Spoke openly about his affairs and problems with alcoholism. After
another breakdown in 2000, he suffered from mental derangement and
lived in a nursing home until his death.
Grew up in Wedding, a working-class district in Berlin, as son of a
policeman.
One of Germany's most famous singers and actors. The tabloids
considered him as "Germany's Frank Sinatra", and his most famous song was the
German version of "I Did It My Way".
Made his debut as a theatrical director in 1969 in Munich.
Interrupted medical studies to take first acting lessons under Marliese Ludwig. Came to the fore on stage with the Freie Volksbuehne in Berlin, 1950-55.