Born on June 20, 1953, in Grimma, East Germany, he was a celebrated actor known for his compelling performances in both film and theater. He gained international acclaim for his role as Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler in "The Lives of Others," which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. A prominent figure in German cinema, his career spanned over three decades, marked by versatility and depth. He passed away on July 22, 2007, leaving a lasting legacy in the arts.