Bruno Ganz, Known for “Downfall” and “Wings of Desire," Dead at 77

Bruno Ganz has passed on at the age 77. 

Wim Wenders kickstarted Ganz’ career with the critically acclaimed “The American Friend” in 1977 and then solidified that inimitable German ennui with “Wings of Desire” in 1987. However, millennials will forever recognize him as the guy that played Adolf Hitler in Oliver Hirschbiegel‘s “Downfall,” which will live in infamy on YouTube because of those thousands of mock videos. But it also is the definitive cinematic portrayal of Adolf Hitler. No doubt about it. Oh, and how about his turn in Werner Herzog’s “Nosferatu the Vampyre”? The guy was a sheer delight to behold.

He most recently appeared in Lars von Trier’s “The House that Jack Built.” Other credits of his include “The Reader” and “Unknown” Ganz is costarring in Terrence Malick‘s “Radegund,” which may or may not be released this year. Who knows.

Bruno Ganz obits will no doubt refer to DOWNFALL and WINGS OF DESIRE as his iconic roles, but the most underrated work of his career would be his performance as Jonathan Zimmerman in the Wim Wenders noir beauty THE AMERICAN FRIEND -- still the best Tom Ripley movie ever made.

— Jordan Ruimy (@mrRuimy) February 16, 2019