Curd Jürgens was a German actor who is best known for his roles in “The Spy Who Loved Me,” “The Devil’s General,” and “And God Created Woman.” He was one of the most popular European film stars of the 20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Curd Jürgens, born Curd Gustav Andreas Gottlieb Franz Jürgens on December 13, 1915, in Solln, Bavaria, had a diverse family background with Franco-German roots. He had five wives, with his last marriage being to Margie Schmitz until his death in 1982. Jürgens was not only known for his acting but also for his talents in writing and directing; he wrote an autobiography titled “Sixty and Not Yet Wise.”
Career
Jürgens started his career as a journalist but transitioned to acting with encouragement from his first wife. He gained prominence in the German film industry with movies like “The Devil’s General,” and later became an international star through films such as “And God Created Woman.” He often portrayed military figures or villains, becoming well-known for his imposing voice and physical presence.
Death and Legacy
Curd Jürgens passed away from a heart attack on June 18, 1982, in Vienna, Austria. His death was a significant event, receiving extensive media coverage across Austria and Germany. Jürgens left behind a rich legacy in cinema, with a vast filmography that showcased his versatile acting skills and deep passion for the arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Spy Who Loved Me | 1977-07-07 | Karl Stromberg |
| Hello-Goodbye | 1970-07-12 | Baron De Choisis |
| Collin | 1981-12-06 | Hans Collin |
| Тегеран-43 | 1981-07-08 | Maître Legraine |
| La Gueule de l’autre | 1979-12-12 | Wilfrid |
| Le Jardinier d’Argenteuil | 1966-10-07 | Le Baron Edouard de Santis |
| 1. April 2000 | 1952-11-19 | Capitano Herakles |
| Des Teufels General | 1955-02-23 | Gen. Harry Harras |
| Käpt’n Rauhbein aus St. Pauli | 1971-08-26 | Kapitän Markus Jolly |
| Der Arzt von St. Pauli | 1968-09-20 | Dr. Jan Diffring |
| Lord Jim | 1965-02-15 | Cornelius |
| The Longest Day | 1962-09-25 | Maj. Gen. Gunther Blumentritt |
| The Enemy Below | 1957-12-25 | Kapitän von Stolberg |
| Bitka na Neretvi | 1969-10-07 | General Lohring |
| Me and the Colonel | 1958-10-01 | Colonel Prokoszny |
| Smiley’s People | 1982-09-20 | The General |
| Der schwarze Freitag | 1966-01-03 | Richard Whitney |