Roland Varno

Roland Varno was an American actor best known for his roles in “Scared to Death,” “My Name Is Julia Ross,” and “The Mad Magician.” He had a diverse career spanning several decades, showcasing his talent in various film genres.

Personal and Family Life

Born Jacob Frederik Vuerhard on March 15, 1908, in Utrecht, Netherlands, Roland spent his early years on Java before returning to Holland as a teenager. He moved to Berlin in the late 1920s and found early success in film. In 1932, he married Elizabeth Tyree, with whom he had two children. Varno’s son, Martin Varno, and daughter, Jill Taggart, carry on his legacy.

Career

Roland Varno’s career took off when he arrived in the U.S. in 1930, although his first intended role in “All Quiet on the Western Front” went to Lew Ayers due to a delay in his travel. Throughout World War II, he served in the OSS, where he learned Japanese and created propaganda films, using his language skills and acting talent to portray various characters, including spies and freedom fighters.

Death and Legacy

Roland Varno passed away on May 24, 1996, in Lancaster, California, USA. He left behind a rich legacy in the film industry, having contributed to both American and Dutch cinema. His work remains appreciated by audiences and scholars who recognize his versatility and impact on screen.

Filmography

TitleRelease DateCharacter
Scared to Death1947-02-01Ward Van Ee
The Mad Magician1954-05-19Master of Ceremonies (uncredited)
My Name Is Julia Ross1945-11-08Dennis Bruce
Betrayal from the East1945-04-24Kurt Guenther
Devil Pays Off1941-11-10Ship’s Doctor
Hostages1943-08-11Jan Pavel
Mystery Sea Raider1940-10-26Lt. Schmidt
Flight to Nowhere1946-09-30James Van Bush
The Master Key1945-04-24Arnold Hoffman
Malle Gevallen1934-09-28Boy de Wit
The Return of the Vampire1943-11-11John Ainsley
The Fighting 69th1940-01-27German Officer (uncredited)
Gunga Din1939-01-26Lt. Markham (uncredited)
Balalaika1939-12-15Lieutenant Nikitin
Sins of Man1936-06-19Consul Clerk
The Unwritten Code1944-10-26Cpl. Karl Richter
Valley of Hunted Men1942-11-13Nazi posing as Paul Schiller
Underground1941-06-28Ernst Demmler
Three Faces West1940-07-03Dr. Eric Von Scherer
Het Meisje met den Blauwen Hoed1934-12-20Daantje
Eagle Squadron1942-06-16Aide-de-camp
Follow That Woman1945-12-14Undetermined Role
Private Jones1933-03-25Lt. Brinkerhoff (uncredited)
Action in the North Atlantic1943-06-12Gunnery Captain (uncredited)
As You Desire Me1932-05-28Albert
Arsène Lupin1932-02-26Jean Moucante (uncredited)
Edge of Darkness1943-04-09German Lieutenant (uncredited)
The Corsican Brothers1941-11-28De Revenau’s Friend at Opera (Uncredited)
Der blaue Engel1930-04-01Pupil
Our Wife1941-08-20Steward (uncredited)
Quality Street1937-03-26Ens. Blades
Der Mann, der seinen Mörder sucht1931-02-04
To Be or Not to Be1942-03-05Pilot (uncredited)
Istanbul1957-01-23Mr. Florian
Nazi Agent1942-03-01Bauer (uncredited)
Zwischen vierzehn und siebzehn1929-09-26
Het Meisje met den Blauwen Hoed1934-12-20Soldaat Daantje
The Emperor’s Candlesticks1937-07-02Czar’s Officer (uncredited)
Our Hearts Were Young and Gay1944-11-02