Biography

Bildt and his wife he attempted suicide by poison, following the occupation of their town (Zeesen) by the Soviet Red Army in April 1945. While his wife died, Bildt survived after several days in a coma and was able to resume his career.

Versatile German character actor, at first slated for a career in the Prussian civil service. He first acted on stage in 1905 and appeared in films by 1910. He was an ensemble member of the Berlin Schillertheater from 1905 to 1913. On screen, he was initially prolific in comedies, latterly enacting anything from university professors and judges, to chemists, bankers and eccentric bohemians. He was regarded as one of the outstanding actors of his generation by the writer Berthold Brecht.

Paul Bildt interrupted his education as a police officer to take acting lessons with Friedrich Moest.

When the Nazis came to power he was in danger because of his Jewish wife but he was protected by Gustaf Gründgens and continued working at the Preußischen Staatstheater. He was forced to play in several propaganda movies.

His height as an actor he had in the 30's. He appeared in many talkies and became a steady institution who was able to convince in countless support roles.