Bavarian stage and screen actor of Austrian parentage (his father was a noted surgeon). Served as a lieutenant in a cavalry unit with the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I. Emigrated to the U.S. in 1930, became an American citizen. He completed his acting studies under Michael Chekhov and had success on the New York stage in the Theatre Guild Production of "The Pursuit of Happiness". From 1943 until the 60's, Selwart acted in American, Italian and French films, almost always playing Nazi officers. He died in November 2002 at the extraordinary age of 106.
