Roland Varno, a man of diverse and fascinating experiences, was blessed with a remarkable family, including his daughter, Jill Taggart. His sister, Anneke, was a renowned figure in her own right, serving as the beloved advice columnist, Dear Abby of Holland, for many years.
Varno's early life was marked by a unique blend of international influences. He spent his younger years on the exotic island of Java, before returning to his native Holland as a teenager. This was followed by a move to Berlin in the late 1920s, where he gained recognition and appeared alongside the legendary Marlene Dietrich in the iconic film, Der Blaue Engel (The Blue Angel).
The allure of the silver screen beckoned, and Varno made his way to the United States in 1930 to star in the highly acclaimed film, "All Quiet on the Western Front." However, fate had other plans, as his ship was stalled in the Atlantic, and the role ultimately went to Lew Ayres, who would go on to become a major star and a lifelong friend to Varno.
Varno's remarkable journey continued as he joined the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) during World War II, where he honed his skills by learning Japanese. His fluency in German, combined with his Japanese proficiency, made him an invaluable asset in creating propaganda war films. He played a wide range of roles, from a cunning spy to a fearless freedom-fighter, showcasing his impressive versatility as a performer.
