Born on September 6, 1879, in Berlin, Germany, he became an iconic figure in early cinema. His career began in theater, performing on stages across Germany and Switzerland. Transitioning to film, he gained international fame for his portrayal of Count Orlok in the 1922 silent horror classic "Nosferatu." His eerie performance set a standard for vampire portrayals in cinema. Despite a limited filmography, his role in "Nosferatu" left an indelible mark on the horror genre. He passed away on February 20, 1936.