Louis Brody was an American actor known for his roles in Genuine: The Tragedy of a Vampire, The Genoa Conspiracy, and Der Dolch des Malayen. He was born on February 15, 1892, in Douala, which was part of the German Colony in Kamerun (now Cameroon), and passed away on February 11, 1951, in Berlin, Germany.
Personal and Family Life
Louis Brody, originally named M’bebe Mpessa, was married to Erika Diek from March 9, 1938, until his death. The couple had one child together. Brody moved to Germany in 1907, where he began his career in film and also worked as a drummer and singer with the Mc Allen Band.
Career
Brody’s acting career took off in 1915, and he became a prominent actor in the 1920s, frequently taking on supporting roles, often as a servant or a menacing character. Despite the challenging times for black actors during and after World War II, Brody managed to maintain his presence in the film industry up until his death.
Death and Legacy
Louis Brody passed away on February 11, 1951, in Berlin, Germany. He left behind a legacy as one of the few dark-skinned actors in German cinema during a time of racial barriers. His contributions to the film industry remain significant, as he was able to navigate and succeed in a challenging environment.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Jud Süß | 1940-09-24 | Schwarzer Diener des Herzogs |
| Der müde Tod | 1921-10-06 | Moor (uncredited) |
| Schwarzwaldmädel | 1950-09-07 | Man at Party |
| Die Abenteuer eines Ermordeten – 2. Der Smaragd des Badjah von Panlanzur | 1921-04-07 | |
| In geheimer Mission | 1938-12-16 | |
| Nie wieder Liebe | 1931-07-26 | Der Koch |
| Das indische Grabmal, erster Teil: Die Sendung des Yoghi | 1921-10-22 | Black Servant |
| Das indische Grabmal, zweiter Teil: Der Tiger von Eschnapur | 1921-11-19 | Black Servant |
| Die Reiter von Deutsch-Ostafrika | 1934-10-19 | Hellhoffs Aufseher Hamissi |
| Wasser für Canitoga | 1939-03-10 | Jonny |
| Die Herrin der Welt, 1. Teil – Die Freundin des gelben Mannes | 1919-12-05 | Simba |
| Die Herrin der Welt 5. Teil – Ophir, die Stadt der Vergangenheit | 1920-01-09 | Simba |
| Die Herrin der Welt 6. Teil – Die Frau mit den Millionarden | 1920-01-16 | Simba |
| Der Dolch des Malayen | 1919-11-11 | |
| Der kleine Muck | 1921-02-11 | |
| Der weiße Dämon | 1932-11-19 | |
| Das verschwundene Testament | 1929-07-05 | |
| Das Gesetz der Mine | 1915-06-03 | Schwarzafrikaner |
| Die Todesfahrt im Weltrekord | 1929-09-16 | |
| Stürmisch die Nacht | 1931-04-04 | |
| Dr. Crippen an Bord | 1942-11-06 | |
| Die Herrin der Welt 4. Teil – König Macombe | 1919-12-26 | Mallkalle |
| Kautschuk | 1938-11-01 |