Joseph Fürst was an American actor known for his roles as a suave villain in films and television shows. He is best recognized for his performances in Diamonds Are Forever and Doctor Who. Born on February 13, 1916, in Vienna, Austria, he made a significant impact in the acting world before his passing on November 29, 2005, in Sydney, Australia.
Personal and Family Life
Joseph Fürst initially studied law in Vienna but eventually found his passion for acting. He moved to Canada, where he started his acting career on stage before heading to England to explore more opportunities. Throughout his career, he occasionally returned to Austria to perform in theater productions.
Career Highlights
Fürst became famous for his portrayals of villainous characters, especially those with Eastern European or Germanic backgrounds. Some of his notable roles include Professor Hermann Zaroff in the Doctor Who episode ‘The Underwater Menace’ and Professor Dr. Metz in Diamonds Are Forever. He continued to act in films and television until his retirement in Bateau Bay, New South Wales.
Death and Legacy
Joseph Fürst passed away on November 29, 2005, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances in film and television, which continue to be appreciated by audiences. He is remembered as a talented character actor who left a lasting impression in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Diamonds Are Forever | 1971-12-14 | Professeur Docteur Metz |
| Inn of the Damned | 1975-11-13 | Lazar Straulle |
| The Brides of Fu Manchu | 1966-12-16 | Otto Lentz |
| Freud: The Secret Passion | 1962-12-12 | Herr Jacob Koertner |
| Theatre of Death | 1967-07-21 | Karl Schiller |
| The High Bright Sun | 1964-11-01 | Doctor Andros |
| …And Millions Die! | 1973-01-01 | Franz Kessler |
| A Magnum for Schneider | 1967-02-04 | Schneider |
| Exodus | 1960-12-15 | Avidan |
| Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace | 1967-02-04 | Zaroff |