GermanActorComedianWorld War II

Heinz Schubert (actor)

Heinz Schubert was a prominent German actor, drama teacher, and photographer, known for his iconic role as Alfred Tetzlaff and his photography.

1. Life

Heinz Schubert's life journey encompassed significant periods of professional development in both East and West Germany, alongside a deep commitment to education in the performing arts.

1.1. Childhood and Education

Born in Berlin on 12 November 1925, Heinz Schubert was the son of a master tailor. His formative years were shaped by the tumultuous period of World War II, during which he became a prisoner of war. Following his release from captivity, he pursued his passion for the performing arts by attending drama school, laying the foundation for his extensive career.

1.2. Early Career and Activities

Schubert's professional career began to flourish in the early 1950s. In 1951, he received a direct invitation from the renowned playwright and director Bertolt Brecht to join his prestigious Berliner Ensemble. Schubert remained a dedicated member of this influential theatre company until 1961. His tenure there ended due to the construction of the Berlin Wall, which effectively divided the city and limited his ability to continue working in East Berlin.

Following this geopolitical shift, Schubert relocated to West Germany, where he continued his theatrical career, performing in major cities such as Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Berlin. Concurrently, he dedicated himself to drama education, initially serving as a docent and later, in 1985, being awarded a professorship at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg. His foray into film began in 1958 with DEFA productions, where he reprised his well-known Berliner Ensemble role of Schweizerkas in the film adaptation of Brecht's drama. He also appeared in fairy tale films and the popular DEFA Das Stacheltier series. From 1961 onwards, his work expanded into television productions in West Germany.

2. Acting Career

Heinz Schubert's acting career was marked by his exceptional range and ability to inhabit diverse characters across various media, from the rigorous demands of stage acting to the broad reach of film and television.

2.1. Stage Acting

Schubert's theatrical foundation was laid during his significant tenure with the Berliner Ensemble from 1951 to 1961, under the direct guidance of Bertolt Brecht. Here, he honed his craft and became known for roles such as Schweizerkas. After moving to West Germany in 1961, he continued to be a prominent figure in theatre, performing in numerous productions in cities like Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Berlin, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile stage actor.

2.2. Film and Television Appearances

Schubert's extensive work in film and television showcased his remarkable adaptability. He appeared in early DEFA productions, including My Wife Makes Music (1958) and Das Feuerzeug (1959). His international presence was notable, with a role alongside Michael Caine in the British spy film Funeral in Berlin (1966).

2.2.1. Major Role: "Ein Herz und eine Seele" (Ekel Alfred)

Schubert's most famous and defining role was that of Ekel Alfred ("Nasty Alfred") in the satirical ARD television series Ein Herz und eine Seele, which premiered in 1973. Written by Wolfgang Menge, the series was an adaptation of the British show Till Death Us Do Part by Johnny Speight. The program became immensely popular, drawing a huge audience due to its controversial themes and direct language, which often made headlines. Schubert's portrayal of Alfred Tetzlaff, a tyrannical bigot and the German equivalent to characters like Alf Garnett or Archie Bunker, was both critically acclaimed and socially impactful. His character's hairstyle and mannerisms were noted for their unsettling resemblance to those of German dictator Adolf Hitler, adding a layer of potent social commentary to the role. Despite the character's immense popularity, Schubert later expressed a strong desire to distance himself from the role, which had become synonymous with his public image.

2.2.2. Other Notable Roles

Demonstrating his wide-ranging talent, Schubert took on a variety of other significant roles. He received considerable praise for his portrayal of Hadschi Halef Omar in the 26-part ZDF television series Kara Ben Nemsi Effendi (1973/1975), an adaptation of the adventure books by Karl May. In film, he starred in productions such as Strongman Ferdinand (Der starke FerdinandGerman, 1976) and the highly acclaimed Hitler: A Film from Germany (1977), in which he impressively played both Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler, showcasing his ability to embody complex and often dark historical figures. His later television work included playing the private detective Fetzer in Detektivbüro Roth (1986-1987) and Dr. Fink in the ZDF film The Great Bellheim (Der große BellheimGerman, 1993). In 1996, he reunited with writer Wolfgang Menge for Mit einem Bein im Grab, a series based on the British sitcom One Foot in the Grave, where he played the main role of Viktor Bölkhoff. His final film role was in The Volcano (1999).

2.3. Theater Education

Beyond his performances, Heinz Schubert was also a dedicated educator in the performing arts. His commitment to nurturing new talent culminated in his appointment as a professor at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg in 1985, a position from which he significantly contributed to the training and development of future generations of actors.

3. Photography Activities

In addition to his distinguished acting career, Heinz Schubert cultivated a parallel passion for photography, through which he developed a distinctive artistic vision.

3.1. Major Works and Exhibitions

Schubert became particularly renowned for his unique photographic subjects, focusing extensively on shop window displays and mannequins. This body of work, characterized by its intriguing visual narratives and often surreal quality, gained significant recognition. His photographs were notably exhibited at documenta 6, a major international contemporary art exhibition held in Kassel in 1977, affirming his standing as a serious artist beyond the realm of acting.

