Maximilian Schell

Maximilian Schell

Born:December 8, 1930

Place of Birth:Vienna, Austria

Died:February 1, 2014

Known For:Acting

Biography

Maximilian Schell, born on December 8, 1930, in Vienna, Austria, was a distinguished Swiss actor whose career spanned over five decades. His upbringing was deeply rooted in the arts, with his parents fostering a love for performance and literature. The family's move to Switzerland in 1938, escaping the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, marked a significant turning point in Schell's life. It was in Zürich where he found his passion for acting and directing, eventually making it his full-time pursuit after World War II.

One of Schell's most notable achievements was winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his compelling portrayal of a lawyer in the legal drama "Judgment at Nuremberg" in 1961. This role showcased his versatility and depth as an actor, earning him critical acclaim and international recognition. Throughout his career, Schell demonstrated fluency in both English and German, leading him to secure prominent roles in a variety of films, including "Topkapi," "The Odessa File," and "A Bridge Too Far."

Beyond the silver screen, Schell also made a lasting impact on television, receiving accolades for his performances in projects like "Miss Rose White" and "Stalin," which earned him a Golden Globe Award. His versatility shone through as he embodied a range of historical figures, from Otto Frank in "The Diary of Anne Frank" to Peter the Great in the NBC series "Peter the Great." Schell's ability to immerse himself in diverse roles showcased his dedication to his craft and his commitment to storytelling.

In addition to his screen work, Schell's talents extended to the stage, where he delivered captivating performances in various plays, including a memorable portrayal of Prince Hamlet. His passion for music was also evident, as he showcased his skills as a pianist and conductor, collaborating with renowned musicians like Claudio Abbado and Leonard Bernstein. This multifaceted approach to the arts highlighted Schell's creative spirit and his willingness to explore different facets of performance.

Notably, Schell's family background in the arts played a significant role in shaping his career, with his sister Maria Schell being a prominent actress in her own right. Their shared love for the arts led Schell to produce the documentary "My Sister Maria" in 2002, paying tribute to her enduring legacy. Maximilian Schell's contributions to the world of film, television, and stage left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and talented performer. His ability to transcend boundaries of language and culture through his work cemented his status as a true icon of international cinema.

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Maximilian Schell
Maximilian Schell
Maximilian Schell
Maximilian Schell
Maximilian Schell
Maximilian Schell
Maximilian Schell

Filmography

Acting

Deep Impact

Deep Impact

Jason Lerner

1998

A seven-mile-wide space rock is hurtling toward Earth, threatening to obliterate the planet. Now, it's up to the president of the United States to save the world. He appoints a tough-as-nails veteran astronaut to lead a joint American-Russian crew into space to destroy the comet before impact. Meanwhile, an enterprising reporter uses her smarts to uncover the scoop of the century.
Judgment at Nuremberg

Judgment at Nuremberg

Hans Rolfe

1961

In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe, but also from the widow of a Nazi general, an idealistic U.S. Army captain and reluctant witness Irene Wallner.
A Bridge Too Far

A Bridge Too Far

General der Waffen-SS Wilhelm Bittrich

1977

The story of Operation Market Garden—a failed attempt by the allies in the latter stages of WWII to end the war quickly by securing three bridges in Holland allowing access over the Rhine into Germany. A combination of poor allied intelligence and the presence of two crack German panzer divisions meant that the final part of this operation (the bridge in Arnhem over the Rhine) was doomed to failure.
Vampires

Vampires

Cardinal Alba

1998

The church enlists a team of vampire-hunters to hunt down and destroy a group of vampires searching for an ancient relic that will allow them to exist in sunlight.
The Black Hole

The Black Hole

Dr. Hans Reinhardt

1979

The explorer craft USS Palomino is returning to Earth after a fruitless 18-month search for extra-terrestrial life when the crew comes upon a supposedly lost ship, the USS Cygnus, hovering near a black hole. The ship is controlled by Dr. Hans Reinhardt and his monstrous robot companion, but the initial wonderment and awe the Palomino crew feel for the ship and its resistance to the power of the black hole turn to horror as they uncover Reinhardt's plans.
The Brothers Bloom

The Brothers Bloom

Diamond Dog

2008

The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they've decided to take on one last job – showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world.
Little Odessa

Little Odessa

Arkady Shapira

1994

Long separated from his Russian family, hitman Joshua returns to Brighton Beach for a contract killing for the Russian Mafia. His abusive father, Arkady, banned him from returning after Joshua committed his first murder. He takes up residence in a hotel, and soon everyone knows he has returned. He goes home to visit his dying mother, Irina, and prepares for the assassination, getting drawn back into the criminal community he left behind.
Cross of Iron

Cross of Iron

Hauptmann Stransky

1977

It is 1943, and the German army—ravaged and demoralised—is hastily retreating from the Russian front. In the midst of the madness, conflict brews between the aristocratic yet ultimately pusillanimous Captain Stransky and the courageous Corporal Steiner. Stransky is the only man who believes that the Third Reich is still vastly superior to the Russian army. However, within his pompous persona lies a quivering coward who longs for the Iron Cross so that he can return to Berlin a hero. Steiner, on the other hand is cynical, defiantly non-conformist and more concerned with the safety of his own men rather than the horde of military decorations offered to him by his superiors.
The Young Lions

The Young Lions

Capt. Hardenberg

1958

The lives of three young men, a German and two Americans, during WWII.
The Freshman

The Freshman

Larry London

1990

After a film student gets his belongings stolen, he meets a mobster bearing a startling resemblance to a certain cinematic godfather. Soon, he finds himself caught up in a caper involving endangered species and fine dining.

Production