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West German musicians died at 79

Here are 5 famous musicians from West Germany died at 79:

Smilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz

Smilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz (December 23, 1895 Strasbourg-May 19, 1975 Koblenz) was a West German personality.

He had a notable career as a German military officer and served in both World Wars. During World War II, he commanded several divisions and was one of the key commanders of the Battle of Berlin. After the war, he was imprisoned by the Allies for several years before being released in 1953.

After his release, von Lüttwitz worked as a businessman and became involved in politics. He was a member of the conservative Christian Democratic Union and served as a member of the Bundestag from 1953 to 1957. He was also active in various veterans' organizations and was a vocal advocate for the rearmament of Germany.

Despite his controversial past, von Lüttwitz was respected by many in Germany for his military skill and leadership. He was awarded numerous honors and decorations throughout his career, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

During his time as a military officer, von Lüttwitz played a significant role in executing the Invasion of Poland in 1939 and the subsequent Battle of France in 1940. He also served on the Eastern Front and played a key role in the defeat of the Soviet Union, particularly during the Battle of Stalingrad.

In the Battle of Berlin in 1945, von Lüttwitz was appointed commander of the XII Army Corps and was tasked with defending the city against the Soviet Red Army. Despite putting up a valiant fight, his forces were eventually overwhelmed and Berlin fell to the Soviets on May 2nd, 1945.

After his release from Allied imprisonment in 1953, von Lüttwitz became involved in politics and was a strong supporter of rearmament and NATO. He was also an advocate for the reintegration of former Wehrmacht soldiers into German society, as he believed they had been unfairly demonized by the Allied powers.

Despite his controversial past, von Lüttwitz remains a subject of interest and study among military historians due to his significant role in World War II and the Battle of Berlin in particular.

Von Lüttwitz was born into an aristocratic family in Strasbourg, which was then part of the German Empire. He joined the German Army at the age of 17 and fought in World War I. After the war, von Lüttwitz remained in the military and served in various posts during the interwar period. He was appointed as a colonel in the Wehrmacht in 1936 and went on to become a major general in 1940. During his time in the military, von Lüttwitz was known for his tactical brilliance and his ability to lead soldiers in battle. Despite his impressive military career, von Lüttwitz remained a controversial figure due to his association with the Nazi regime. He joined the Nazi Party in 1937 and was promoted to lieutenant general in 1942. After the war, von Lüttwitz denied being a Nazi and claimed that he had only joined the party to further his career. However, his involvement with the Nazi Party and his role in the war have remained a subject of debate among historians.

In addition to his military and political activities, Smilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz was also a published author. He wrote several books about his experiences in the military, including "Der Kampf um Berlin" (The Battle for Berlin) and "Durchbruch bei Stalingrad" (Breakthrough at Stalingrad). These books provide valuable insights into the strategies and tactics used by the German military during World War II. Despite his connection to the Nazi regime, von Lüttwitz was known for his intelligence and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield. He was also highly respected by his fellow officers and by the soldiers under his command. Today, von Lüttwitz is remembered as a complex figure whose actions during World War II continue to be debated and studied by historians.

Moreover, Smilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz was also involved in the failed plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in July 1944. Although he was not one of the ringleaders of the plot, he did offer his support and allowed some of the key conspirators to use his headquarters in Berlin as a base of operations. As a result of his involvement, von Lüttwitz was arrested and later sentenced to death. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after the war. In prison, von Lüttwitz remained defiant and unrepentant about his involvement in the plot, stating that it had been his duty as a soldier to try and overthrow Hitler before he could do any more damage to Germany. Despite his controversial actions, von Lüttwitz was known for his bravery and leadership both on and off the battlefield, and his legacy remains a complex and multifaceted one.

Friedrich Hollaender

Friedrich Hollaender (October 18, 1896 London-January 18, 1976 Munich) a.k.a. Frederick Hollander, Friedrich Holländer or Frederik Hollander was a West German film score composer, composer, film director, actor, writer and author. He had two children, Melody Hollaender and Philine Hollaender.

His albums: and The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.. Genres related to him: Film score.

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Harry Halm

Harry Halm (January 17, 1901 Berlin-November 1, 1980 Munich) also known as H. Halm was a West German actor.

He studied at the Folkwang Universität der Künste in Essen and began his career in theater in the 1920s. He later transitioned to film acting and appeared in over 150 films during his career. He starred in several notable German films such as "Die Feuerzangenbowle" (1944), "Anonyme Briefe" (1949), and "Das Phantom von Soho" (1964). He was known for his versatility as an actor and was equally adept at performing comedic and dramatic roles. He worked with several prominent German directors including Helmut Käutner, Wolfgang Staudte, and Werner Herzog. Halm also performed on television and was a part of the cast of several German TV series. He was recognized with several awards for his contributions to German cinema throughout his career.

In addition to his successful career in acting, Harry Halm was also a prolific voice actor. He lent his voice to numerous radio dramas and animated films throughout his career, including the German dubs of Disney's "The Jungle Book" (1967) and "Robin Hood" (1973). Halm was also a prolific theater director and worked with various prominent German theater companies. He was married to the German actress Marlene Riphahn, and the couple had a daughter together. After retiring from acting in the 1970s, Halm lived a quiet life in Munich until his death in 1980. Today, he is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors in German cinema history.

