Gave his debut as an actor in 1962. Member of the 'Wiener Burgtheater' in Vienna since 1972. Played at the 'Salzburger Festspiele' since 1975. Directed plays since 1977. Debuted as a movie actor in 1972.
Took his acting name from his mother, whose maiden name was Maria Brandauer. Acted in German, Hungarian, English and French language films. Has a professorship at the Max Reinhardt Seminary in Vienna, Austria. Honorary doctorate by the University of Tel Aviv, Israel. Member of the Wiener Burgtheater since 1972. Before Sean Connery was cast, was considered for the role of Marko Ramius in The Hunt for Red October. Head of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival 1987 Lives in his hometown Bad Aussee, Vienna and New York. Attended the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Stuttgart, but abandoned his studies after one year (1963). Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 1989.