95th Birthday: Armin Mueller-Stahl

Armin Mueller-Stahl can rightly be described as a true acting legend. His remarkable career mirrors the divided history of Germany in a unique way. As one of the most popular screen stars of the former East Germany, he shaped films such as "Naked Among Wolves" and "Jacob the Liar," repeatedly confronting Germany’s Nazi past in his roles. His courageous support for the expatriated singer-songwriter Wolf Biermann brought him into conflict with the authorities. Effectively banned from working, he moved to West Germany in 1980. Soon afterwards, Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "Lola" (1981) opened the door to a second, international career. Mueller-Stahl went on to become one of the most sought-after character actors, working with leading European directors such as Andrzej Wajda, Agnieszka Holland, and Bille August and delivering acclaimed performances in U.S. productions, including Jim Jarmusch's cult film "Night on Earth" and Terrence Malick's "Knight of Cups." He received an Academy Award nomination for his role as the father of pianist David Helfgott in the Australian production "Shine." He also set standards on television, most notably with his award-winning portrayal of Thomas Mann in the miniseries "The Manns – Novel of a Century." Despite countless prizes, Mueller-Stahl has always remained modest and continues to seek creative challenges beyond acting, particularly in painting and writing. Although he retired from filmmaking several years ago, his work lives on. On December 17, this exceptional artist celebrates his 95th birthday—an anniversary on which we warmly wish him all the very best.