Famous German Theater Personalities

Vote for Your Favourite German Theater Personalities

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Willy Fritsch
(Actor)
Willy Fritsch
3
Birthdate: January 27, 1901
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Katowice Kattowitz, Germany
Died: July 13, 1973
A prominent 1930s’ silent-film era matinee idol, Willy Fritsch was born to a poor factory owner. He had initially aspired to be a mechanic but joined theater to earn some extra money. He is remembered for his hit pairing with Lilian Harvey in films such as Waltz of Love.
 2 
Ferdinand Marian
(Theatre actor)
Ferdinand Marian
3
Birthdate: August 14, 1902
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
Died: August 7, 1946

Born to an opera singer, Ferdinand Marian quit his engineering studies and ran away from home to join theater. His breakthrough role of Don Pedro de Havila in La Habanera got him typecast in villainous roles. He died in a car accident, though many believe it was a suicide.

 3 
Leander Haussmann
(Director)
Leander Haussmann
0
Birthdate: June 26, 1959
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Quedlinburg, Germany

Born to renowned German actor Ezard Haußmann and costume designer Doris Haußmann, Leander Haussmann grew up to be associated with Schauspielhaus Bochum. The controversy surrounding his production of Die Fledermaus led to the cancellation of his other projects. He is noted for films such as Hotel Lux.

Recommended Lists:
 4 
Fritz Diez
(Actor)
Fritz Diez
0
Birthdate: February 27, 1901
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Meiningen, Germany
Died: October 19, 1979

German actor, director, and producer Fritz Diez was born to a maid servant and had to join theater at age 9 to support his family. He was known for his accurate portrayal of Adolf Hitler in at least 10 projects, both German and international. He was awarded the Patriotic Order of Merit.

 5 
Götz Friedrich
(German Opera and Theatre Director)
Götz Friedrich
2
Birthdate: August 4, 1930
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Naumburg, Germany
Died: December 12, 2000

Götz Friedrich began his career assisting opera director Walter Felsenstein. Devoted to realistic music theater, he is known for directing legendary operas such as Ring, Die Versuchung, and Un re in ascolto. He also served the Deutsche Oper Berlin as its general director. He eventually succumbed to cancer.

 6 
Ruth Berghaus
(German Choreographer, Opera and Theatre Director)
Ruth Berghaus
0
Birthdate: July 2, 1927
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dresden, Germany
Died: January 25, 1996

One of Germany’s most influential opera and theater producers, Ruth Berghaus had initially begun her career as a dancer with the Berliner Ensemble and later graduated to production. She also often collaborated with her composer husband Paul Dessau. She was also associated with the Berlin State Opera and the Frankfurt Opera.

 7 
Peter Sodann
(Actor)
Peter Sodann
0
Birthdate: June 1, 1936
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Meissen, Germany

His role as Kommissar Ehrlicher in the crime series Tatort earned actor Peter Sodann the title of an honorary inspector from the Dresden police. While he was initially trained as a toolmaker, he later aspired to become a lawyer but ended up joining a cabaret group. He also ran for presidency.