Conrad Veidt
Actor
About Conrad Veidt
Conrad Veidt was one of the most distinctive and influential actors of the silent era and early sound period, renowned for his intense, expressionistic performances and striking appearance. Born in Berlin, he began his career on the stage before transitioning to film during the golden age of German Expressionist cinema. Veidt achieved international fame with his haunting portrayal of Cesare in 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920), which established him as a master of psychological horror and dramatic intensity. His career flourished in Weimar Germany with roles in groundbreaking films like 'Different from the Others' (1919), one of cinema's first sympathetic portrayals of a homosexual character, and 'The Man Who Laughs' (1928), where his disfigured smile became iconic. After the Nazis rose to power, Veidt, who was fiercely anti-Nazi and had a Jewish wife, fled Germany and eventually settled in Hollywood, where he successfully transitioned to English-language films. His final and perhaps most famous role was as Major Strasser in 'Casablanca' (1942), though he died of a heart attack shortly after filming was completed, cementing his legacy as one of cinema's most memorable character actors.
The Craft
On Screen
Veidt was a master of German Expressionist acting, characterized by highly stylized movements, exaggerated facial expressions, and intense emotional delivery. His tall, gaunt frame and striking features made him perfect for playing tormented souls, villains, and psychologically complex characters. He could convey deep emotion through subtle gestures and had a remarkable ability to create memorable, often disturbing characters through physical transformation. His style evolved from the exaggerated expressions of silent film to more nuanced performances in talkies, while maintaining his distinctive intensity and screen presence.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role as Cesare in 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920)
- Starred in the first pro-gay film 'Different from the Others' (1919)
- Iconic performance as Gwynplaine in 'The Man Who Laughs' (1928)
- Successful transition from German to Hollywood cinema
- Memorable final role as Major Strasser in 'Casablanca' (1942)
- Became one of the highest-paid actors in Weimar Germany
- Fled Nazi Germany due to his anti-fascist beliefs and Jewish wife
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (located at 6525 Hollywood Blvd)
- Posthumous recognition as a prominent anti-Nazi figure in cinema
- Cited as influence on generations of character actors and horror film performers
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Conrad Veidt's impact on cinema extends far beyond his filmography. As a pioneer of German Expressionist cinema, he helped establish visual and performance techniques that would influence horror and psychological thriller genres for decades. His role in 'Different from the Others' was groundbreaking for its sympathetic portrayal of homosexuality at a time when such themes were taboo. Veidt's distinctive appearance and acting style influenced countless actors who followed, particularly in the horror and villain genres. His character Gwynplaine's fixed smile in 'The Man Who Laughs' reportedly inspired the creation of the Joker in Batman comics. By fleeing Nazi Germany and continuing his career in Hollywood, he became a symbol of artistic resistance to fascism.
Lasting Legacy
Conrad Veidt's legacy endures through his iconic performances that continue to captivate audiences and influence filmmakers. He is remembered as one of the most distinctive character actors of his era, capable of transforming himself completely for each role. His work in German Expressionist cinema represents the pinnacle of that artistic movement, while his Hollywood career demonstrated his versatility and adaptability. Veidt's moral courage in opposing the Nazi regime has made him a figure of admiration beyond his cinematic achievements. His performances, particularly as tormented souls and memorable villains, continue to be studied by film scholars and actors. The lasting power of his most famous roles, especially in 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' and 'Casablanca', ensures his place in cinema history.
Who They Inspired
Veidt's influence on cinema is profound and multifaceted. His expressionistic acting style influenced generations of horror actors, from Boris Karloff to Christopher Lee. The visual impact of his performances, particularly his ability to convey psychological torment through physical expression, became a template for character actors in psychological thrillers. Directors studying German Expressionism often cite his work as exemplary. His career path from European art cinema to Hollywood mainstream showed other actors the possibility of international success. The Joker character in Batman comics was reportedly inspired by his performance in 'The Man Who Laughs', demonstrating his cultural impact beyond cinema. His principled stand against Nazism also influenced other artists to use their platforms for political resistance.