Halm's career spanned over five decades, during which time he established himself as one of the leading actors in German theater and cinema. He began his theater career in the 1920s and worked with various theater companies across Germany, including the Berlin Staatstheater and the Munich Kammerspiele. Halm was known for his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters, and his performances were widely acclaimed by both audiences and critics.

In addition to his success in theater, Halm also made a significant impact in the world of film. His breakthrough role came in the 1944 comedy "Die Feuerzangenbowle," directed by Helmut Weiss, which remains one of the most beloved German films of all time. Halm's performance in the film was praised for its comedic timing and understated charm, and it cemented his place as one of the leading actors of his generation.

Halm continued to work in film throughout the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in a wide range of genres, from crime thrillers to romantic dramas. He worked with some of the most prominent directors of the era, including Wolfgang Staudte and Werner Herzog, and his versatility as an actor allowed him to seamlessly transition between different genres and styles.

Towards the end of his career, Halm also became a sought-after voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to a range of animated films and radio dramas. His work on the German dubs of "The Jungle Book" and "Robin Hood" remains popular with audiences to this day.

Harry Halm's contributions to German culture were recognized with several awards throughout his career. He received the Filmband in Gold, the highest honor for an actor in Germany, as well as the Bambi Award and the Order of Merit of Berlin. Today, he is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors in German cinema history, whose work continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.

In addition to his successful career in acting and voice acting, Harry Halm also made a significant impact as a theater director. He directed numerous productions for various theater companies in Germany, including the Berliner Ensemble and the Deutsches Theater Berlin. He was known for his innovative and experimental approach to theater, often incorporating elements of surrealism and absurdism into his productions. Halm remained active in theater until the end of his career, and his work as a director continues to be studied and celebrated by theater scholars and practitioners.

Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, Halm was also an avid art collector and supporter of the arts. He amassed a significant collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks throughout his life, many of which were donated to museums and galleries after his death. Halm was also a passionate advocate for arts education, and he supported numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the arts to young people.

Harry Halm's legacy as an actor, voice actor, theater director, and arts supporter continues to be celebrated by his fans and colleagues. His influence on German theater and cinema is evident in the countless actors, directors, and artists who have been inspired by his work. Despite his passing over 40 years ago, Halm's contributions to German culture and the arts continue to be felt and appreciated to this day.

Despite his success and critical acclaim, Harry Halm remained humble and down-to-earth throughout his career. He was known for his kind and gentle demeanor, as well as his generosity towards his colleagues and admirers. Halm was beloved by both his fellow actors and the wider public, and his passing in 1980 was mourned by many.Halm's lasting impact on German culture and the arts cannot be overstated. His performances on stage and screen were characterized by a rare authenticity and emotional depth, and his work as a director and arts advocate helped to shape the cultural landscape of Germany for generations to come. Today, Harry Halm is remembered as one of the most talented and beloved figures in German theater and cinema history.

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Ewald Balser

Ewald Balser (October 5, 1898 Elberfeld-April 17, 1978 Vienna) was a West German actor.

He began his stage career in 1919 in the city of Darmstadt, where he worked for three years. In the mid-1920s, he appeared in several films, including "Der junge Medardus" (1923) and "Die Prinzessin Suwarin" (1924). He gained international recognition in 1932 for his role in the film "M".

Balser was well-known for his portrayals of both historical and contemporary figures. He played Martin Luther in the film "Luther" (1961) and Mahatma Gandhi in "Die Rache" (1958). He also played the lead role in the 1960 film "Der Schatten" and appeared in over 60 other films throughout his career.

In addition to his film work, Balser also performed on stage and in radio dramas. He was a member of the Burgtheater in Vienna and received numerous awards for his contributions to the German-speaking theater. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Goethe Medal in 1964.

Throughout his career, Balser was known for his charisma and emotional range as an actor. He died in Vienna in 1978 at the age of 79.

Balser was also a prominent television actor, starring in several television series throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He played the title role in the television drama "Der Kommissar" from 1969 to 1974, which was a huge success in Germany and other European countries. He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to several German-language versions of films, including "Ben-Hur" and "The Ten Commandments".

Balser was married to actress and stage director Hertha Martin from 1931 until her death in 1960. They had two daughters, one of whom also became an actress. In his later years, Balser suffered from Parkinson's disease and retired from acting. He spent his final years in a nursing home in Vienna, where he passed away in 1978. Balser is remembered as one of Germany's greatest actors, known for his contributions to both film and theater.

Balser was born in Elberfeld, which is now known as Wuppertal, in western Germany. After his early success on stage and in films, he became a prominent figure in the German acting community. Despite the political turmoil in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, Balser continued to work in the German film industry, and later in the Austrian film industry. He was able to escape persecution during the Nazi era, possibly due to his international recognition as an actor. After World War II, Balser continued his work in film, theater, and television, becoming one of the most beloved actors in Germany.

