Hansjörg Felmy was the son of senior Luftwaffe general Hellmuth Felmy, who rose to corps command in the closing stages of the Second World War. Growing up in Braunschweig, Felmy initially worked in the locksmiths and printing trades before discovering his passion for the arts.
He joined a travelling theatrical troupe, took acting classes, and made his stage debut in 1950 in Carl Zuckmayer's "Des Teufels General". Felmy's good looks, charming on-screen presence, and acting ability quickly made him a popular star.
During the 1950s and early 1960s, Felmy landed numerous high-profile film roles, including "Der Maulkorb", "Aren't We Wonderful?", "The Buddenbrooks", and the epic family saga "Duel with Death". He emerged as one of Germany's most bankable and popular stars of the time.
As German cinema's quality began to decline, Felmy shifted his focus to theatrical work and dubbing, notably for international stars like Jack Nicholson and Michael Caine. He made his international film debut in Alfred Hitchcock's "Torn Curtain" in 1966.
Felmy continued to appear in commercially successful films, including Edgar Wallace potboilers like "The Mad Executioners" and "The Monster of London City". After a five-year hiatus, his screen career was revived when he was signed by WDR to star as thoughtful police inspector Heinz Haferkamp in the long-running TV series "Tatort" in 1970.
Felmy played Haferkamp for six years, becoming one of Germany's most popular TV actors. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 76 due to osteoporosis.
