Richard Ryen

Richard Ryen was an American actor who is best known for Casablanca, The Cross of Lorraine, and The Strange Death of Adolf Hitler. Born Richard Anton Robert Felix Revy in Austria-Hungary on September 13, 1885, he became a notable figure in both European and American cinema.

Personal and Family Life

Richard Ryen studied philosophy in Vienna and trained as a stage actor in Munich, Vienna, and Zurich. He eventually became a respected director at Stadttheater Zurich and Munich Kammerspiele, directing plays in various cities including Berlin and Frankfurt. In the early 1930s, he transitioned into film, appearing in several German movies before fleeing the Nazis in 1934.

Career

After relocating to Hollywood in 1938 and changing his name to Richard Ryen, he became a U.S. citizen in 1944. Throughout his career, he mainly portrayed Nazi characters, but his most memorable role was as Col. Heinze in Casablanca, shot over four weeks. Although he often played minor roles in Hollywood, he enjoyed a more significant part as Lieutenant Schmidt in The Cross of Lorraine, where he provided comic relief.

Death and Legacy

Richard Ryen passed away on December 22, 1965, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to both theater and film have left a lasting mark, particularly in how he represented German characters during a tumultuous time in history. His roles remain notable in classic films that continue to be celebrated today.

Filmography