Biography

Hermann Speelmans was born on August 14, 1906 in Uerdingen, Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. He was an actor, known for Danton (1931), Our Flags Lead Us Forward (1933) and A Certain Mr. Gran (1933). He died on February 9, 1960 in Berlin, Germany.

Physically, a rather unlikely actor to portray Sherlock Holmes on screen. In Sherlock Holmes: The Grey Lady (1937), Speelmans appeared as Holmes, masquerading as Jimmy Ward, a dapper young socialite, working with the secret police to infiltrate a criminal organisation.

On stage from 1924.

German synchronising voice for Herbert Lom and Akim Tamiroff.

Had problems with alcohol addiction and collapsed on a Berlin street from a heart attack in February 1960, having just signed a contract with the East German film company Defa.

Popular Ufa supporting actor of the 1930's and 40's. Often played 'nice chaps' or friends of the hero.