What's After the Movie
Hanns Zischler
Hanns Zischler (born 18 June 1947 in Nuremberg, then part of Allied‑occupied Germany) is a prolific German actor whose career spans more than five decades and includes appearances in over three hundred films and television productions. He first gained critical attention through his close collaboration with the legendary director Wim Wenders, starring in early masterpieces such as Summer in the City (1970) and the road‑movie classic Kings of the Road (1976), where his nuanced performance helped define the introspective style of New German Cinema. Zischler’s versatility quickly moved him beyond Germany’s borders; he became an international presence with a memorable turn as Hans in Steven Spielberg’s Munich (2005), portraying a weary yet determined figure caught in the aftermath of the Munich massacre, and later embodied the Russian mafia boss Igor Sergeyevich Baklanov in the 1996 pilot TV‑movie Der Clown.
His extensive filmography reflects a willingness to work across genres and languages, from the haunting drama Europa Europa (1990) to the political thriller Amen. (2002) and the critically acclaimed Clouds of Sils Maria (2014). In Scandinavia, Zischler is especially recognized for his role as Josef Hillman in the second season of the Swedish Martin Beck TV series, a part that, although dubbed, cemented his reputation as a reliable character actor in the region.
Beyond the screen, Zischler has contributed to numerous television series, including the long‑running German crime series Tatort, and has worked with celebrated directors such as Agnieszka Holland, Claude Chabrol, and Costa‑Gavras. His continuous presence in both art‑house and commercial productions demonstrates a remarkable adaptability and an enduring passion for storytelling.
As of today, Zischler remains active, appearing in recent projects like The Universal Theory (2023) and the upcoming 1949, proving that his talent and commitment to the craft continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Hanns Zischler, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Hanns Zischler rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Hanns Zischler
Born: Nuremberg, Allied-occupied Germany
Citizenship: German
Birthday: June 18, 1947
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1968-present
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Hanns Zischler
Black Island
The Universal Theory
Voyage to ‘Metropolis’
Blessed Events
Playoff
Rommel
George
King Ordinary
Aghet
Nils Holgerssons wunderbare Reise
Whispers Behind the Wall
Stille Nächte
Zettl
Heil
All of a Sudden
Chamisso’s Shadow
Ein Mann unter Verdacht
1917: The Real October
Crash Test Aglae
Der große Rudolph
What Happens In Your Brain If You See a German Word Like…?
A Prominent Patient
Axolotl Overkill
Whatever Happens Next
Outside the Box
Paradiso - Sieben Tage mit sieben Frauen
Venus Talking
Beck 10 - The Man Without a Face
Der Tanz mit dem Teufel - Die Entführung des Richard Oetker
Beck 11 - The Cartel
Beck 12 - The Loner
Beck 14 - The Advertising Man
Allmen and the Dragonflies
Relativity
666: In Bed with the Devil
Beck 15 - The Boy in the Glass Ball
Post Impact
Beck 16 - The Last Witness
Small Cuts
Two Days of Hope
Red & Blue
Saltimbank
Woman Driving, Man Sleeping
A Perfect Friend
March of Millions
A Fine Day
Beck 13 - Sender Unknown
Ripley’s Game
Day of Disaster
Tracing Battleship Potemkin
Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim Wenders
Malevil
Strike Back
Doctor Faustus
Berlin Chamissoplatz
Angels of Iron
A Woman in Flames
The Unburdening
System Without Shadow
Germany Year 90 Nine Zero
The Berlin Affair
My Dear Subject
The Venus Trap
Le Dernier Mot
The French Revolution
The Rose Garden
Dr. M
Pharos of Chaos
Tarot
The French as Seen by…
Wim Wenders, Desperado
A Place Called Dignity
Domino
Pharos of Chaos
The Meetings of Anna
The Open Universe
The Cement Garden
Auge in Auge - Eine deutsche Filmgeschichte
Salt on Our Skin
Manhunt
Kings of the Road
Herzsprung
Same Player Shoots Again
Black Sun
The Left-Handed Woman
Charlie & Louise - Das doppelte Lottchen
Hilde
A Year Ago in Winter
A Girl Called Rosemarie
John Cranko
Drancy Future
So Long Daddy, See You in Hell
23
Summer in the City
David
Die Bubi Scholz Story
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Hanns Zischler, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2017
1917: The Real October
Alexander Benois (voice)
Crash Test Aglae
Friedrich Fürstenberg, CEO
Axolotl Overkill
Film Award Laudator
2016
All of a Sudden
Klaus
Chamisso’s Shadow
Adelbert von Chamisso (voice)
Ein Mann unter Verdacht
Anjas Vater
A Prominent Patient
Dr. Stein
Allmen and the Dragonflies
Hirt Senior
2015
Heil
Grad Ludbert zu Regenstauf
What Happens In Your Brain If You See a German Word Like…?
Narrator (voice)
Outside the Box
Bruno Bickstein
2008
Auge in Auge - Eine deutsche Filmgeschichte
Self
Manhunt
Klaus Barbie
A Year Ago in Winter
Dr. Thomas Richter
2003
Small Cuts
Verekher
Two Days of Hope
Wiedemeyer (uncredited)
Red & Blue
Samuel Eisenstein
Saltimbank
Johann Kreisler
2002
Beck 12 - The Loner
Josef Hillman
Beck 14 - The Advertising Man
Josef Hillman
666: In Bed with the Devil
Prince of Darkness
Beck 15 - The Boy in the Glass Ball
Josef Hillman
Beck 16 - The Last Witness
Josef Hillman
Beck 13 - Sender Unknown
Josef Hillman
Ripley’s Game
Art Dealer
2001
Venus Talking
Beck 10 - The Man Without a Face
Josef Hillman
Der Tanz mit dem Teufel - Die Entführung des Richard Oetker
Oetker's Attorney
Beck 11 - The Cartel
Josef Hillman
A Fine Day
Regisseur
1988
My Dear Subject
Hans
The Venus Trap
Kurt
Le Dernier Mot
The French as Seen by…
(Segment "Le Français entendu par Jean-Luc Godard")
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