Emil Jannings was a Swiss-born American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Last Command,” “The Blue Angel,” and “The Last Laugh.” He is notable for being the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Personal and Family Life
Jannings was born Theodor Friedrich Emil Janenz on July 23, 1884, in Rorschach, Switzerland. He had three marriages, including a notable one to Gussy Holl, with whom he had a child. His early career was rooted in theater, notably working under Max Reinhardt’s company.
Career Highlights
Jannings began making a name for himself in film during the silent era, with significant works including “Passion” (1919) and “Quo Vadis?” (1924). He gained international fame after winning the Academy Award in 1928 for his performances in two films, “The Way of All Flesh” and “The Last Command.” However, the advent of sound films and a thick German accent halted his American career, leading him to return to Germany, where he supported the Nazi regime.
Death and Legacy
Emil Jannings died on January 2, 1950, in Strobl, Austria, from cancer. His legacy is mixed; while he was honored as the first Best Actor Oscar winner, his later alignment with the Nazis marred his reputation. Even after the war, he struggled to regain his earlier fame and converted to Catholicism thereafter.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Faust – Eine deutsche Volkssage | 1926-10-13 | Mephisto |
| Danton | 1921-05-03 | Danton |
| Der letzte Mann | 1924-12-23 | Hotelportier |
| Das Wachsfigurenkabinett | 1924-11-13 | Harun al Raschid |
| Die Augen der Mumie Ma | 1918-10-03 | Radu |
| Ohm Krüger | 1941-01-02 | Ohm (Paul) Krüger |
| Madame DuBarry | 1919-09-18 | Ludwig XV. |
| The Last Command | 1928-01-21 | Gen. Dolgorucki |
| The Blue Angel | 1930-04-01 | Immanuel Rath |
| The Way of All Flesh | 1927-10-01 | August Shilling |