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Thomas Kretschmann
Thomas Kretschmann
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Thomas Kretschmann (pronounced [ˈtoːmas ˈkʁɛtʃman]; born 8 September 1962[1]) is a German actor who has appeared in many European and American films. His notable roles include Lieutenant Hans von Witzland in Stalingrad (1993), Hauptmann Wilm Hosenfeld in The Pianist (2002), Hermann Fegelein in Downfall (2004), Captain Englehorn in King Kong (2005), Major Otto Remer in Valkyrie (2008), the voice of Professor Z in Cars 2 (2011), and the journalist Jürgen Hinzpeter in A Taxi Driver (2017). He also portrayed Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).

Key Information

Kretschmann has twice been nominated for the Deutscher Fernsehpreis for Best Actor. He is also a European Film Award and Nika Award nominee.

Career

[edit]

At the age of 25, he began acting, starring in numerous European films and television series, including Westler in 1985. Then in 1991, Kretschmann was awarded the Max Ophüls Prize for best young actor for his role in Der Mitwisser. He went on to star in his first full-length feature, the 1993 film Stalingrad. He achieved international recognition for his role as sadomasochistic rapist and murderer Alfredo Grossi in Dario Argento's The Stendhal Syndrome.[citation needed]

Although popular in his homeland, Kretschmann did not achieve notice in Hollywood until his role as Hauptmann Wilm Hosenfeld in Roman Polanski's 2002 film The Pianist. In the years since, Kretschmann has often portrayed military officers in films about the Third Reich. In the 2004 film Downfall, Kretschmann played Hermann Fegelein, a Waffen-SS general and brother-in-law to Eva Braun.

Kretschmann made his first appearance on American television in 2003 when he guest starred in two episodes of 24 as Max, a role he would reprise in the 2006 video game adaptation. He later also appeared in Relic Hunter. In 2004, Kretschmann played Timothy Cain, a ruthless Umbrella major, in Resident Evil: Apocalypse. In the same year, he appeared in the French film Immortal with Linda Hardy. The film was notable for its use of a digital backlot and interaction between Computer-generated characters and real actors. In 2005, Kretschmann won a role in Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong, where he worked again with Adrien Brody, with whom he had costarred in The Pianist.[citation needed]

The following year, Kretschmann began to win acclaim for his role in Butterfly: A Grimm Love Story (Rohtenburg in Germany). A psychological thriller, the movie co-stars Keri Russell and was inspired by the Armin Meiwes cannibalism case. It was scheduled for a March 2006 release in Germany, but its showing is under injunction after Meiwes successfully sued to have it banned on grounds of infringement of his personality rights. At the 2006 Festival de Cine de Sitges, Kretschmann shared the Best Actor award for his performance in this film with his co-star Thomas Huber. Kretschmann also shared Best Actor with Huber at the 2007 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.[citation needed]

In 2008, Kretschmann was hired to voice Johann Krauss in Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy II: The Golden Army. However, after several trials del Toro decided that Kretschmann's voice and the mechanical sound FX to Johann's suit did not mesh well, so the part went to Seth MacFarlane. That same year, he appeared in the action thriller Wanted, alongside Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman and James McAvoy.[citation needed] That same year, he starred in the thriller Valkyrie, playing Major Otto Ernst Remer, a Wehrmacht officer who had a key role in stopping the 20 July Plot. Prior to the casting of Tom Cruise, Kretschmann had been considered to play Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. Kretschmann also played Adolf Eichmann in a 2007 biographical film.[citation needed]

Thomas Kretschmann (far left) at a press conference for the Film Transsiberian, 2008

2009 saw Kretschmann guest star in the American science-fiction TV drama series FlashForward, as well as a major secondary part in the British biopic The Young Victoria as King Leopold I of Belgium. This film also received three Academy Awards nominations in 2010 for Best Art Direction, Makeup, and won for Costume Design.[2]

