Heinz Drache was a German-American actor who is best known for his roles in “Das Halstuch,” “Tatort,” and a series of Edgar Wallace films. Born on February 9, 1923, in Essen, Germany, he became a prominent figure in post-war German cinema and stage.
Personal and Family Life
Heinz Drache was married to Rosemarie Nordmann from 1957 until his death in 2002, and they had three children together. He also had a daughter, Angelica, born in 1948, from a previous relationship with actress Edith Teichmann. Drache had a passion for the performing arts from a young age and began acting on stage during high school.
Career Highlights
Drache started his career in theater, eventually transitioning to film where he became popular as a charismatic screen cop, particularly as Inspector Yates in the miniseries “Das Halstuch” in 1962. He starred in several Edgar Wallace thrillers, captivating audiences with his distinct style and voice, which he also used for dubbing prominent English-speaking actors. Although he later faced challenges with typecasting, he continued to take on significant roles in various productions through the decades.
Death and Legacy
Heinz Drache passed away on April 3, 2002, in Berlin, Germany, after battling lung cancer. He left behind a legacy that includes many memorable performances in film and television, marking him as one of the notable figures in German post-war cinema history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Der Zinker | 1963-04-26 | Inspektor Bill Elford |
| Der Hund von Blackwood Castle | 1968-01-18 | Humphrey Connery |
| The Brides of Fu Manchu | 1966-12-16 | Franz Baumer |
| Das Halstuch | 1962-01-03 | Kriminalinspektor Harry Yates |
| Tatort | 1970-11-29 | Kriminalhauptkommissar Hans Georg Bülow |
| Spion für Deutschland | 1956-12-04 | Jim Newman |
| Die Zeugin aus der Hölle | 1967-06-28 | Staatsanwalt Hoffmann |
| Der Rächer | 1960-08-05 | Michael Brixan |
| Der Alte | 1977-04-11 | Walter Preus |
| Derrick | 1974-10-20 | Martin Dorp |