Character Actor. After studying acting in Berlin and Vienna, Anton Diffring headed to America via Canada to start his film career. World War II was declared and he was interned in Canada as a subversive. Released after the war, he continued to Hollywood but had little success. The 1950s found him in England where the studios were making war movies. With his fair hair, stern face and chiseled German features, he was perfect for casting as a Nazi. His career soared appearing in numerous films, portraying vile, despicable Nazi villains. He appeared in some American movies, such as "Where Eagles Dare" and the "Colditz Story," but his mainstay was in English productions. Among castings in over one hundred movies were parts in "Counterpoint," "Operation Daybreak" and "Zeppelin." He was a regular on the TV series "Assignment Vienna" with guest appearances in the mini-series "The Winds of War." Diagnosed with cancer (complications of AIDS), he continued to work up until the disease took his life at his residence located in the South of France at Chateauneuj-de-Grasse.
Character Actor. After studying acting in Berlin and Vienna, Anton Diffring headed to America via Canada to start his film career. World War II was declared and he was interned in Canada as a subversive. Released after the war, he continued to Hollywood but had little success. The 1950s found him in England where the studios were making war movies. With his fair hair, stern face and chiseled German features, he was perfect for casting as a Nazi. His career soared appearing in numerous films, portraying vile, despicable Nazi villains. He appeared in some American movies, such as "Where Eagles Dare" and the "Colditz Story," but his mainstay was in English productions. Among castings in over one hundred movies were parts in "Counterpoint," "Operation Daybreak" and "Zeppelin." He was a regular on the TV series "Assignment Vienna" with guest appearances in the mini-series "The Winds of War." Diagnosed with cancer (complications of AIDS), he continued to work up until the disease took his life at his residence located in the South of France at Chateauneuj-de-Grasse.
Bio by: Susan Edwards
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