Off Screen
Conrad Veidt was married three times and had one daughter. His personal life was marked by his courage in opposing the Nazi regime and his dedication to his Jewish wife, whom he helped escape Germany. Despite his intimidating screen persona, colleagues described him as gentle, kind, and highly professional. He was known for his intellectual pursuits and spoke multiple languages fluently. Veidt's decision to leave his successful career in Germany rather than work with the Nazis demonstrated his moral convictions, and he donated part of his Hollywood earnings to the British war effort.
Education
Studied acting under Max Reinhardt at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin
Family
- Auguste 'Gussy' Holl (1914-1921)
- Felicicitas Radke (1923-1932)
- Lilli Ilse 'Lilli' Damita (1933-1935)
- Käthe 'Käthe' von Nagy (1939-1943)
Did You Know?
- He was one of the first actors to play a sympathetic homosexual character in 'Different from the Others' (1919)
- His character's smile in 'The Man Who Laughs' inspired the creation of the Joker in Batman comics
- He was a committed anti-Nazi and used his own money to help people escape from Germany
- Despite playing villains, he was known as one of the kindest people in Hollywood
- He spoke four languages fluently: German, English, French, and Hungarian
- He was one of the highest-paid actors in Germany during the 1920s
- His final film 'Casablanca' was released six months after his death
- He was 6'3" tall, unusually tall for actors of his era
- He legally adopted his wife's daughter from a previous marriage
- He donated part of his salary from 'Casablanca' to the British war effort
- His death certificate listed his occupation as 'Actor' and 'Anti-Nazi'
In Their Own Words
I have been a soldier and I know what horror is. I have seen too much horror. I don't want to see it any more.
I am not a political man. I am an artist. But I cannot work for these people.
In America, they don't care if you're a good actor. They care if you're a good character.
The camera is the most honest instrument in the world. It cannot lie.
I would rather be a poor actor in a free country than a rich actor in a dictatorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Conrad Veidt?
Conrad Veidt was a German actor who became one of the most distinctive performers of the silent era and early sound period. He was renowned for his work in German Expressionist cinema and later as a character actor in Hollywood, famous for his intense performances and striking appearance.
What films is Conrad Veidt best known for?
Veidt is best known for 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920) as Cesare, 'The Man Who Laughs' (1928) as Gwynplaine, 'Different from the Others' (1919), and his final role as Major Strasser in 'Casablanca' (1942). These performances showcase his range from expressionist horror to classic Hollywood drama.
When was Conrad Veidt born and when did he die?
Conrad Veidt was born on January 22, 1893, in Berlin, Germany, and died on April 3, 1943, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 50. He suffered a fatal heart attack while playing golf, just six months before 'Casablanca' was released.
What awards did Conrad Veidt win?
Despite his significant contributions to cinema, Conrad Veidt did not receive major formal awards during his lifetime. However, he was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is widely recognized as a pioneering figure in film history, particularly for his work in German Expressionist cinema.
What was Conrad Veidt's acting style?
Veidt was a master of German Expressionist acting, characterized by stylized movements, intense emotional delivery, and the ability to convey deep psychological states through physical expression. His tall, gaunt frame and striking features made him perfect for tormented characters and villains, and he could create memorable transformations through subtle gestures and facial expressions.
Why did Conrad Veidt leave Germany?
Veidt left Germany in 1933 when the Nazis came to power. He was fiercely anti-Nazi, and his third wife was Jewish, putting them both in danger. Rather than work for the regime, he chose to abandon his successful career and flee, eventually settling in Hollywood where he continued his acting career.
How did Conrad Veidt influence popular culture?
Veidt's influence extends beyond cinema to popular culture, most notably through his character Gwynplaine in 'The Man Who Laughs,' which reportedly inspired the creation of the Joker in Batman comics. His expressionistic acting style influenced generations of horror actors and psychological thriller performers.
Learn More
Films
11 films
