Biography

Axel von Ambesser was born on June 22, 1910 in Hamburg, Germany. He was an actor and director, known for Tanz mit dem Kaiser (1941), Ihr erstes Rendezvous (1955) and Traumschöne Nacht (1952). He was married to Inge von Ambesser. He died on September 6, 1988 in Munich, Bavaria, West Germany.

Father of Gwendolyn von Ambesser.

Tall, distinguished German actor, director and writer, on stage in Hamburg from 1930. Member of the ensemble of the Deutsches Theater Berlin (1936-41), the Vienna Theater in der Josefstadt (1941-43) and the Staatstheater Berlin under Gustav Gruendgens. Specialised as actor in sophisticated or romantic comedy. Increasingly active as director and writer for cabaret, theatre and screen after World War II, possibly best known for his Golden Globe-winning The Good Soldier Schweik (1960).

His last work for the cinema came into being in 1965 with the title "Die fromme Helene", where he worked as a director, writer as well as an actor.

He was engaged to the Kammerspiele in Hamburg in 1930, later followed works in Augsburg and Munich where he appeared successfully in entertainment plays. From 1936 to 1941 he was a company member of the German theater in Berlin, moreover he also made a name as a stage writer.

After the war he not only became established as an actor but also as a director and screenwriter.