Prolific star of post-war German cinema, usually seen in virtuous or soulful roles. The son of a music teacher and an oratorio singer, Borsche was initially trained as a dancer, first performing in ballet for the Hanoverian Opera (1930-1935). After attending acting classes, he made his stage debut in Weimar. He also appeared in youthful romantic film roles from 1938. Borsche reached the peak of his popularity in film and television comedies and dramas of the 1950's and 60's, though his career was increasingly hampered by his affliction with muscular dystrophy.