Hans Meyer was a South African-American actor known for his roles in “Holocaust,” “Inside the Third Reich,” and various commercials. He had a successful career in Europe, recognized for his talents and charm.
Personal and Family Life
Born on July 21, 1925, in Paulpietersburg, KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa, Hans came from a German farming family. He spent a part of his childhood in Natal and Zululand before becoming a farmer himself. Later, he moved to Europe where he uncovered his passion for acting, ignited by a friend’s help in landing modeling jobs.
Career Highlights
Meyer gained initial fame as the “Puschkin Man,” featuring in popular television ads for Puschkin Vodka in Germany. His success expanded as he became fluent in multiple languages including English, German, French, and Zulu, which enhanced his appeal in international films and television. He was highly regarded by his peers for his cultured nature and grounded personality despite his fame.
Death and Legacy
Hans Meyer passed away on April 3, 2020, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France. His contributions to both film and television left a significant mark in the acting community, and he is remembered for his diverse roles and impressive body of work during an illustrious career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pierrot le fou | 1965-11-05 | Un Gangster (uncredited) |
| Les Aventuriers | 1967-04-12 | Mercenary |
| Le Pacte des loups | 2001-01-31 | Marquis d’Apcher |
| The Riddle of the Sands | 1979-10-02 | Grimm |
| La Grande Vadrouille | 1966-12-08 | Otto Weber, the elegant SS officer |
| Bunker Palace Hôtel | 1989-06-06 | Le président |
| Mauvais Sang | 1986-11-26 | Hans |
| Coplan sauve sa peau | 1968-07-13 | Hugo |
| La Beuze | 2003-02-05 | Rudolf Maier |
| Le Magnifique | 1973-11-23 | Colonel Collins |
| Traquenards | 1969-04-30 | Varen |
| Inside the Third Reich | 1982-05-09 | Ernst Kaltenbrunner |
| Minder | 1979-10-29 | Kurt Wengler |