Paul Panzer was a German-American actor who is best known for his role in The Perils of Pauline, where he played the famous villain, and other film appearances throughout his long career. He was born in Würzburg, Bavaria in 1872 and became a prominent figure in the early days of the film industry.
Personal and Family Life
Paul Panzer was born Paul Wolfgang Panzerbeiter on November 3, 1872. He married Josephine Atkinson on July 24, 1911, and they had two children together. Josephine sadly passed away on January 6, 1954. Panzer was interested in acting from a young age, which eventually led him to work in film.
Career Overview
Panzer began his career as a scene painter and set builder before becoming an actor in the early 1900s. He started working in films in 1905 with Edison Studios, and later joined Vitagraph. He directed a film about Buffalo Bill in 1912 but returned to acting, appearing in over 350 films in various roles over his lengthy career.
Death and Legacy
Paul Panzer passed away on August 16, 1958, in Hollywood, California. He left behind a significant legacy in the film industry, remembered for his contributions to early cinema and his memorable performances, particularly as a villain.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Perils of Pauline | 1914-03-31 | Raymond Owen / Koerner |
| The Thieving Hand | 1908-02-01 | Man Buying Artificial Limb (uncredited) |
| The Dark Horse | 1932-06-16 | Delegate Telephoning |
| Three Faces East | 1930-07-18 | ‘Kirsch’ the Decoy |
| Princess Nicotine; or, The Smoke Fairy | 1909-08-10 | The Smoker |
| The Last Volunteer | 1914-08-21 | Ambassador of Austrania |
| Dr. Socrates | 1935-10-19 | Townsman at Celebration Party |
| Casablanca | 1943-01-15 | Paul – Waiter at Rick’s (uncredited) |
| Frankenstein | 1931-11-21 | Mourner (uncredited) |
| Mildred Pierce | 1945-10-20 | Waiter (uncredited) |