Joachim Hansen, the iconic German movie officer of the 1950s and 1960s, was the epitome of masculinity and commanding presence. He brought to life renowned historical figures, such as Luftwaffe ace Hans Joachim Marseille in Der Stern von Afrika (1957) and Generaloberst Alfred Jodl in The Winds of War (1983) and War and Remembrance (1988).
Hansen's extensive international credits included portraying men in uniform, such as Captain Baumann in The Bridge at Remagen (1969),a British lieutenant caught in a sectarian uprising in India in Kali Yug, la dea della vendetta (1963),and a senior SS officer in The Eagle Has Landed (1976).
Born as a teacher's son, Hansen began his career as an English and French translator before studying acting at the Max Reinhardt Academy in Berlin. He was discovered by director Alfred Weidenmann, who cast him in his 1956 film debut. Hansen rarely found himself out of uniform, but remained firmly in command, taking on roles such as police inspectors in Das Geheimnis der schwarzen Koffer (1962),men of impeccable integrity in Via Mala (1961),or outdoorsy heroes in romantic melodramas like Duel with Death (1959).
As the 1970s and 1980s progressed, Hansen transitioned to character roles on the small screen. He emigrated to Canada in 1986, but returned to Germany for occasional theatrical appearances. Sadly, Hansen passed away in Berlin in September 2007 at the age of 77, following a stroke.
