Sig Ruman

Born:October 10, 1884

Place of Birth:Hamburg, Germany

Died:February 14, 1967

Known For:Acting

Biography

Sig Ruman, a distinguished German-American actor, captivated audiences with his portrayals of pompous and often stereotypical Teutonic officials or villains throughout his illustrious career. With his commanding presence and distinctive German accent, Ruman left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

Making his silver screen debut in the captivating film "Lucky Boy" in 1929, Ruman's talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of both audiences and filmmakers alike. His exceptional acting skills and ability to embody a wide range of characters set him apart in the industry.

Ruman's collaboration with the iconic Marx Brothers in timeless classics such as "A Night at the Opera," "A Day at the Races," and "A Night in Casablanca" solidified his status as a versatile and sought-after actor. His on-screen chemistry with the Marx Brothers added depth and humor to their films, creating unforgettable moments for viewers.

During the tumultuous period of World War II, Ruman's imposing stature and German heritage led him to portray sinister Nazi characters in a series of gripping wartime thrillers. His ability to bring depth and complexity to these roles showcased his versatility as an actor and garnered critical acclaim.

Notably, Ruman's collaborations with acclaimed director Ernst Lubitsch in films like "Ninotchka" and "To Be or Not to Be" further demonstrated his range and talent. His ability to bring authenticity and nuance to his characters elevated the quality of each production and left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

As his career progressed, Ruman continued to shine in memorable roles for legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder in films such as "The Emperor Waltz," "Stalag 17," and "The Fortune Cookie." His magnetic presence on screen and unparalleled ability to embody larger-than-life German characters solidified his status as a cinematic icon.

Throughout his career, Sig Ruman's dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering powerful and compelling performances earned him the admiration and respect of his peers and fans alike. His legacy as a talented and versatile actor continues to inspire new generations of performers and continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Images

Filmography

Acting

White Christmas

Landlord (uncredited)

1954

Two talented song-and-dance men team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. In time they befriend and become romantically involved with the beautiful Haynes sisters who comprise a sister act.

To Be or Not to Be

Col. Ehrhardt

1942

During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.

Stalag 17

Sgt. Johann Sebastian Schulz

1953

It's a dreary Christmas 1944 for the American POWs in Stalag 17 and the men in Barracks 4, all sergeants, have to deal with a grave problem—there seems to be a security leak.

One, Two, Three

Count von Droste Schattenburg (voice) (uncredited)

1961

C.R. MacNamara is a managing director for Coca Cola in West Berlin during the Cold War, just before the Wall is put up. When Scarlett, the rebellious daughter of his boss, comes to West Berlin, MacNamara has to look after her, but this turns out to be a difficult task when she reveals to be married to a communist.

A Night at the Opera

Gottlieb

1935

The Marx Brothers take on high society and the opera world to bring two lovers together. A sly business manager and two wacky friends of two opera singers help them achieve success while humiliating their stuffy and snobbish enemies.

The Fortune Cookie

Professor Winterhalter

1966

A cameraman is knocked over during a football game. His brother-in-law, as the king of the ambulance-chasing lawyers, starts a suit while he's still knocked out. The cameraman is against it until he hears that his ex-wife will be coming to see him. He pretends to be injured to get her back, but also sees what the strain is doing to the football player who injured him.

The Errand Boy

Baron Elston Carteblanche

1961

Paramutual Pictures wants to know where all the money is going so they hire Morty to be their spy. Morty works for Mr. Sneak and gets a job in the mail room so that he can have access to the lot. But all that Morty ever finds is that he can cause havoc no matter what he does.