Hermann Göring
Actor
About Hermann Göring
Hermann Wilhelm Göring (or Goering) was not an actor but rather a prominent German Nazi politician and military leader. Born in 1893, he served as a World War I fighter pilot ace before becoming one of Adolf Hitler's closest associates and the second-most powerful man in Nazi Germany. Göring founded the Gestapo, commanded the Luftwaffe, and played a central role in the Holocaust and other Nazi atrocities. He was captured at the end of World War II, tried at the Nuremberg Trials, and convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. On October 15, 1946, just hours before his scheduled execution, he committed suicide by cyanide poisoning in his prison cell. There is no record of him having any acting career or appearing in films as an actor.
The Craft
Milestones
- World War I fighter pilot ace
- Founder of the Gestapo
- Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe
- Reich Marshal of the Greater German Reich
- Hitler's designated successor until 1945
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Pour le Mérite (1918)
- Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (1940)
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Hermann Göring had no cultural impact as an actor or filmmaker. His historical impact is that of a major war criminal and architect of the Nazi regime. His image and speeches have appeared in countless documentaries and historical films about World War II, but he himself never participated in cinema as a performer or creator.
Lasting Legacy
Göring's legacy is that of one of the primary architects of the Third Reich and its crimes. At the Nuremberg Trials, he became the face of Nazi defiance, using the proceedings as a platform to defend Nazi policies until his suicide. His name remains synonymous with Nazi corruption, military aggression, and crimes against humanity.
Who They Inspired
Göring had no influence on cinema or acting. His influence was purely political and military, serving as Hitler's second-in-command and directing the German air force during World War II.
Off Screen
Göring was married twice, first to Carin von Kantzow (who died in 1931) and later to actress Emmy Sonnemann. He had one daughter with his second wife. Known for his extravagant lifestyle, addiction to morphine, and collection of stolen art treasures. His personal life was marked by corruption, decadence, and increasingly erratic behavior as the war progressed.
Education
Attended military cadet schools, studied at the University of Munich, trained at the War Academy in Berlin
Family
- Carin von Kantzow (1923-1931, her death)
- Emmy Sonnemann (1935-1946, his death)
Did You Know?
- Despite being a decorated WWI pilot, Göring had minimal actual combat experience in WWII
- He was a morphine addict for much of his Nazi career
- His art collection contained over 1,300 stolen paintings
- He famously declared 'If I say to you that my Luftwaffe could destroy the entire British Air Force... then I am a liar'
- At Nuremberg, he defended himself and was considered the most intelligent defendant
- He weighed over 280 pounds at his capture due to his luxurious lifestyle
- His cyanide suicide at Nuremberg remains a mystery as to how he obtained the poison
In Their Own Words
Guns will make us powerful; butter will only make us fat.
I have no conscience... My conscience is Adolf Hitler.
In a war, there is no prize for the runner-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hermann Göring?
Hermann Göring was a German Nazi politician and military leader, serving as Hitler's second-in-command and commander of the Luftwaffe. He was not an actor but one of the main architects of the Third Reich convicted of war crimes at Nuremberg.
What films is Hermann Göring best known for?
Hermann Göring was not an actor and did not appear in any films as a performer. Archival footage of him has appeared in countless documentaries about World War II and the Nazi era.
When was Hermann Göring born and when did he die?
Hermann Göring was born on January 12, 1893, in Rosenheim, Bavaria, and died by suicide on October 15, 1946, in Nuremberg prison after being convicted of war crimes.
What awards did Hermann Göring win?
Göring received military decorations including the Pour le Mérite and Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, but no film or entertainment awards as he was not involved in cinema.
What was Hermann Göring's role in Nazi Germany?
Göring was Reich Marshal, Hitler's designated successor until 1945, commander of the Luftwaffe, founder of the Gestapo, and one of the primary architects of the Holocaust and Nazi war crimes.
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Films
1 film
