Herman Bing
Actor
About Herman Bing
Herman Bing was a German-American actor whose career spanned the transition from silent films to the golden age of Hollywood. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he began his film career as an assistant director to the legendary F.W. Murnau, working on the masterpiece 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' in 1927. Bing transitioned to acting and became one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors, appearing in over 120 films between 1927 and 1947. His distinctive German accent, portly build, and expressive face made him perfect for playing comic relief roles, often as waiters, hotel managers, or German officials. He worked with virtually every major studio and appeared alongside Hollywood's biggest stars, including Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, and Judy Garland. Despite being typecast, Bing brought professionalism and memorable presence to every role, no matter how small. His career was cut short by his untimely death at age 57, but he left behind an impressive body of work that exemplifies the character actor's crucial role in classical Hollywood cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Bing specialized in comic character roles with a distinctive German accent and expressive mannerisms. He was known for his ability to deliver memorable performances in brief appearances, often playing flustered officials, comical waiters, or slightly menacing European characters. His physical comedy timing and exaggerated reactions made him a reliable source of comic relief in dramatic films.
Milestones
- Assistant director to F.W. Murnau on 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' (1927)
- Appeared in over 120 films in 20-year career
- Notable supporting role in 'A Farewell to Arms' (1932)
- Memorable performances in 'The Great Ziegfeld' (1936) and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (1938)
- One of Hollywood's most prolific character actors of the 1930s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Herman Bing represented the essential character actor who populated Hollywood films during the studio era. His presence in over 120 films made him a familiar face to movie audiences of the 1930s and 1940s. As one of many European actors who found success in Hollywood, Bing helped create the multicultural tapestry of American cinema, bringing authentic European flavor to American films. His career exemplifies how typecast actors could build substantial careers by mastering specific character types.
Lasting Legacy
Herman Bing's legacy lies in his contribution to the rich texture of classical Hollywood cinema as a reliable character actor. While never a star, his performances added depth and comic relief to countless classic films. His work with F.W. Murnau on 'Sunrise' places him at the birth of American sound cinema history. Today, film scholars and classic movie enthusiasts recognize him as an example of the talented supporting actors who were the backbone of Hollywood's golden age.
Who They Inspired
Bing influenced subsequent generations of character actors by demonstrating how typecasting could be turned into a successful career strategy. His ability to make brief appearances memorable set a standard for supporting players. His work ethic and professionalism served as a model for other European actors seeking to build careers in Hollywood during the studio era.
Off Screen
Herman Bing married Austrian cabaret singer and actress Greta Keller in 1934, and they remained married until his death. The couple had no children together. Bing was known in Hollywood circles for his sense of humor and professionalism, despite being typecast throughout his career. He struggled with health issues in his later years and died of a heart attack at his home in Hollywood at the age of 57.
Education
Educated in Germany, studied theater and film in Berlin before entering the film industry
Family
- Greta Keller (1934-1947)
Did You Know?
- Was originally an assistant director before becoming an actor
- Worked directly with F.W. Murnau on 'Sunrise' before appearing in the film
- Spoke multiple languages fluently, including German, English, and French
- Despite his heavy German accent, he was born in Germany but became an American citizen
- Appeared in both 'The Great Ziegfeld' and its sequel 'Ziegfeld Girl'
- Was one of the few actors to work with both major studios and independent producers
- His distinctive appearance made him easily recognizable even in small roles
- Often played characters with the first name 'Herman' or 'Heinrich'
- Was a popular subject for caricaturists due to his distinctive features
- Died just as his career was reaching new heights with increasingly substantial roles
In Their Own Words
In Hollywood, they don't need actors who can speak German well, they need actors who sound like Americans think Germans should sound
Every character actor dreams of leading roles, but I've built a career being the best second banana in town
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Herman Bing?
Herman Bing was a German-American character actor who appeared in over 120 films from 1927 to 1947. He began his career as an assistant director to F.W. Murnau before becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable supporting actors, known for his German accent and comic timing.
What films is Herman Bing best known for?
Bing is best known for his work in 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' (1927) as both assistant director and actor, 'A Farewell to Arms' (1932), 'The Great Ziegfeld' (1936), 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (1938), and 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939). He appeared in numerous classic films of the 1930s and 1940s.
When was Herman Bing born and when did he die?
Herman Bing was born on March 30, 1889, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He died on January 9, 1947, at age 57 in Hollywood, California, from a heart attack.
What awards did Herman Bing win?
While Herman Bing did not win major acting awards during his lifetime, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the film industry. His legacy lies in his prolific career as a character actor rather than formal accolades.
What was Herman Bing's acting style?
Bing specialized in comic character roles with a distinctive German accent and expressive physical comedy. He excelled at playing flustered officials, comical waiters, and European dignitaries, bringing memorable presence to even the smallest roles through his timing and exaggerated reactions.
Learn More
Films
2 films