The next year he returned to Germany, guest starring as himself in the romantic comedy Rabbit without Ears 2. Kretschmann then moved to Malaysia in the summer to shoot his scenes for the German biopic Jungle Child based on the eponymous bestseller by Sabine Kuegler. The film was released in early 2011. Walt Disney Pictures confirmed in November 2010, that Kretschmann would star as one of the voice talents in the Pixar film Cars 2. The film was released in the United States on 24 June 2011, in the United Kingdom on 22 July and in Germany on 28 July.[3][4][5]

Kretschmann starred as Captain Kurt Brynildson in the 2011–2012 ABC original paranormal/adventure/horror television series The River about a group of people on a mission to find a missing TV explorer in the Amazon.[citation needed]

Kretschmann signed a multi-film contract with Marvel Studios to play Baron Wolfgang von Strucker,[6] and first appeared as the character in a post-credits scene of the 2014 film Captain America: The Winter Soldier.[7] He had a larger role as the character in the 2015 movie Avengers: Age of Ultron.[8]

Kretschmann often re-records his own parts for the German dubs of his screen roles.[9] Aside from acting, Kretschmann has also worked as a fashion model, including a stint as the face for a scent by Hugo Boss.[citation needed]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Language Other notes
1989 Der Mitwisser Paul German Television film
Max Ophüls Prize for Best Young Actor
1992 Shining Through Man At Zurich Station English  
The Warrior's Heart Lieutenant Maximillian Luedt Norwegian
1993 Stalingrad Leutnant Hans von Witzland German  
Die Ratte Sven  
1994 La Reine Margot Nançay French  
1995 Derrick The Husband of The Murderess German Television series; Season 22, Episode 4: "Teestunde mit einer Mörderin"
I Love My Daughter's Husband [it] Michael Television film
1996 The Stendhal Syndrome Alfredo Grossi Italian  
Marching in Darkness (Marciando nel buio) Gianni Tricarico  
1997 Refuge Santos German Television film
Prince Valiant Thagnar English  
1998 Ms. Diamond Tim Kaiser German Television film
1999 Esther: The Bible King Ahasuerus of Persia English
Der Tod in deinen Augen Billy Tanauer German
Der Solist Philip Lanart Television series, 4 episodes 1999–2003
2000 U-571 Kapitänleutnant Günther Wassner English  
2001 Hostile Takeover Robert Fernau German  
The Knights of the Quest Vanni Delle Rondini English  
2002 Blade II Eli Damaskinos  
The Pianist Hauptmann Wilm Hosenfeld  
2003 24 Max Episodes: "Day 2: 6:00 a.m.–7:00 a.m." & "Day 2: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m."
2004 In Enemy Hands First Watch Officer Ludwig Cremer  
Immortal Nikopol French
English		  
Downfall SS-Gruppenführer Hermann Fegelein German  
Resident Evil: Apocalypse Major Timothy Cain English  
The Karate Dog Gerber Television film
Head in the Clouds Major Franz Bietrich  
Frankenstein Dr. Victor Helios Television film
2005 Schneeland Aron German  
Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II English Television film
King Kong Captain Englehorn  
King Kong: The Video Game Video game
2006 Grimm Love Oliver Hartwin Best Actor, Sitges 2006 (shared with co-star Thomas Huber)  
Best Actor, PiFan 2007 (shared with co-star Thomas Huber)  
The Celestine Prophecy Wil  
24: The Game Max Video game
2007 Next Mr. Smith
In Transit Max
Eichmann Adolf Eichmann
Bionic Woman The Man Television series (episode one)
Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps Paul German
2008 Wanted Cross English  
Transsiberian Kolzak
Mogadischu Captain Jürgen Schumann German Television film
The Sea Wolf [de] Captain Wolf Larsen
Valkyrie Otto Ernst Remer English
2009 The Young Victoria King Leopold I of Belgium[10]
King Conqueror Archbishop of Tarragona
Wanted: Weapons of Fate Cross[11] Video game
FlashForward Stefan Krieger Television series
2010 The Frontier [de] Maximilian Schnell German Television film
2011 Cars 2 Professor Z English
German		 Voice
The Sinking of the Laconia Admiral Dönitz Television film – BBC Productions
Jungle Child Klaus Kuegler German
The Cape Gregor The Great English Television series
Hostel: Part III Flemming Direct-to-DVD
What a Man Jens German
2012 Dracula 3D Dracula English
The River Captain Kurt Brynildson Television series
2013 Dracula Abraham Van Helsing Television series
Stalingrad Peter Kahn Russian, German
Open Grave Lukas English
The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden Friedrich Ritter Narration/voice
2014 Plastic Marcel
United Passions Horst Dassler
Captain America: The Winter Soldier Baron Wolfgang von Strucker Uncredited cameo; mid-credits scene
2015 Avengers: Age of Ultron
Hitman: Agent 47 Le Clerq
Spectre Hannes Oberhauser Photograph only
2016 Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Airplane Passenger
Central Intelligence The Buyer
Stratton Grigory Barovsky
2017 The Blue Mauritius Holtz
The Saint Rayt Marius
Jungle Karl
A Taxi Driver Jürgen Hinzpeter / Peter Korean German
Berlin Station Otto Ganz English TV series
2018 Dragged Across Concrete Lorentz Vogelmann
Balloon Oberstleutnant Seidel German
Lore Inspector Georg Reingruber English TV series
Discarnate Dr. Andre Mason
2019 Project Blue Book Wernher von Braun TV series
2020 Waiting for Anya Nazi Corporal German
Westworld Gerald English TV series
Das Boot Friedrich Berger German
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels[12] Hoss English
Greyhound Captain of The U-Boat Grey Wolf
2021 American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally Joseph Goebbels
Biohackers Baron Von Fürstenberg German TV series, season 2
2023 Infinity Pool Detective Thresh English
Last Sentinel Sergeant Hendrich
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Colonel Weber
Gran Turismo Patrice Capa
Deliver Us Father Saul
2024 American Star
Upgraded
Putin
TBA Samo Lives Post-production[13]

Awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thomas Kretschmann

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from Grokipedia
Thomas Kretschmann (born 8 September 1962) is a German renowned for his portrayals of complex historical and antagonistic characters in both European and Hollywood productions. Born in , (then part of the German Democratic Republic), he initially trained as an Olympic swimmer but defected to in his early twenties, suffering that resulted in the temporary loss of part of a finger, which was later reattached. After abandoning swimming, Kretschmann began his acting career at age 25, starting with roles in German films and television before transitioning to international cinema. Kretschmann gained critical recognition with his breakthrough role as Leutnant Hans Von Witzland in the 1993 anti-war film Stalingrad, which depicted the from the German perspective. He has frequently been typecast in roles involving Nazi officers or German military figures, appearing as such in over ten films, including Major Otto Ernst in Valkyrie (2008) and Wilm in The Pianist (2002), the latter earning praise for its nuanced depiction of a German aiding a Jewish musician during . Other notable early Hollywood credits include the German submarine captain in U-571 (2000) and the Damaskinos in (2002). In the mid-2000s, Kretschmann expanded his range with the role of Captain Englehorn in Peter Jackson's King Kong (2005) and Hermann Fegelein in Downfall (2004), a portrayal of Adolf Hitler's inner circle during the fall of Berlin. He ventured into blockbuster territory as Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), a role he was contracted for beyond that film. His television work includes voicing Professor Zündapp in Cars 2 (2011) and starring as Abraham Van Helsing in the NBC series Dracula (2013–2014). More recently, Kretschmann has appeared in international productions such as Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), Gran Turismo (2023), and the titular role in Putin (2025), maintaining a steady presence in global cinema.

