Biography

German character actor, who began in the circus as a clown and fire eater. He made his debut on the legitimate stage in 1909, followed by a successful career as a comic in revues and operettas. For more than four decades from 1916, he was a prolific supporting actor in films, typically portraying jovial, hearty 'Berliner' types.

In the sound film era he impersonated the typical Berliner and typified the petty bourgeois.

In post-war time he became even bigger parts but they lost of profundity.

In 1909 he got his first engagement at the theater, afterwards he played at theaters in Hamburg, Bremen and Berlin. There he soon became established as an actor in funny parts, especially in operettas and revues.

He made his film debut in 1915 with "Sondi hat Pech" and he soon got offers regularly during the 10's and 20's.