An officer's son, initially slated for officer cadet school. Forced to drop out due to the effects of surgery. On stage from 1908. Often cast in villainous roles in silent pictures, notably Hagen in Fritz Lang's "Siegfried" and "Kriemhild's Revenge", or Satan in "Hiob". A fervent supporter of national socialism and antisemitic ideals, he gleefully performed in Nazi propaganda films during the 30's and early 40's. Joined the army as a volunteer in the final stages of the war and was killed during the battle for Berlin in April 1945.