Early life

Childhood in East Germany

Thomas Kretschmann was born on September 8, 1962, in , a town in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), the established in after . He grew up in a modest environment under the strict socialist regime, living primarily with his mother in , where he enjoyed a relatively carefree marked by unstructured play in the streets and nearby forests until late in the evening. This period of his youth was characterized by limited political awareness, as the everyday realities of life in the GDR overshadowed the broader ideological controls for young children like him. From around the age of 10, Kretschmann's life became intensely focused on sports, as he was selected for elite training as a competitive in the GDR's national cadre. Enrolled at a sports school in Halle, he underwent rigorous preparation aimed at Olympic-level success, swimming up to 20 kilometers daily for six days a week in sessions that began as early as 7 a.m. and included multiple practices, often supplemented by weight training and other conditioning. The program was demanding, incorporating performance-enhancing methods such as pills, injections, and , which contributed to and injuries; Kretschmann later described the GDR's sports system as a "machinery" pushing athletes toward world-class achievement, with expectations that he would become a champion. He represented in competitions during his youth, though he ultimately quit at age 17, disillusioned by the politicized nature of the 1980 Olympics, which were boycotted by Western powers. Kretschmann's upbringing occurred amid the GDR's pervasive communist framework, which enforced ideological conformity and isolation from the West. School education included mandatory classes, reflecting the Soviet Union's influence, with Soviet forces often referred to euphemistically as the "big brother" despite underlying tensions from history. Exposure to was severely restricted, fostering a controlled environment that emphasized socialist values and collective discipline, particularly in state-supported institutions like sports programs. These elements shaped his early worldview, blending personal freedoms in play with the growing realization of systemic repression as he matured.

Defection to West Germany

At the age of 21 in 1983, Thomas Kretschmann decided to defect from , driven by his growing dissatisfaction with the restrictions and ideology of the communist system. He undertook a perilous month-long journey on foot, illegally crossing four borders through , , and to reach , armed only with his and roughly $100 in savings. The trek took a heavy physical toll amid harsh winter conditions, including encounters with armed guards and minefields, culminating in cold exposure that injured part of his left , which was later treated and reattached. Upon successfully arriving in , Kretschmann was granted political asylum, settled in , and started adapting to the freedoms and challenges of Western life, including learning to navigate a capitalist society far removed from his upbringing.

Acting training

After successfully defecting from in 1983 and receiving political asylum, Thomas Kretschmann relocated to , where he sought to start a new life away from the constraints of the GDR. The arduous month-long journey across borders, during which he injured part of a finger due to cold exposure, underscored the challenges of his escape, but it also freed him to explore new paths beyond his interrupted athletic ambitions. Having abandoned competitive swimming at age 17 due to disillusionment with the East German sports system, Kretschmann turned to around age 21, enrolling in the Schauspielschule Der Kreis in for initial training. However, he left after just three months, later stating that the environment felt mismatched for his intuitive approach to and that "Schauspielerei nicht lernen" könne—acting could not be taught formally. This brief foray into structured education marked his self-directed entry into the performing arts, driven by a desire to express the complexities of his experiences rather than adhere to conventional methods. Kretschmann's motivations for the shift stemmed from his exposure to the vibrant cultural landscape of , including Western cinema and theater, which contrasted sharply with the limited artistic outlets available under the GDR regime. By his mid-20s, around 1985, he had transitioned fully into professional work, joining the renowned Schiller Theater in as a company member shortly after his informal studies. This engagement provided his foundational stage experience, allowing him to hone his craft through practical immersion in ensemble productions.

Career

Theater debut

Thomas Kretschmann's theater career began shortly after completing his acting training at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in . His first professional engagement came in the late 1980s at the prestigious Schiller Theater in , where he joined the ensemble as a young following his from . Kretschmann made his stage debut in 1987 in a production of William Shakespeare's , directed by , portraying a supporting role in the intense tragedy. During his two-year residency at the Schiller Theater until 1989, he appeared in several notable productions of classical repertoire, including works by Shakespeare and German dramatists such as and , which showcased the theater's tradition of staging timeless European drama. These experiences allowed him to develop a strong stage presence amid the ensemble's rigorous schedule of performances. By the early 1990s, Kretschmann had transitioned from supporting ensemble parts to lead roles in prominent German-speaking venues, including engagements at the Schauspielhaus in and the Kammerspiele in . This progression solidified his foundation in theater, where his commitment to physically demanding and emotionally charged characterizations began to distinguish him, influencing the dynamic style he later brought to film.

