Richard Sammel

Richard Sammel (born 13 October 1960) is a German actor whose career has spanned more than three decades, crossing international borders and language barriers. Born in Heidelberg, Baden‑Württemberg, West Germany, he grew up immersed in a culturally rich environment that shaped his multilingual abilities; besides his native German, he is fluent in English, French, and Italian, and proficient in Spanish. Starting his on‑screen journey in 1991, Sammel quickly established himself as a versatile character actor, appearing in over one hundred film and television productions. His early work in German cinema and television laid a solid foundation, but it was his breakthrough role as Sergeant Werner Rachtman in Quentin Tarantino’s 2009 World War II satire Inglourious Basterds that introduced him to a broader United States audience. Following this exposure, he continued to diversify his portfolio, taking on complex roles such as Thomas Eichhorst in the FX horror series The Strain (2014–2017), a performance that earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Television at the 41st Saturn Awards. In recent years, he has maintained a steady presence on European screens, notably appearing as Bernhardt Mueller in the French thriller miniseries The Rope (2021) and taking on the prominent supporting role of Carro Rylanz in the second season of the Star Wars series Andor (2025).

Beyond his professional achievements, Sammel’s personal life reflects a blend of cosmopolitan living and family dedication. He divides his time between Paris and Berlin, sharing a home with his long‑term partner, their son, and two daughters, totaling three children. His fluency in multiple languages not only enhances his acting range but also underscores his adaptability to varied cultural contexts, making him a sought‑after talent in both European and American productions. Sammel’s ongoing commitment to challenging roles and his ability to convey depth and nuance ensure his continued relevance in the evolving landscape of global cinema and television.