Bruno Ganz debuted at the theatre in 1961 and gained there a good reputation as a solid, young actor. In 1970 he founded with 'Peter Stein' the theatre company "Schaubuehne" of Berlin. His debut at the movies was early and unsuccessful in 1960. Only in 1975 after "Sommergaeste (1975)" he could show his talent as a reflexive actor with tendencies towards introspection.
Son of a Swiss worker and his Northern Italian wife. Inherited the mysterious Iffland-Ring from Josef Meinrad, which is given to the most important actor of German speaking theater since 200 years (February 1996). Turned down the role of "Oskar Schindler" on Schindler's List. His role on The Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich made him the first German-speaking actor playing Adolf Hitler. His son Daniel was born in 1972. Lives in his hometown Zurich, Venice and Berlin. Played the leading character in a 13-hour stage performance of "Faust I" and "Faust II" (2000). Chosen "Actor of the Year" in 1973 by "Theater heute" magazine for his role in "Der Ignorant und der Wahnsinnige" at the Salzburg Theater Festival.