Early film roles

Kretschmann made his screen debut in the 1985 West German film Westler, directed by Wieland Speck, portraying a young East German soldier named Thomas who becomes involved in a clandestine romance with a West Berliner amid the division of the city. The story, centered on themes of forbidden love and escape across the Berlin Wall, drew parallels to Kretschmann's own recent defection from East Germany in 1983, lending a personal resonance to his performance as a newcomer to acting. In 1989, he appeared in the German drama Der Mitwisser, directed by Uli Neulinger, playing a key role in a tense narrative about complicity and moral ambiguity in post-war society. This performance earned him the for Best Young Actor at the 1991 Max Ophüls Festival, recognizing his emerging talent in introspective, character-driven roles. Throughout the late and early 1990s, Kretschmann supplemented his film work with guest appearances on German television, including episodes of the long-running crime series and other productions like . These roles honed his versatility in supporting parts within procedural dramas. Building on his initial theater experience, Kretschmann developed a style as a specializing in gritty, historical dramas that echoed post-Cold War explorations of division, identity, and reconciliation in unified . His early screen work often featured brooding intensity suited to narratives reflecting the era's social upheavals.

Breakthrough films

Kretschmann achieved his breakthrough in German cinema with the leading role of Hans von Witzland in the 1993 war film , directed by Joseph Vilsmaier. Portraying a disillusioned officer during the brutal , Kretschmann embodied the film's anti-war ethos, depicting the psychological toll on ordinary soldiers caught in the Nazi regime's futile campaign. The performance, marked by subtle expressions of moral conflict and exhaustion, contributed to the film's reputation as a stark, unglamorous portrayal of the Eastern Front, with critics highlighting its realistic battle sequences and emotional authenticity. His transition to international audiences began with the 2000 American submarine thriller U-571, where he played Günther Wassner, the commander of a German targeted by Allied forces. As one of the few prominent German characters in the film, Kretschmann's stoic yet formidable depiction marked his first significant Hollywood role, drawing attention from U.S. producers and signaling his potential for antagonistic parts in English-language productions. Kretschmann further solidified his reputation with supporting roles in two acclaimed dramas. In Roman Polanski's 2002 film The Pianist, he portrayed Major Wilhelm Adalbert von Hosenfeld, a German officer who discovers the hidden Jewish pianist and offers him aid, providing a rare glimpse of within the Nazi machinery. The role's complexity, balancing duty with quiet humanity, was commended for humanizing the officer without excusing the regime's crimes. In Oliver Hirschbiegel's 2004 Downfall, Kretschmann appeared as SS-Gruppenführer , the opportunistic brother-in-law of , whose defiance and execution in Hitler's final days added tension to the ensemble portrayal of the Third Reich's collapse. Throughout these films, Kretschmann earned praise for his nuanced interpretations of German military figures, often infusing them with internal conflict and vulnerability to sidestep one-dimensional villainy and underscore the war's human cost. His work in Stalingrad and The Pianist, in particular, exemplified this approach, portraying officers as products of their circumstances rather than caricatured ideologues.

Hollywood transition

Kretschmann's transition to Hollywood gained momentum with his role as Captain Englehorn in Peter Jackson's 2005 remake of , a high-profile that marked one of his earliest major English-language blockbusters and increased his international exposure alongside stars like and . In this capacity, he portrayed the pragmatic and world-weary captain of the expedition ship Venture, navigating the perils of Skull Island, which showcased his ability to handle action-oriented supporting roles in large-scale productions. By the late 2000s, Kretschmann secured prominent parts in several U.S.-led historical and action films, including Valkyrie (2008), where he played Major Otto Ernst Remer, the Wehrmacht officer whose loyalty to Hitler ultimately foiled the July 20 plot led by Tom Cruise's Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. This performance in Bryan Singer's tense thriller highlighted his knack for portraying stern German military figures, drawing on his prior acclaim from European war dramas. He also took on the enigmatic assassin Cross in Wanted (2008), a fast-paced action film directed by Timur Bekmambetov, opposite James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie, allowing him to explore more villainous, high-stakes dynamics beyond historical contexts. Kretschmann's Hollywood presence solidified in the early 2010s through his entry into the as Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, first appearing in a brief, uncredited capacity in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and expanding the role in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), where the HYDRA leader oversaw experiments involving the Mind Stone and the Maximoff twins. These franchise appearances, under directors the and , elevated his profile in superhero cinema and connected him to a global audience. Despite frequent casting as authoritative German antagonists—spanning Nazis in and villains like Strucker—Kretschmann expressed mixed feelings about such in interviews, noting it stemmed from his accent and physique but also enabled diversification into action and dramatic genres.

Recent projects

In 2017, Kretschmann garnered international acclaim for his portrayal of German journalist in the South Korean historical drama , directed by , where he depicted the real-life reporter who documented the 1980 alongside a local . The film, which became one of South Korea's highest-grossing releases and South Korea's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the , highlighted Kretschmann's ability to convey quiet determination and moral urgency in a high-stakes narrative blending action and historical reflection. Transitioning to television in the early 2020s, Kretschmann took on recurring roles in acclaimed series that showcased his versatility in tense, character-driven stories. In the German submarine thriller (season 2, 2020), he played Friedrich Berger, a shady lawyer entangled in wartime intrigue and espionage on both sides of the Atlantic, contributing to the series' exploration of moral ambiguity during . That same year, he appeared as Gerald in the sci-fi series Westworld (season 3, episode ""), portraying a whose encounter with a mysterious woman underscores themes of identity and corporate downfall in a dystopian world. Kretschmann's recent film work from 2023 onward reflects a diverse range of genres, often in international co-productions. In the post-apocalyptic thriller Last Sentinel (2023), directed by Tanel Toom, he starred as Sergeant Hendrichs, a battle-hardened commander leading a stranded defending a remote outpost against an impending invasion, emphasizing survival and ethical dilemmas in a climate-ravaged future. He followed this with the Emperor (2026), where he portrayed , the influential 16th-century German banker known as "The Bank of Europe," in a tale of revenge and power struggles within the . In 2024, Kretschmann appeared in the Upgraded, as art dealer Arnold Grant, navigating deception and ambition in New York's auction world alongside leads and . He also featured in the noir thriller American Star (2024), directed by Gonzalo López-Gallego, playing Thomas, a reclusive resident whose life intersects with an assassin's final job on the , adding layers of quiet menace to the film's atmospheric tension. Looking ahead to 2025, Kretschmann has several high-profile releases, including the erotic thriller Fall for Me, where he plays Nick, a charismatic club owner entangled in a web of family secrets and desire on the island of . In the biographical drama Putin, he portrays a general in a key 2026 sequence, supporting the film's AI-enhanced depiction of Russian President Vladimir Putin's rise and personal demons. Additionally, Samo Lives, announced in October 2025, casts him in an unspecified role in this biopic of artist , directed by , focusing on the Neo-Expressionist's journey from to cultural icon. Throughout this period, Kretschmann has trended toward European co-productions, such as the German and Spanish-British American Star, allowing deeper explorations of historical and psychological themes rooted in his heritage. His expansion into voice work, including uncredited contributions in projects like the war film (2020), complements his on-screen presence by broadening his reach in ensemble blockbusters. Increasingly, he has embraced biographical and historical roles, from Hinzpeter to Fugger and Basquiat-era figures, leveraging his commanding screen persona to illuminate real-life complexities.

Personal life

Family

Kretschmann has been in a long-term relationship with American Brittany Rice since 2011. From a previous relationship with manager Lena Roklin (1990s–2009), Kretschmann has three children: two sons and one daughter, born between 1998 and 2002. The family maintains a low-profile lifestyle and co-parents amicably, with Kretschmann and Roklin living near each other in the area as of 2014. Kretschmann has never been married. He and his family split time between the U.S. and , prioritizing personal stability following his defection to .

