German character actor, the son of a master tailor. On stage from 1934. He also worked initially as an assistant stage director and designer. Lengthy residency at the Schillertheater in Berlin, 1938-44. Popular on screen from the 1950's, adept at playing historical figures (Marc Anthony, Stresemann, General von Salmuth), including occasional appearances in international films. Often guest-starred on TV crime series ("Derrick", "Der Alte"). German dubbing voice for actors Peter Ustinov, Charles Boyer, Herbert Lom and James Cagney.