Person Biography:
Hubert von Meyerinck, a renowned German character actor, was born with a waxed moustache and monocle, exuding the image of a quintessential Prussian military man. His straight back and bald head added to his authoritarian demeanor, which was further accentuated by his condescending tone and raspy delivery. Von Meyerinck's grandfather was a commanding general, and his father was an army major and landowner. Initially, his parents had envisioned a career in the clergy for him, but he surprised them by pursuing acting classes.
Despite being invalided out of military service in World War I due to a lung condition, von Meyerinck made his theatrical debut in Berlin in 1917. He spent two years at the Hamburg Kammerspiele before returning to Berlin, where he established himself as a prominent figure on the legitimate stage and in cabaret. His notable partnerships included working with the then-unknown Marlene Dietrich in the 1927 revue "Es liegt was in der Luft".
Von Meyerinck's versatility as an actor allowed him to effortlessly transition between villainous roles and comedic parts. He often played oily swindlers, impoverished aristocrats, bigamists, and obtuse officials, showcasing his undeniable comic talent. His scene-stealing antics improved many a lesser picture, and his notable films include "The Company's in Love" (1932),"When Love Sets the Fashion" (1932),"Bel Ami" (1939),"Der tolle Bomberg" (1957),"Ein Mann geht durch die Wand" (1959),"The Haunted Castle" (1960),and "One, Two, Three" (1961).
Between 1965 and 1969, von Meyerinck was given the freedom to showcase his comedic skills as the bumbling Scotland Yard chief Sir Arthur in five Edgar Wallace crime thrillers. He continued to act prolifically, appearing in 294 films, and also returned to the stage, joining the Thalia Theater in Hamburg in 1966. Von Meyerinck passed away from pneumonia in May 1971, leaving behind a legacy as one of Germany's most beloved and versatile character actors.
