Prolific German character actor, the son of a gynaecologist. Trained under Max Reinhardt at the Schauspielschule des Deutschen Theaters in Berlin. On stage from 1934 and member of the ensemble of the Bayerischen Staatsschauspiels from 1948 to 1960. In films from 1950, often in military roles as generals or admirals, alternatively as police inspectors, magistrates or professors.