a collection of essays and stories called "Der lachende Dornbusch" (The Laughing Thornbush). Von Möllendorff was deeply interested in literature, philosophy, and the arts, and was known for her intellectual curiosity and rigorous approach to her craft. She remained active in the German acting community throughout her life, and was a respected mentor and role model for many young actors. Von Möllendorff's legacy continues to inspire generations of performers in Germany and beyond.
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