3.2. Photo Book Publication

To further share his photographic artistry, Schubert published a dedicated photo book in 1979 titled Theater im Schaufenster (Theater im SchaufensterGerman, "Theatre in the Shop Window"). This publication provided a comprehensive look into his visual artistry, thematic interests, and his unique perspective on the intersection of commerce, display, and human representation.

4. Filmography

  • Katzgraben (1957) - Günther, ein junger Bergmann
  • My Wife Makes Music (1958) - Spießer
  • Das Stacheltier - Der junge Engländer (1958)
  • Geschichte vom armen Hassan (1958) - Wasserhändler
  • Sie nannten ihn Amigo (1959) - Dicker Gestapo-Mann
  • Das Feuerzeug (1959) - Der Geizige
  • Mother Courage and Her Children (1961) - Schweizerkas
  • Italienisches Capriccio (1961)
  • On the Sunny Side (1962) - Felix Schnepf
  • My Daughter and I (1963) - Detektiv
  • Doktor Murkes gesammeltes Schweigen (1964, TV Movie) - Schnabel
  • Emil and the Detectives (1964) - Grundeis
  • Funeral in Berlin (1966) - Aaron Levine
  • Tattoo (1967) - Auctioneer
  • Das Messer (1971, TV Mini-Series) - Police Inspector Bird
  • Tatort (1971-1995, TV Series) - Kommissar a.D. Leo Felber / Hans Gebhardt / Dr. Gottschling
  • Ein Herz und eine Seele (1973-1976, TV Series) - Alfred Tetzlaff
  • Kara Ben Nemsi Effendi (1973-1975, TV Series) - Hadschi Halef Omar
  • A Lost Life (1976)
  • Strongman Ferdinand (1976) - Ferdinand Rieche
  • Hitler: A Film from Germany (1977) - Zirkusdirektor / Heinrich Himmler / Himmler-Puppenspieler / Adolf Hitler
  • Zwei himmlische Töchter (1978, TV Mini-Series) - Fluglotse
  • Es begann bei Tiffany (1979, TV Movie) - Leo Timpe
  • Obszön - Der Fall Peter Herzel (1981) - Dr. Dieter Flake
  • High Society Limited (1982) - Kolbe
  • Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht (1982)
  • Konrad oder das Kind aus der Konservenbüchse (1982) - Apotheker Egon
  • Love Is Not an Argument (1984)
  • Detektivbüro Roth (1986-1987, TV Series) - Egon Fetzer
  • Europa, abends (1989) - Frisör
  • Stein und Bein (1991, TV Movie) - Erwin Stein
  • The Great Bellheim (1993, TV Mini-Series) - Dr. Erich Fink
  • The Lucona Affair (1993) - Minister Kurt Bach
  • Chacun pour toi (1993) - Botha
  • Zwei alte Hasen (1994-1995, TV Series) - Wille Wuttke
  • Mit einem Bein im Grab (1996-1998, TV Series) - Viktor Bölkoff
  • Hundert Jahre Brecht (1998)
  • Silberdisteln (1998, TV Movie) - Alfons Schambeck
  • The Volcano (1999) - Jewish man (final film role)

5. Awards

Heinz Schubert's significant contributions to German acting and the arts were recognized with several prestigious awards. He received the Goldene Kamera in 1993, an award for outstanding achievements in German television and film. In 1994, he was honored with the Adolf Grimme Award, one of Germany's most esteemed television awards, further cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.

6. Personal Life

Heinz Schubert was born into a family with a background in craftsmanship, as his father was a master tailor. Public documentation of his personal life beyond his professional career is limited.

7. Death

Heinz Schubert passed away on 12 February 1999, in Hamburg, Germany, at the age of 73. His death was caused by pneumonia. He was subsequently buried in Schleswig-Holstein.

8. Assessment and Impact

Heinz Schubert's multifaceted career left a lasting impact on German culture, characterized by his profound versatility as an actor and his distinctive contributions to photography. His work often served as a mirror reflecting societal nuances and challenges.

8.1. Positive Assessment

Schubert was widely acclaimed for his exceptional acting talent and remarkable range, which allowed him to transition seamlessly between comedic and dramatic roles, and from stage to screen. His performances, such as the critically praised portrayal of Hadschi Halef Omar, showcased his ability to bring depth and authenticity to diverse characters. Beyond acting, his photographic work, particularly his focus on shop windows and mannequins, was recognized for its unique artistic vision and its inclusion in significant exhibitions like documenta 6 underscored his merit as a visual artist.

8.2. Criticism and Controversy

While celebrated for his acting prowess, Schubert's most iconic role as Ekel Alfred in Ein Herz und eine Seele also sparked considerable societal discussion and controversy. The character's embodiment of bigotry, authoritarianism, and outdated prejudices, coupled with mannerisms reminiscent of Adolf Hitler, served as a sharp, albeit uncomfortable, commentary on contemporary German society. The series directly confronted sensitive social and political themes, leading to widespread public debate about the nature of satire and its role in exposing societal ills. Schubert himself expressed a desire to move beyond the character, highlighting the complex relationship between an actor and a role that becomes overwhelmingly popular and polarizing. This role, while a testament to his acting skill, also positioned him at the center of discussions regarding the reflection and critique of social prejudices in popular media.