Albert Bassermann

Albert Bassermann was a German-American actor known for his roles in classic films such as Foreign Correspondent, A Woman’s Face, and Madame Curie.

Personal and Family Life

Albert Bassermann was born on September 7, 1867, in Mannheim, Germany. He was married to Elsa Bassermann from 1908 until his death in 1952, and they had one child together. The couple emigrated to the United States in 1939 due to the discrimination faced by Elsa, who was Jewish.

Career

Bassermann began his acting career in the early 20th century, gaining fame on stage in Switzerland and Germany. He transitioned to film and became one of the first theater actors to embrace cinema, often learning his lines phonetically due to his limited English. His prominent roles included a chemistry professor in Knute Rockne All American and the character Van Meer in Alfred Hitchcock’s Foreign Correspondent, for which he received an Oscar nomination.

Death and Legacy

Albert Bassermann passed away from a heart attack on May 15, 1952, while traveling from New York to Zurich. His talent and contributions to both theater and film left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of actors. He is remembered for his exceptional skills and the ability to adapt to new challenges in his career.

Filmography