Biography

This tall, latterly gray-haired German character actor completed his training from 1965 to 1968 at the Hamburg University of Music and Performing Arts. He began his career on stage in Frankfurt, followed by later residencies in Stuttgart, Basel and Essen. Appearing regularly on screen from the late 70s, Assmann specialised in playing eminent professional men, typically police presidents, barristers, professors, bankers and attorney-generals. A fluent English-speaker, he is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of Viennese factory owner and humanitarian Julius Madritsch (1906-1984) in Steven Spielberg’s epic drama Schindler's List (1993). Assmann had notable supporting roles in the television mini-series Der große Bellheim (1993) and Der Schattenmann (1996) (both starring Mario Adorf). He also made several appearances as different characters in the popular cop shows A Case for Two (1981), The Old Fox (1977) and Tatort (1970). The actor retired in 2014 and passed away at his home in Annaghneal, County Clare, Ireland, on August 3 2026.
- IMDb mini biography by: I.S.Mowis