Götz George was an American actor known for his roles in ‘Tatort’, ‘Der Totmacher’, and ‘Schtonk!’. Born in Berlin, Germany on July 23, 1938, he became a prominent figure in the film industry, particularly in German cinema. He passed away on June 19, 2016, in Hamburg after a short illness.
Personal and Family Life
Götz George was born into a family of actors; his father was famous actor Heinrich George and his mother was actress Berta Drews. He had two marriages, first to Loni von Friedl from 1966 to 1976, with whom he had one child, and later to Marika Ullrich from 2014 until his death in 2016. Despite his fame, George was known for his humility and dedication to his craft, performing all of his own stunts in films.
Career Highlights
George began acting as a child, studying under Else Bongers, a respected acting teacher. He gained recognition early in his career, winning the Bundesfilmpreis in 1960 for his role in ‘Jacqueline’. Over the years, he built a strong filmography, starring in both television and films. He became particularly famous for his portrayal of detective Horst Schimanski in the popular TV series ‘Tatort’, which garnered international attention.
Death and Legacy
Götz George passed away on June 19, 2016, at the age of 77 after a brief illness. He left behind a rich legacy in German cinema, with numerous awards and accolades to his name. His work in film and television continues to be celebrated, making him one of Germany’s most beloved actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Der Totmacher | 1995-11-23 | Fritz Haarmann |
| Solo für Klarinette | 1998-10-15 | Bernhard ‘Bernie’ Kominka |
| Schtonk! | 1992-03-12 | Hermann Willié |
| Schimanski | 1997-11-09 | Horst Schimanski |
| Die Spur meiner Tochter | 2000-11-19 | Paul Flemming |
| Abwärts | 1984-05-04 | Jörg |
| Nichts als die Wahrheit | 1999-09-23 | Josef Mengele |
| Der Sandmann | 1995-10-04 | Henry Kupfer |
| Der Bruch | 1989-01-19 | Walter Graf |
| Maria an Callas | 2006-05-04 | Jost |