Gustav Knuth was an American actor known for his roles in “Sissi,” “Great Freedom No. 7,” and “Alle meine Tiere.” He was born in Germany but later became a celebrated figure in Swiss television and film.
Personal and Family Life
Gustav Knuth was born on July 7, 1901, in Brunswick, Germany. Initially trained as a locksmith, he pursued acting against his family’s wishes. He settled in Switzerland and became a naturalized citizen, living in Küsnacht until his death. Knuth was married to Elisabeth Lennartz until his death and had one child from a previous marriage.
Career
After studying acting under Casimir Paris, Knuth debuted at the Stadttheater Heidelberg in 1918. He gained fame with roles in significant films like “Der Ammenkönig” in 1935, followed by notable hits during the 1950s, including the “Sissi” trilogy. He became one of Germany’s first television stars through his portrayal of Dr. Hofer in “Alle meine Tiere” in 1962.
Death and Legacy
Gustav Knuth passed away from a stroke on February 1, 1987, in Neu-Münster near Zurich, Switzerland. His contributions to theatre and television made him a beloved figure in German-speaking countries. His autobiography, published in 1974, highlights his journey and experiences as an actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sissi – Die junge Kaiserin | 1956-12-01 | Duke Max |
| Sissi – Schicksalsjahre einer Kaiserin | 1957-12-18 | Duke Max |
| Sissi | 1955-12-22 | Duke Max |
| Große Freiheit Nr. 7 | 1944-12-15 | Fiete |
| Ich denke oft an Piroschka | 1955-12-29 | Istvan Racz |
| Pepe, der Paukerschreck | 1969-06-26 | Kurt Nietnagel |
| Alle meine Tiere | 1962-10-26 | Tierarzt |
| Die Physiker | 1962-01-01 | Herbert Georg Beutler |
| Der Ammenkönig | 1935-12-05 | Hans Stork |
| Der Herr mit der schwarzen Melone | 1960-08-18 | Generaldirektor Meißen |