Biography

Much-traveled character actor. Born in Alsace-Lorraine of German ancestry, he became stateless after being deported in the wake of World War I. He subsequently acted in comedy plays with diverse theatres in Vienna, Zurich, Berlin, London and (touring) Australia, at the same time maintaining a busy career in films. Established the International Theatre in Berlin (1936), specialising in English and French language productions. Worked as artistic director until its closure by the Reich's Propaganda Ministry in 1939. Resident at the Deutschen Theater in East Berlin after the war and made appearances in left-wing propagandist films for Defa. Died after a lengthy illness in 1955.

Theo Shall went to Hollywood at the beginning of the 30s where he was able to take part in some German versions of successful American movies. So he was able to play under the direction of Jacques Feyder at the legendary actress Greta Garbo's side for "Anna Christie" (1931).

Before he was able to start a successful career as an actor he served for a German artillery unit during World War I.

After the war Theo Shall continued his career on stage and in the film business, now for DEFA productions in East Germany.

To Theo Shall's few silent movies belong Carl Boese's "A halott szerelme" (22) with Hollywood-Star Vilma Banky, and "Das Spielzeug von Paris" (1925) with Hans Moser and Lily Damita, directed by Michael Curtiz.