Eberhard August Franz Ewald Krüger, later known as Hardy Kruger, was born in Wedding, Berlin, to Auguste (Meier) and Max Krüger. At the age of thirteen, he joined the "Hitler Jugend" (Hitler Youth),a mandatory organization for all 13-year-old boys in Germany at the time, aimed at preparing them for military service.
Krüger made his film debut at 15 in the German picture "Junge Adler" (1944),but his acting career was interrupted when he was drafted into the German army in 1944 at the age of 16 and posted to an infantry regiment.
Years later, Krüger reflected on his experiences during World War II, stating that he "hated that [Nazi] uniform." During the filming of "A Bridge Too Far" (1977),he wore a top-coat over his S.S. uniform between takes to avoid being reminded of his childhood in Germany during World War II.
After the war, Krüger returned to acting and was "discovered" by foreign film distributor J. Arthur Rank, who cast him in three British pictures: "The One That Got Away" (1957),"Bachelor of Hearts" (1958),and "Chance Meeting" (1959). These films launched Krüger's international career, despite the anti-German sentiment that still prevailed in postwar Europe.
Krüger's rugged good looks and charisma made him a heartthrob, paving the way for his first American role alongside John Wayne in the wildlife adventure "Hatari!" (1962).
