Born in 1893 in Berlin, he became a prominent German actor, best known for his roles in silent films and early talkies. He gained fame for his role as Cesare in "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920), a masterpiece of German Expressionism. Fleeing Nazi Germany due to his outspoken opposition and his wife's Jewish heritage, he moved to Hollywood, where he starred in iconic films like "Casablanca" (1942) as Major Strasser. His career spanned over 100 films, leaving a lasting legacy in cinema history.