Maximilian Schell

Maximilian Schell

Maximilian Schell (December 8, 1930 – February 1, 2014) was an Austrian-Swiss actor, director, and producer. He appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career.

Early Life and Education

Schell was born in Vienna, Austria, the son of Margarethe Noé von Nordberg and Hermann Ferdinand Schell, a writer and poet. He had a younger sister, Maria Schell, who also became an actress.

Schell attended the University of Vienna, where he studied literature and philosophy. He also studied acting at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna.

Career

Schell made his film debut in 1953, in the Austrian film "The Last Bridge". He went on to appear in a number of German and Austrian films, including "The Young Lions" (1958) and "Judgment at Nuremberg" (1961).

In 1961, Schell won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Judgment at Nuremberg. He was also nominated for Best Actor in 1966 for his performance in "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold".

In addition to his work in film, Schell also appeared in a number of television shows, including "The Prisoner" (1967) and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." (1968).

Schell also directed a number of films, including "The Pedestrian" (1973) and "Marlene" (1984). He also produced a number of films, including "The Rehearsal" (1974) and "Julia" (1977).

Personal Life

Schell was married three times. His first marriage was to actress Nastassja Kinski, from 1979 to 1992. His second marriage was to actress Iveta Kornelius, from 1994 to 2005. His third marriage was to actress Kate Noelle Goldstein, from 2011 until his death in 2014.

Schell died on February 1, 2014, in Innsbruck, Austria, at the age of 83. He had been suffering from pneumonia.

Legacy

Schell is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. He was known for his powerful performances and his ability to bring complex characters to life. He was also a talented director and producer.

Schell's work has been honored with numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Award. He is also a member of the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Schell was a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice. He was a member of the board of directors of Amnesty International and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He also spoke out against the Vietnam War and the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Schell was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a brilliant actor, a gifted director, and a passionate activist. He will be remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of cinema.