Born on March 23, 1956, in Sonthofen, Germany, he is a renowned German actor celebrated for his versatile roles in film, television, and theater. His career gained significant recognition with his performance in "Run Lola Run" (1998) and he has since appeared in numerous acclaimed films like "The Lives of Others" (2006). Trained at the Otto Falckenberg School of the Performing Arts in Munich, he has become a staple in German cinema, known for his compelling and nuanced portrayals.