Herbert Achternbusch was a German-American actor known for his unique films, such as “Das Gespenst,” “The Andechser Feeling,” and “Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle.” He was recognized for his unconventional storytelling and often provocative themes.
Personal and Family Life
Herbert Achternbusch was born on November 23, 1938, in Munich, Germany. He grew up primarily with his grandmother in the Bavarian Forest and had a complicated family background, being adopted by his biological father after his mother, an athlete, never married. In 1962, he married art teacher Gerda Achternbusch, with whom he had four children: Eva, Rut, Andreas, and Rita. The couple lived in various places, including Munich and Buchendorf.
Career
Achternbusch’s artistic journey began in the 1960s with poetry and etchings. He later transitioned to film during the 1970s, making his mark as a director, screenwriter, and actor. His films, known for their surrealistic and anarchistic elements, garnered both acclaim and controversy, especially “Das Gespenst,” which faced accusations of blasphemy. Achternbusch was an influential figure in the New German Cinema movement and often collaborated with amateur actors, deriving inspiration from his autobiographical experiences and regional themes.
Death and Legacy
Herbert Achternbusch passed away on January 10, 2022, in Munich, Germany, of natural causes. His legacy lives on through his significant contributions to avant-garde cinema in Germany. Although not widely known, his works have influenced many filmmakers and continue to spark discussions around the limits of artistic expression.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle | 1974-11-01 | Country Boy #1 |
| Attwengerfilm | 1995-01-01 | Self (voice) |
| Heilt Hitler! | 1986-03-20 | |
| Bierkampf | 1977-01-01 | Herbert, Polizist |
| Das Gespenst | 1982-10-30 | Ober |
| Das Andechser Gefühl | 1975-04-18 | Teacher |
| Der Komantsche | 1979-10-28 | Komantsche Koyotendreck |
| Der Neger Erwin | 1981-01-01 | Der Neger Erwin |
| Die Atlantikschwimmer | 1976-02-27 | Herbert |
| I Know the Way to the Hofbrauhaus | 1989-01-01 | Hick |
| Neue Freiheit – Keine Jobs Schönes München: Stillstand | 1998-02-13 | Hick |
| Picasso in München | 1997-01-01 | Picasso |
| Hades | 1995-04-01 | Hades |
| Das letzte Loch | 1981-10-15 | Der Nil |
| Ab nach Tibet! | 1994-02-16 | Hick |
| Wohin? | 1988-05-05 | Herbert |
| Die Olympiasiegerin | 1983-10-19 | Adi |
| Hick’s Last Stand | 1990-08-02 | |
| Übernachtung in Tirol | 1974-10-08 | Lehrer |
| Der junge Mönch | 1978-10-20 | |
| Mixwix | 1989-07-13 | Mixwix |
| Das Schaf im Wolfspelz – Herbert Achternbusch | 1990-01-01 | Self |
| Achternbusch | 2008-11-22 | Self |
| Ich bin da, ich bin da | 1993-01-01 | Hick |
| Bierbichler | 2008-03-13 | Self |
| Der Depp | 1982-10-30 | Der Depp |
| Musen, Macht und Glamour – Die Welt der Maximilianstraße | 2004-01-01 | Self |
| Das Kind ist tot | 1971-10-01 | |
| Die Föhnforscher | 1985-08-02 | Herbert |
| Punch Drunk | 1987-04-09 | |
| Niemandsland | 1991-10-25 | |
| Das Klatschen der einen Hand | 2002-10-24 | |
| Blaue Blumen | 1985-04-12 | Narrator (voice) |
| Rita Ritter | 1984-02-25 | Passenger |