Heinz Weiss was an American actor known for his roles in The Great Escape, Death and Diamonds, and The Violin Case Murders. Born on June 12, 1921, in Stuttgart, Germany, he became prominent on television during the 1950s and 60s, and was recognized for his strong performances in both war films and crime dramas.
Personal and Family Life
Heinz Weiss was married to Elfriede Willer, a dancer, and they had one child together. He trained at the Württembergische Staatstheater Stuttgart after serving in World War II, which helped shape his acting career.
Career
Weiss gained fame as a reliable actor in various genres, particularly war films and crime dramas. He often portrayed dependable men of action, a reflection of his training and stage experience. His notable films include The Great Escape and Jerry Cotton series, where he consistently played the character Phil Decker.
Death and Legacy
Heinz Weiss passed away on November 20, 2010, in Grünwald, Munich, Germany. His contributions to cinema and television, particularly during the post-war era, left a lasting impact on the industry, and he remains fondly remembered for his versatile roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Jerry Cotton – Um Null Uhr schnappt die Falle zu | 1966-03-04 | Phil Decker |
| Jerry Cotton – Der Tod im roten Jaguar | 1968-08-14 | Phil Decker |
| Jerry Cotton: Dynamit in grüner Seide | 1968-02-23 | Phil Decker |
| Jerry Cotton – Mordnacht in Manhattan | 1965-11-24 | Phil Decker |
| The Great Escape | 1963-07-03 | Kramer |
| So weit die Füße tragen | 1959-02-12 | Clemens Forell |
| Die Matrosen von Kronstadt | 1983-09-19 | Kalinin |
| Doktor Faustus | 1982-09-17 | Jonathan Leverkühn |
| The Little Drummer Girl | 1984-10-19 | Red Cross |
| Immenhof | 1994-01-01 | Peter ‘PS’ Stahl |