Bruno Ganz: Biography

Swiss-born actor Bruno Ganz established himself in Germany, first as co-founder of the Schaubuhne Theatre company, then as a romantic lead in films. International renown came Ganz' way when he was starred in Eric Rohmer's The Marquise of O (1976). Subsequent film roles range from Jonathan Harker in Werner Herzog's 1979 remake of Nosferatu, to misplaced angel Damiel in Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire (1987). Another of his many collaborations with director Wenders was The American Friend (1977), which Ganz regards as one of his favorite films, even though he and co-star Dennis Hopper came to blows during a spirited argument about acting technique. Thus far, Bruno Ganz' only American films have been 1978's The Boys from Brazil and 1990's Strapless. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide