Wolfgang Preiss

Biography

Wolfgang Preiss, born on February 27, 1910, in Nuremberg, Germany, was a distinguished actor known for his contributions to theatre, film, and television. The son of an educator, he pursued studies in philosophy, German literature, and drama during the early 1930s, while also honing his craft through private lessons with Hans Schlenck. Preiss made his stage debut in Munich in 1932 and subsequently graced various theatres across Heidelberg, Königsberg, Bonn, Bremen, Stuttgart, and Berlin.

His cinematic journey began in 1942 with the UFA film "Die grosse Liebe," featuring Zarah Leander, after receiving a military service exemption. Following World War II, he returned to the stage and began a successful career in dubbing films into German from 1949. Preiss re-entered the film industry in 1954, earning recognition for his portrayal of Claus von Stauffenberg in "Der 20. Juli," a film depicting the 1944 assassination attempt on Hitler, which garnered him the Federal Film Award in 1956.

Typecast as the principled German officer, Preiss became a familiar face in international cinema, acting in notable films such as "The Longest Day" (1962), "The Cardinal" (1963), and "The Train" (1964). He also portrayed the iconic Doctor Mabuse, a role he first took on in 1960. In the 1980s, Preiss transitioned to television, notably in the mini-series "Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance." He received a second Federal Film Award in 1987, further solidifying his legacy in the film industry. Preiss passed away on November 27, 2002, in Baden-Baden.