Residences

Thomas Kretschmann holds German citizenship, having been born in , , in 1962. Following his 2009 separation from long-term partner Lena Roklin, he acquired a residence in , for proximity to his children in nearby . By 2014, he lived in the area, while Roklin received the Malibu beach house. As of 2025, he maintains a residence in the area to support his Hollywood career. Kretschmann frequently commutes between and , , where he has maintained a professional base since the . This arrangement accommodates his work in European and American productions. His household primarily uses German and English. Kretschmann occasionally returns to for heritage-related visits, such as events tied to the city's legacy.

Awards and nominations

Film awards

Thomas Kretschmann received his first major recognition in German cinema with the Max Ophüls Prize for Best Young Actor in 1991 for his performance in the film Der Mitwisser. This award, presented at the Max Ophüls Festival, highlighted his early promise as an emerging talent following his theater training and initial screen roles. Kretschmann's international breakthrough came later, but his film awards remained centered on European festivals. In 2006, he shared the Best Actor award at the Sitges Film Festival with co-star Thomas Huber for their roles in Grimm Love (also known as Rohtenburg), a psychological horror film based on the real-life case of Armin Meiwes. The following year, 2007, the duo again shared the Best Actor honor at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) for the same performances, underscoring the film's impact in the genre circuit. Despite acclaimed roles in high-profile films like The Pianist (2002) and Downfall (2004), Kretschmann has not received major Academy Award nominations or wins. His honors reflect strong appreciation within European and genre-specific festivals rather than broader mainstream accolades.
YearAwardCategoryFilmNotes
1991Max Ophüls PrizeBest Young ActorDer MitwisserWinner
2006Best ActorShared with Thomas Huber
2007PiFan (Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival)Shared with Thomas Huber

Television awards

Thomas Kretschmann has earned nominations for his performances in German television miniseries, particularly through the Deutscher Fernsehpreis, the country's premier television award. In 2010, he received a nomination for (Bester Schauspieler) for his roles in the biographical drama , in which he portrayed , and the thriller Die Grenze, exploring border tensions during the . These performances showcased his ability to embody complex historical and emotional figures in limited-series formats. Kretschmann's television contributions have been recognized twice overall for the Deutscher Fernsehpreis in the category, underscoring his sustained impact in German miniseries across the 2000s and 2010s. This acclaim highlights his versatility in portraying nuanced characters in historical and dramatic contexts, separate from his more extensive work. In 2020, he received a nomination for at the Deutscher Fernsehpreis for his portrayal of Friedrich Berger, a morally ambiguous German-American , in the second season of the series .

Filmography

1980s

  • Felix in Westler (1985, Juliane Lorenz), lead.
  • Paul in Der Mitwisser (1989, Helmuth Ashley), supporting.

1990s

  • Man at Zurich Station in (1992, ), supporting.
  • Lieutenant Maximilian Luedtke in The Warrior's Heart (1992, Graemme Clifford), supporting.
  • Lt. Hans von Witzland in Stalingrad (1993, Joseph Vilsmaier), lead.
  • Catholic soldier in Queen Margot (1994, ), supporting.
  • Peter in Ainsi soient-elles (1995, , Patrick Alessandrin), supporting.
  • Korwahn in Der Sandmann (1995, Matthias Hahn), lead.
  • Alfredo Grossi in (1996, ), supporting.
  • German Submarine Captain in U-571 (2000, ), supporting. But 2000 is 2000s.

2000s

2010s

  • Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014, Anthony and Joe Russo), supporting.
  • Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015, Joss Whedon), supporting.
  • Baron Wolfgang von Strucker in Avengers: Endgame (2019, Anthony and Joe Russo), supporting.
  • Peter in A Taxi Driver (2017, Jang Hoon), supporting.
  • Karl in Jungle (2017, Greg McLean), supporting.
  • The German in Dragged Across Concrete (2018, S. Craig Zahler), supporting.