In addition to his impressive acting career, Balser was known for his humanitarian and political endeavors. He was actively involved in the German anti-nuclear movement and was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany. Balser also supported initiatives to promote international understanding and cooperation. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and beyond, and served as a cultural ambassador for Germany.

Balser's legacy continues to be celebrated in Germany and beyond. In 2018, the Austrian Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring Balser's contributions to theater and film. His performances in "M" and "Der Kommissar" are still widely regarded as some of the greatest in the history of German film and television.

Balser's contributions to acting were not limited to his on-screen performances. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to mentor younger actors. Balser taught acting at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna and at the Otto-Falckenberg-Schule in Munich. He also wrote several books on acting, including "Das Spiel im Film" (The Play in Film) and "Derfernsehdarsteller" (The Television Actor). Balser believed that acting was not just about technique, but also about authenticity and emotional connection with the audience. He famously said, "Acting is not a profession, it's a vocation." Balser's legacy continues to inspire actors around the world, and his impact on German theater and film is still felt today.

Balser's dedication to his craft and his humanitarian efforts have earned him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. In addition to the Goethe Medal, he was also awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art in 1968 and the Bavarian Order of Merit in 1971. Balser's impact on German film and theater has also been recognized posthumously. In 2006, the Berlin International Film Festival created the Ewald Balser Preis, an annual award given to outstanding German actors. His contribution to the film industry was also recognized when he was inducted into the German Film Hall of Fame in 2010. Balser's legacy continues to inspire actors and artists around the world, and his dedication to acting remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.

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Sig Arno

Sig Arno (December 27, 1895 Hamburg-August 17, 1975 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Siegfrid Arno, Siegfried Arno, Siegrfred Arno, Sigfried Arno or Siegfried Aron was a West German actor, comedian, painter, singer and dancer.

Sig Arno began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1920s, appearing in numerous German silent films. He also worked as a stage actor and comedian in Germany before relocating to the United States in the early 1930s. In Hollywood, Arno appeared in over 150 films including "Ninotchka" (1939), "The Palm Beach Story" (1942), and "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944). Arno was known for his ability to create eccentric and humorous characters on screen, as well as for his physical comedy and dancing skills. He also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into English. Arno was a multi-talented artist who continued to paint and exhibit his work throughout his life.

Throughout his career, Sig Arno established himself as a versatile performer who could excel in many different mediums. He often worked as a comedian, using his expressive face and exaggerated physical movements to great effect. In addition to his work on screen and on stage, Arno was also a talented singer and dancer who frequently incorporated these skills into his performances.

Arno's ability to speak multiple languages also made him a valuable asset in Hollywood. He was often called upon to dub foreign films into English, both for commercial release and for training purposes in the military. He was also known to improvise lines while dubbing, adding to the humor and charm of the final product.

In addition to his work in entertainment, Sig Arno was an accomplished painter. He frequently exhibited his work in galleries and even had a painting acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Despite his many accomplishments, Arno's life was not without its challenges. He and his wife were forced to flee Germany when Hitler rose to power, leaving behind much of their belongings and property. Arno also struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which may have contributed to his declining health in later years.

Nevertheless, Sig Arno remained a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond, known for his wit, creativity, and boundless energy. His contributions to film and the arts continue to be celebrated today.

In addition to his work in Hollywood, Sig Arno also appeared on Broadway in the musical "The Boys from Syracuse" in 1938. He continued to perform on stage throughout his career, including in productions of "The Adding Machine" and "The Madwoman of Chaillot". Arno was also a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and an active member of the Hollywood social scene. Despite his alcoholism and declining health, he remained a prolific artist and performer until his death at the age of 79. Today, Sig Arno is remembered as a versatile and talented entertainer who made a significant contribution to the golden age of Hollywood.

In addition to his work in Hollywood and on Broadway, Sig Arno also made appearances on early television shows such as "The Red Skelton Show" and "The Colgate Comedy Hour". Arno was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to work on any type of project, from prestigious films to low-budget B movies. Despite his success in Hollywood, Arno never forgot his roots and remained connected to the German arts community throughout his life. He regularly attended concerts and exhibitions featuring German artists and writers, and served as a cultural ambassador between Germany and the United States. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, Sig Arno continued to inspire others with his talent and his passion for the arts. Today, he is remembered as a true Renaissance man who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

Sig Arno's real name was Siegfried Aron, and he was born into a Jewish family in Hamburg, Germany. He started his career as a painter and studied at the Art Academy in his hometown. However, his passion for the arts soon led him to the world of entertainment.

Arno's career took off during the Weimar Republic in Germany, a time when cabaret and art were flourishing. Arno performed in various Berlin cabarets and theaters, gaining a reputation for his unique style of comedy and theatrical skills. However, the rise of the Nazi party in Germany put an end to his flourishing career.

Arno and his wife fled Germany in 1933 and settled in the United States, where he continued to work in films, on stage and on the radio.

Arno was married to actress and singer, Camilla Spira, who was also Jewish. She joined him in his escape from Germany, but tragically took her own life in 1965 after suffering from mental illness.

Sig Arno's legacy is a testament to his talent, versatility, and commitment to the arts. He left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the international entertainment industry as a whole.

He died as a result of parkinson's disease.

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