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. Turned down the role of "Oskar Schindler" on Schindler's List (1993). Lives in his hometown Zurich with homes in Venice and Berlin. 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.