Günther Kaufmann was a German actor who is best known for Querelle, Wickie und die starken Männer, and Ludwig – Requiem for a Virgin King. He was born on June 16, 1947, in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, and passed away on May 10, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.
Personal and Family Life
Günther Kaufmann was married multiple times, including to Patrizia, Alexandra von Herrendorf, and Gabriele. He had two children, Dave Kaufmann (born 1969) and Eva (born 1970). Kaufmann served four years in the West German Navy during the 1960s. He faced personal challenges and controversies throughout his life, including a false confession to a crime to protect his ill wife.
Controversies
In November 2002, Kaufmann confessed to murdering his accountant, though he was innocent. He made this confession to shield his wife from going to prison due to her involvement. After the real culprits were found, he was released and recanted his confession, leading to a retrial where he was acquitted in January 2005. However, his false testimony had consequences for others, resulting in probation and a fine in 2006.
Death and Legacy
Kaufmann died from heart failure on May 10, 2012, in Berlin, Germany. His life was marked by both his contributions to film and the tumultuous events surrounding his personal life. Despite his controversies, he is remembered for his roles in several notable films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Götter der Pest | 1970-07-24 | Günter |
| Leroy | 2007-09-27 | Leroys Vater |
| Kamikaze 1989 | 1982-07-16 | Anton |
| Mord ist mein Geschäft, Liebling | 2009-02-26 | Salvatore Marino |
| Weisse Lilien | 2008-09-11 | Mark |
| Wickie auf großer Fahrt | 2011-09-28 | Der schreckliche Sven |
| Whity | 1971-06-02 | Whity |
| Die dritte Generation | 1979-05-30 | Franz Walsch |
| Pioniere in Ingolstadt | 1971-05-19 | Max |
| Rio das Mortes | 1971-02-15 | Günther |
| Das Kaffeehaus | 1970-05-18 | Leander |
| Jerry Cotton | 2010-03-11 | Joe Brandenburg |
| In einem Jahr mit 13 Monden | 1978-11-17 | Chauffeur |
| Kleine Morde | 2012-09-20 | Josef Gossmann |
| Otto – Der Film | 1985-07-19 | American Soldier |
| Die Niklashauser Fart | 1970-10-26 | Bauernführer |
| Türkisch für Anfänger | 2012-03-14 | Tongo |