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Thomas KretschmannGerman actor who appears in Hollywood films
Date of Birth: 08.09.1962
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Thomas Kretschmann: A Versatile Actor with a Global Reach
- Transition to Acting
- Hollywood Breakthrough
- Science Fiction and Fantasy Exploration
- Critical Recognition
- Award-Winning Performances
- Prolific Career
- Recent Endeavors
- 2008 and Beyond
- Currently, Kretschmann is the new face for 'Hugo Boss' fragrance.
Thomas Kretschmann: A Versatile Actor with a Global Reach
Early Life and EducationThomas Kretschmann was born on September 8, 1962, in Dessau, East Germany (now Germany). Before pursuing acting, Kretschmann had a passion for sports and went on to become an Olympic swimmer. At the age of 19, he defected from East Germany, embarking on a month-long journey to West Germany to escape the oppressive regime. During his perilous journey, he lost part of a finger, which was surgically reattached. With unwavering determination, Kretschmann crossed four borders with only a passport and $100.
Transition to Acting
At the age of 25, Kretschmann began his acting career, starring in numerous European films and television series. In 1991, he won the 'Wobbly Max Ophüls Prize' for 'Best Young Actor' for his role in Ulrike Dickmann's drama "Der Mitwisser" ("The Witness").
Hollywood Breakthrough
Kretschmann gained international acclaim after landing the role of Captain Wilm Hosenfeld in Roman Polanski's Academy Award-winning film about the extraordinary Polish pianist Władysław Szpilman, "The Pianist" (2002). Since then, Kretschmann has portrayed several high-ranking Nazi officials in the Third Reich period. He played SS-Gruppenführer Hermann Fegelein, a member of Adolf Hitler's inner circle, in Oliver Hirschbiegel's historical drama "Downfall" ("Der Untergang", 2004).
Science Fiction and Fantasy Exploration
Possibly drawing from his portrayal of Nazis, Kretschmann was cast as Timothy Cain in Alexander Witt's science fiction action film "Resident Evil: Apocalypse" (2004), a ruthless scientist for the 'Umbrella' corporation. The character was partly inspired by Kretschmann's previous role as Max in the television series "24."
Critical Recognition
In the same year as "Resident Evil," Kretschmann appeared in Enki Bilal's French film "Immortel (Ad Vitam)" alongside Linda Hardy. The film is notable for its introduction of 'digital backlot' technology and interactive interplay between computer-generated characters and live actors.
In 2005, Kretschmann won the role of Captain Englehorn in Peter Jackson's remake of "King Kong," reuniting him with Adrien Brody, with whom he had played a supporting role in "The Pianist." The following year, Kretschmann received critical acclaim for his performance in "Butterfly: A Grimm Love Story" (originally titled "Rohtenburg" in Germany). The psychological thriller recounts the horrifying tale of the real-life 'Rothenburg Cannibal' Armin Meiwes. The film's release was delayed for several years due to a lawsuit filed by Meiwes, who was incarcerated, claiming that the American production company 'Atlantic Streamline' had violated his 'personality rights.'
Award-Winning Performances
Kretschmann shared the 'Best Actor' award at the 'Festival de Cine de Sitges' in 2006 for his performance in "Butterfly: A Grimm Love Story" with fellow actor Thomas Huber. He also received the 'Best Actor' award at the 'Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival' in 2007.
Prolific Career
Throughout his career, Kretschmann has starred in countless films, including "The Man from the Wall," "Rothenbaumchaussee," David Seltzer's thriller "The Shadow," "Krigerens hjerte," "Stalingrad," "Die Ratte," "Angel Without Wings," "Queen Margot," "Affairs," "Undertow," "Ainsi soient-elles," "I Love My Daughter's Man," "Wir zusammen allein mit dir," and "Deadly Obsession."
Recent Endeavors
Kretschmann's later works include "Anna – Im Banne des Bösen," "Burning Heart," the short film "Night Bus," "Marciando nel buio," "Stendhal Syndrome," "Last Holiday," "Total Reality," "Tocco: la sfida, Il," "Prince Valiant," "Principessa e il povero," "Under the Skin," "Mädchenfalle – Der Tod kommt online," and "Coppia omicida."
From 1998 to 2002, the actor starred in "Nina – From Children's Room to Brothel," "All About the Benjamins," "Total Recall 2070," "Death in Your Eyes," "Ester," "Solist – Kein Weg zurück," "Solist – Niemandsland," "Solist – Kuriertag," and "Solist – In eigener Sache," "The Serpent," "U-571," "Green Sails," "Feindliche Übernahme – althan.com," "Deadly Weekend," and "Blade II."
Between 2003 and 2007, Kretschmann continued to expand his global reach with roles in "My Father, Rua Alguem 5555," "U-429: Submarine Prison," "Doo Wop," "Child Stars (Wunderkinder 2)," "Head in the Clouds," "The New Frankenstein," "Snowland," "Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II," "The Celestine Prophecy," "Schism," "Wild Chicks and Love," "The Prophet," "Along the Way," "Eichmann," and "Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps."
2008 and Beyond
In 2008, the actor collaborated with director Brad Anderson in his crime thriller "Transsiberian," starred in the adventure film "Der Seewolf," appeared in Roland Suso Richter's TV drama "Mogadishu Welcome," and graced the musical "Enchanted" with his presence, directed by Alfonso Arau.
That same year, Kretschmann portrayed Cross in Timur Bekmambetov's "Wanted" alongside Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, and Russian actor Konstantin Khabensky. In Jean-Marc Vallée's drama "The Young Victoria," the actor played King Leopold of Belgium, a project currently in post-production.
2009 promised to be a busy year for Kretschmann, with roles as Otto Ernst Remer in Bryan Singer's historical drama "Valkyrie" about the assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler, Archbishop of Tarragona in the fantasy film "King Conqueror," and appearances in the drama "The Trunk" and Mary Lambert's Western "High Midnight."
Currently, Kretschmann is the new face for 'Hugo Boss' fragrance.
The actor resides in Los Angeles while working primarily in Budapest, appearing in the 1960s post-war drama "The Last Bunker." Kretschmann has three children with his partner, Lena: Nicolas, Stella, and Sascha.
