West German musicians died at 77
Here are 4 famous musicians from West Germany died at 77:
Paul Rehkopf
Paul Rehkopf (May 21, 1872 Braunschweig-June 29, 1949 Berlin) also known as Rehkopf, P. Rehkopf or Rehkopf Paul was a West German actor and character actor.
Rehkopf was born in Brunswick, Germany and started his acting career at a young age. He gained recognition for his performances in various plays, including some of the works of William Shakespeare. Rehkopf also appeared in several silent films in the early 20th century. He is best known for his roles in the films "M" (1931), "Kuhle Wampe" (1932), and "Der Postmeister" (1940).
During the Third Reich, Rehkopf continued to work as an actor, appearing in several propaganda films. However, after World War II, he was briefly detained by the Allies due to his involvement with the Nazi regime. He was eventually released and continued to act until his death in 1949.
Rehkopf is remembered as a versatile actor who played a range of characters throughout his career. He was widely respected by his peers and is considered to be an important figure in the history of German theater and cinema.
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Günther Rittau
Günther Rittau (August 7, 1893 Chorzów-August 6, 1971 Munich) also known as Gunther Rittau or G. Rittau was a West German cinematographer, film director, screenwriter and camera operator.
Rittau began his career as a cinematographer during the silent film era in Germany, eventually becoming one of the most prominent and innovative cinematographers of the Weimar Republic. He worked on numerous films throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, including "Metropolis," "The Blue Angel," and "M."
After the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany, Rittau was forced to leave the country and eventually settled in the United States, where he continued to work as a cinematographer on films such as "The Strange Death of Adolf Hitler" and "The House in the Square."
In 1949, Rittau returned to Germany and continued to work in the film industry as both a cinematographer and a director. He received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including the German Film Award for Best Cinematography in 1954 for his work on the film "Gestatten, mein Name ist Cox."
Rittau's contributions to the field of cinematography continue to be celebrated today, and he is widely regarded as a pioneer in the use of light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere in film.
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Klaus Barbie
Klaus Barbie (October 25, 1913 Bad Godesberg-September 23, 1991 Lyon) also known as Klaus Altmann, Nikolaus Barbie, Nikolaus 'Klaus' Barbie or The Butcher of Lyon was a West German police officer.
Klaus Barbie was actually much more than just a West German police officer, he was a notable Nazi war criminal who played a key role in the Holocaust. Barbie was employed by the Gestapo as a German SS and served as the head of the Gestapo in Lyon, France during World War II. He earned the nickname "The Butcher of Lyon" for his brutal treatment of prisoners, and is believed to have personally tortured and executed thousands of people, including members of the French Resistance.
After the war, Barbie fled to South America where he lived for over 30 years under various false identities. However, in 1983, he was found and brought to trial in France for his crimes during the war. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, where he remained until his death in 1991 at the age of 77. Barbie's legacy as a war criminal has continued to be discussed and debated, and he remains a controversial figure in history.
He died as a result of leukemia.
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Brigitte Horney
Brigitte Horney (March 29, 1911 Berlin-July 27, 1988 Hamburg) a.k.a. Biggy or Brigitte HorneyLMF was a West German actor and voice actor.
Brigitte Horney began her acting career in the 1920s, making her film debut in 1929. She quickly became a prominent figure in German cinema, appearing in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. During World War II, Horney was among the few German actors who openly opposed the Nazi regime.
After the war, Horney continued to act in films and on stage, becoming one of West Germany's most beloved actresses. She also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into German.
In addition to her acting career, Horney was known for her personal life. She was married four times, and had several high-profile relationships, including with composer Kurt Weill and actor Gustaf Gründgens.
Despite her success and fame, Horney struggled with personal demons, including alcoholism and depression. She died in 1988 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as one of Germany's most talented and beloved actresses.
She died in cancer.
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