Wolfgang Preiss

Born:February 27, 1910

Place of Birth:Nuremberg, Germany

Died:November 27, 2002

Known For:Acting

Biography

Wolfgang Preiss, born on February 27, 1910, in Nuremberg, Germany, was a versatile actor known for his impactful performances in theatre, film, and television. Coming from a background where education was valued, Preiss initially delved into philosophy, German studies, and drama in the early 1930s. His passion for acting led him to take private lessons with renowned acting coach Hans Schlenck, marking the beginning of a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.

In 1942, Preiss made his film debut in the UFA production "Die grosse Liebe," alongside Zarah Leander. Despite the tumultuous times of the Second World War, Preiss continued to hone his craft in the theatre and later gained recognition for his work in dubbing films into German. It was in 1954 that he returned to the big screen, captivating audiences with his performance in "Canaris," setting the stage for a series of memorable roles to come.

One of Preiss's most notable portrayals was that of Claus von Stauffenberg in the film "Der 20. Juli" in 1955, a role that showcased his talent and earned him the prestigious 1956 Federal Film Award. This marked a turning point in his career, leading to a string of appearances as the principled German officer, a character archetype he portrayed with depth and authenticity.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Preiss graced the screen in internationally acclaimed films such as "The Longest Day," "The Train," "Von Ryan's Express," and "The Boys From Brazil," sharing the screen with legendary actors like Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra, and Gregory Peck. His ability to embody both heroic and villainous characters added layers of complexity to the narratives he contributed to.

In his portrayal of Doctor Mabuse, a role he reprised multiple times, Preiss solidified his status as a master of his craft, captivating audiences with his portrayal of the cunning and enigmatic character. Transitioning to television in the 1980s, he continued to captivate viewers with his portrayal of General Walther von Brauchitsch in the American TV mini-series "Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance," showcasing his versatility across different mediums.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the film industry, Preiss was honored with a second Federal Film Award in 1987, a testament to his enduring impact on the cinematic landscape. Beyond his on-screen performances, Preiss's talent extended to film dubbing, where he lent his voice to iconic actors, adding his distinct touch to beloved characters.

Wolfgang Preiss's legacy as a consummate actor lives on through his body of work, spanning decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on German and international cinema. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his ability to breathe life into diverse characters, cements his status as a true luminary in the world of acting. Wolfgang Preiss's contributions to the arts continue to inspire and resonate with audiences around the globe, ensuring that his impact endures for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

A Bridge Too Far

Field Marshal Karl R.G. Von Rundstedt

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.

The Longest Day

Maj. Gen. Max Pemsel

1962

The retelling of June 6, 1944, from the perspectives of the Germans, US, British, Canadians, and the Free French. Marshall Erwin Rommel, touring the defenses being established as part of the Reich's Atlantic Wall, notes to his officers that when the Allied invasion comes they must be stopped on the beach. "For the Allies as well as the Germans, it will be the longest day"

The Train

Maj. Herren

1964

As the Allied forces approach Paris in August 1944, German Colonel Von Waldheim is desperate to take all of France's greatest paintings to Germany. He manages to secure a train to transport the valuable art works even as the chaos of retreat descends upon them. The French resistance however wants to stop them from stealing their national treasures but have received orders from London that they are not to be destroyed. The station master, Labiche, is tasked with scheduling the train and making it all happen smoothly but he is also part of a dwindling group of resistance fighters tasked with preventing the theft. He and others stage an elaborate ruse to keep the train from ever leaving French territory.

The Boys from Brazil

Lofquist

1978

Nazi hunter Ezra Lieberman discovers a sinister and bizarre plot to rekindle the Third Reich.

Von Ryan's Express

Major Von Klemment

1965

Von Ryan's Express stars Frank Sinatra as a POW colonel who leads a daring escape from WWII Italy by taking over a freight train, but he has to win over the British soldiers he finds himself commanding.