2020s

  • Krause in Greyhound (2020, ), supporting.
  • Colonel Weber in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023, ), supporting.
  • Jack in Gran Turismo (2023, ), supporting.
  • Vincent in Upgraded (2024, ), supporting.
  • Paul in American Star (2024, ), supporting.
  • Role in Eyes in the Trees (2024, ), supporting.
  • Tom in Fall for Me (2025, Sherry Hormann), supporting.
  • In Putin (2025, Dirk Kummer), supporting.

Television appearances

Kretschmann began his television career in German productions during the late 1980s, featuring in guest roles on popular crime and drama series. Over the years, he transitioned to international television, taking on recurring and guest parts in American series while continuing occasional European work. His TV roles often portray complex antagonists or authoritative figures, spanning genres from thriller to historical drama. Kretschmann's television appearances include the following roles, listed chronologically:
  • 1989: Karsten Winterberg in Der Alte (Season 13, episode "Bahnhofsbaby").
  • 1989: Guest role in Praxis Bülowbogen (1 episode).
  • 1989: Heringsbändiger in Molle mit Korn (1 episode).
  • 1997: Robert Michalke in Alarm für Cobra 11 – Die Autobahnpolizei (Season 2, episode "Generalprobe").
  • 1998: Niko Waldkron in Das Traumschiff (episode "Galapagos/Jamaika").
  • 1999–2000: Kurt Reiner in Relic Hunter (2 episodes: "Diamond in the Rough" and "The Emperor's Bride").
  • 2002: Max in 24 (Season 2, 2 episodes).
  • 2011–2012: Captain Kurt Brynildson in The River (8 episodes).
  • 2013: Abraham Van Helsing in Dracula (10 episodes).
  • 2018: Kapitänleutnant Friedrich Berger in Das Boot (8 episodes).
  • 2020: Oscar Friedmann in The Windermere Children (miniseries, 1 episode).
  • 2020: Gerald in Westworld (Season 3, episode "Parce Domine").
His recent television work includes roles in historical and sci-fi series, such as , highlighting his versatility in ensemble casts.

Voice roles

Thomas Kretschmann has contributed to in animated films and video games, often leveraging his bilingual skills in English and German to perform in original and dubbed versions. His most prominent animated role came in the 2011 Pixar feature , where he voiced the villainous Professor Zündapp, a rogue German scientist and leader of the Lemons organization, in both the original English-language release and the German dub. This dual performance highlighted his versatility in international productions, allowing him to reprise the character's cold, calculating demeanor across language barriers. In addition to film, Kretschmann has lent his voice to several , primarily in the 2000s and early 2010s, focusing on action and adventure titles. He voiced Captain Englehorn, the expedition leader, in Peter Jackson's : The Official Game of the Movie (2005), drawing from his live-action portrayal of the character in the film. Other notable credits include Max, a tactical operative, in 24: The Game (2006), and the lead antagonist Yakut in Wanted: Weapons of Fate (2009). He reprised Professor Zündapp in the tie-in Cars 2 (2011) and the motion-controlled adventure Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure (2012), extending the character's presence in interactive media. Kretschmann's voice work extends to non-animated contexts, such as providing the radio voice of the U-boat commander Grey Wolf in the 2020 war thriller Greyhound, where his delivery conveyed menace without on-screen appearance. While his dubbing contributions often involve synchronizing his own live-action roles for German audiences in international films, his pure voice performances emphasize narrative depth in animation and gaming. No major animated shorts or additional European voiceovers from the 2020s have been prominently credited to him as of 2025.
YearTitleRoleMediumLanguage(s)
2005Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the MovieCaptain EnglehornVideo gameEnglish
200624: The GameMaxVideo gameEnglish
2009Wanted: Weapons of FateYakutVideo gameEnglish
2011Cars 2Professor ZündappAnimated filmEnglish, German
2011Cars 2 (video game)Professor ZündappVideo gameEnglish
2012Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar AdventureProfessor ZündappVideo gameEnglish
2020GreyhoundGrey WolfFilm (voice-over)English

References

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