Klaus Kinski

Born as Klaus Günter Karl Nakszynski on October 18, 1926, in Zoppot, Free City of Danzig (now Sopot, Poland), Klaus Kinski was a acclaimed German actor. Noted for his intense performance style and volatile personality, he appeared in over 130 films over a 40-year career spanning from 1948 to 1988. He is best known for his collaborations with Director Werner Herzog, which included five films from 1972 to 1987 (Aguirre, the Wrath of God; Nosferatu the Vampyre; Woyzeck; Fitzcarraldo; and Cobra Verde). His roles spanned genres, languages, and nationalities. Kinski was often remembered for his emotional outbursts, which complicated his relationships with his directors and co-stars. Despite accusations of physical and sexual abuse that emerged posthumously, Kinski's notoriety and prolific output have led to a widespread cult following and a reputation as a popular icon.

Kinski grew up in Berlin after his family moved there due to the Great Depression. His performances began during his internment in the British prisoner-of-war camp towards the end of World War II. By the end of the war, Kinski returned to Germany and began his acting career at a small touring company in Offenburg, and eventually moved to theater companies, despite frequently encountering problems due to his emotional volatility. He ventured into film work starting with small roles and gradually made his mark in various European exploitation films as well as acclaimed international films. Kinski has also written, directed, and starred in a biopic of violinist Niccolò Paganini. His last film was Paganini in 1989.