Austrian character actor, a former law student, on stage at the Vienna Volkstheater from 1933. Gathered extensive experience on stage in Berlin between 1936 and 1953. Also appeared in supporting roles on screen during the 1930's. After the war active as occasional film director. Busy on stage as actor, also drama coach. Acting director of the Vienna Burgtheater (1966-70), director of the Bayerische Staatsschauspiel in Munich (1972-83).