Trivia

Son of stage actor August Junkermann.

He was the step-father of Charlotte Serda.

Prolific character comedian, noted for his gauche manner and toothbrush moustache. He was the son of acting parents August Heinrich Junkermann and Rosa LaSeur. On stage from 1893 and ensemble member of the Trianon Theatre from 1902 to 1915. In films from 1911, including a brief 1930 sojourn in Hollywood, acting in German-language versions of American films under the direction of Jacques Feyder. Subsequently seen in many German A-grade productions until his death in 1943.

Junkerman graduated from high school and joined after an aborted study on to a Militärpädagogium in Berlin of his father's touring company.

Because his parents had already been involved into the acting - his father was the Hofschauspieler August Heinrich Junkermann, his mother the actress Rosa LaSeur - it didn't surprise that Hans Junkermann seized this occupation too.

In the 1890's he acted for different theaters, at the beginning with his stage name Ferdinand Hansen.

His last appearance was in "Akrobat schö-ö-ön" (1943) at Charlie Rivel's side.

At the beginning of the new century he distinguished as a character comedian and he achieved great successes on stage.

After his first sound movie "Liebeswalzer" (1930) he got an offer from M-G-M, whereupon he went ho Hollywood where he acted under the direction of Jacques Feyder for German versions of American movies, among others he also played at Greta Garbo's side.

When he was engaged by director Max Mack in 1913 for the movie "Wo ist Coletti?", he got many other offers to play in movies, so Hans Junkermann decided against the theater and canceled his contract with the Trianon theater.

Because of enticing movie offers he dissolved in 1915 his theater contract and was limited in the following years to guest appearances on the Berlin stage.

The 20's marked a very active decade in which he took part in countless movies.

In 1911 he made his film debut in the movie "Vater und Sohn". Because the medium film was frowned upon by the theater people, his theater management imposed a prohibition for film work on Hans Junkermann soon after.

With his walrus mustache and his special gestures he became a popular and very busy film actor from 1919. He reminded to the American film comedian James Finlayson - a partner of Laurel & Hardy.

He made his debut in the play Uncle Bräsig of Fritz Reuter on October 31, 1893 at the Central Theater in Berlin, where his father had taken the lead.

In the years 1931 to 1934 he took over the direction of the theater Steglitz and also played several roles. He was furthermore employed by Harry Piel for his movies, among others in "Pipin der Kurze" (1934) and "Artisten" (1934) where he impersonated one of his most imposing roles.

When Hans Junkermann returned to Germany at the end of 1930 he was engaged by Harry Piel for several movies.