Biography

Debonair German leading actor and singer who started as an apprentice in a furniture warehouse. On screen, he was initially popular playing urbane bon vivants and heartthrobs in 1930's musical comedies and operettas. He re-emerged as a noted character star in post-war dramas like Film sans titre (1948) and latterly made a name for himself in family-oriented television series. In 1977, he was awarded the Filmband in Gold for lifetime achievement.

Was on the Gestapo's black list in Nazi Germany because he often helped and hid Jews.

In the years of World War II Hans Söhnker often put his life on the line by helping people in trouble - often of Jewish ancestry - to smuggle over the Swiss border. To his allies often belonged other actors and actresses, among them the young Hardy Krüger who made some courier services for him.

At about the end of the 30's he achieved the height of his career.

Was awarded Germany's Cross of Merit in 1973.