Curdt Jürgens
Early Life
Curdt Jürgens was born on December 13, 1915, in Solln, near Munich, Germany. He was the son of a German father and a French mother. He attended the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where he studied theatre and art history.
Career
Jürgens began his acting career in the early 1930s, performing in various theatre productions in Munich and Berlin. He made his film debut in 1935 in the German film "Königswalzer". Jürgens continued to work in German cinema throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often playing villains or authority figures.
In 1944, Jürgens was conscripted into the Wehrmacht during World War II, but was discharged after a few months due to health problems. After the war, he resumed his acting career, and by the 1950s, he had become one of Germany's most popular film actors.
Jürgens made his Hollywood debut in 1957 in the film "The Enemy Below". He continued to work in both European and American cinema throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in films such as "The Longest Day", "The Spy Who Loved Me", and "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness".
Jürgens was also known for his work in television, appearing in numerous TV series and mini-series, including "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance".
Personal Life
Jürgens was married five times. His first marriage was to actress Lulu Basler, which ended in divorce. He was then married to actress Judith Holzmeister, followed by actress Eva Bartok, and then actress Simone Bicheron. His fifth and final marriage was to Margie Schmitz, which lasted until his death.
Jürgens was known for his love of luxury and his flamboyant lifestyle. He owned homes in France, Austria, and Switzerland, and was known for hosting lavish parties.
Death and Legacy
Jürgens died on June 18, 1982, in Vienna, Austria, from a heart attack. He was 66 years old. He is buried in the Zentralfriedhof, one of the largest cemeteries in Europe, located in Vienna.
Jürgens left behind a significant body of work, with over 100 film and television credits to his name. He is remembered as one of the most prominent German actors of his time, and his performances continue to be appreciated by film and theatre enthusiasts around the world.