Torben Meyer
Actor
About Torben Meyer
Torben Meyer was a distinguished Danish character actor whose career spanned over four decades across European and American cinema. Beginning his film career in Denmark during the silent era, he appeared in early Danish masterpieces like 'The Abyss' (1910) and 'Atlantis' (1913), establishing himself as a reliable supporting actor. In the 1920s, he continued working in European cinema, appearing in significant productions such as 'Don Quixote' (1927) and 'The Viking' (1928). Meyer eventually transitioned to Hollywood where he became one of the most recognizable European character actors of the 1930s and 1940s, often playing professors, doctors, and aristocratic Europeans. He appeared in over 150 films throughout his career, working with legendary directors like Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder, and Alfred Hitchcock. His ability to seamlessly adapt to both silent and sound films demonstrated remarkable versatility. Meyer retired from acting in the mid-1950s after a prolific career that bridged two continents and cinematic eras.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his dignified, professorial demeanor and authentic European presence, Meyer specialized in playing intellectuals, doctors, and aristocrats. His acting was characterized by subtle gestures and a commanding screen presence that required minimal dialogue to convey authority and wisdom. In silent films, he mastered the art of expressive facial features and body language, while in sound films, his distinctive Danish accent became an asset for typecasting as European characters.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'The Abyss' (1910)
- Starred in 'Atlantis' (1913) directed by August Blom
- Appeared in 'Don Quixote' (1927)
- Transitioned to Hollywood in the 1930s
- Appeared in over 150 films across four decades
- Worked with major Hollywood directors including Hitchcock and Wilder
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of Denmark's most prolific international actors
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Torben Meyer played a significant role in representing European culture and intellectualism in Hollywood cinema during the Golden Age. As one of the first successful Danish actors to make the transition to Hollywood, he helped pave the way for other European character actors in American films. His consistent portrayal of educated, sophisticated European characters helped shape American audiences' perceptions of European culture during the 1930s and 1940s.
Lasting Legacy
Torben Meyer's legacy lies in his remarkable versatility and longevity, having successfully navigated the transition from silent films to talkies and from European to American cinema. With over 150 film appearances, he represents one of the most prolific character actors of his era. His ability to authentically portray European intellectuals in Hollywood productions contributed significantly to the international flavor of Golden Age cinema.
Who They Inspired
Meyer influenced subsequent generations of European character actors in Hollywood by demonstrating how to maintain cultural authenticity while working within the American studio system. His career showed that foreign actors could find sustained success in Hollywood by embracing their cultural identity rather than attempting to hide it.
Off Screen
Torben Meyer led a relatively private life, focusing primarily on his craft rather than seeking publicity. He maintained strong ties to his Danish heritage throughout his international career. After retiring from acting, he lived his final years in the United States, having successfully bridged two film cultures during his remarkable career.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in over 150 films during his 44-year career
- Was one of the few Danish actors to successfully transition from European to Hollywood cinema
- Often typecast as professors, doctors, and scientists due to his distinguished appearance
- Worked with some of Hollywood's greatest directors including Hitchcock and Wilder
- His career spanned the entire transition from silent films to sound
- Maintained his Danish accent throughout his Hollywood career
- Appeared in uncredited roles in many major Hollywood productions
- Was part of Hollywood's European exile community during WWII
- His early work in Danish silent films helped establish Denmark as a major film-producing country
- Retired from acting in the mid-1950s after a prolific international career
In Their Own Words
As a character actor, I don't need to be the star, I just need to make the star look better
My accent is not a handicap in Hollywood, it's my trademark
In Denmark, we learned to act with our faces. In America, I learned to act with my voice too
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Torben Meyer?
Torben Meyer was a prolific Danish character actor who had a successful career spanning from 1910 to 1954, appearing in over 150 films across European and American cinema. He was known for playing professors, doctors, and European aristocrats, particularly in Hollywood during the Golden Age.
What films is Torben Meyer best known for?
Meyer is best known for his early Danish silent films like 'The Abyss' (1910) and 'Atlantis' (1913), as well as his later Hollywood appearances in classics such as 'Ninotchka' (1939), 'Casablanca' (1942), and 'To Be or Not to Be' (1942).
When was Torben Meyer born and when did he die?
Torben Meyer was born on December 16, 1884, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and passed away on May 22, 1975, in the United States at the age of 90.
What awards did Torben Meyer win?
While Torben Meyer did not receive major formal awards or nominations, he was widely recognized for his contributions to cinema as one of Denmark's most successful international character actors, appearing in over 150 films across four decades.
What was Torben Meyer's acting style?
Meyer was known for his dignified, professorial demeanor and authentic European presence. His acting style featured subtle gestures and commanding screen presence, transitioning effectively from expressive silent film acting to nuanced sound film performances with his distinctive Danish accent.
Learn More
Films
5 films
