Georg H. Schnell was an American actor best known for his roles in Nosferatu, Marie Antoinette – Das Leben einer Königin, and Die Feuerzangenbowle. Born on April 11, 1878, in Chih-fou, China, he became a prominent figure in classic German cinema during the 1920s and 1930s.
Personal and Family Life
Georg H. Schnell spent his early years in China and even helped suppress the Boxer Uprising in 1900. Before his acting career took off, he worked as a lumberjack in Florida. He later performed on stage in Berlin under the mentorship of Max Reinhardt during the 1920s.
Career Highlights
Schnell gained recognition for his roles in important silent films, particularly in F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” (1922). He also appeared in numerous supporting roles throughout the 1930s, contributing to various popular productions. His international credits include working in Alfred Hitchcock’s film debut, “The Pleasure Garden.”
Death and Legacy
Georg H. Schnell passed away on March 31, 1951, in West Berlin, West Germany. His contributions to early cinema, especially horror, have left a lasting impact on the film industry, with his work continuing to be celebrated by film historians and enthusiasts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens | 1922-02-16 | Harding |
| Die Feuerzangenbowle | 1944-01-28 | Mitglied der Bowlenrunde |
| Die rollende Kugel | 1919-05-09 | |
| Marie Antoinette – Das Leben einer Königin | 1922-10-26 | Lafayette |
| The Flame of Love | 1930-03-07 | Grand Duke |
| Die Rothschilds | 1940-07-17 | |
| Der Alte Fritz – 2. Ausklang | 1928-01-28 | Großkanzler Fürst |
| Der verführte Heilige | 1919-01-01 | |
| Nora | 1944-02-14 | Bankpräsident |
| Die Nacht der Entscheidung | 1938-12-22 | Vorsitzender des Londoner Syndikats |
| Dracula Unearthed | 2022-10-31 | Harding (Archive Footage) |