Born in 1892 in Vienna, he emerged as a prominent actor in German cinema and theater during the early 20th century. Renowned for his intense performances and expressive style, he gained fame through roles in silent films and later transitioned to sound films. A Jewish artist, he fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s, continuing his career in Hollywood and on Broadway. Returning to Germany post-World War II, he became a pivotal figure in post-war German theater until his death in 1970.