Joachim Hansen

'Joachim Hansen' (qv) was the 'poster boy' for German movie officers in films of the 1950's and 60's. Masculine and of commanding presence, he portrayed such historical figures as Luftwaffe ace 'Hans Joachim Marseille' (qv) in _Der Stern von Afrika (1957)_ (qv) and Generaloberst 'Alfred Jodl' (qv) in _The Winds of War (1983)_ (qv) and _War and Remembrance (1988)_ (qv). His many international credits as men in uniform include Captain Baumann in _The Bridge at Remagen (1969)_ (qv), a British lieutenant caught up in a sectarian uprising in India in _Kali Yug: Die Göttin der Rache (1963)_ (qv) and a senior SS officer in _The Eagle Has Landed (1976)_ (qv).A teacher's son, Hansen began his working career as an English and French translator. He studied acting at the 'Max Reinhardt' (qv) Academy in Berlin and was spotted there by the director 'Alfred Weidenmann' (qv) who starred him in his 1956 film debut. Thereafter, he rarely found himself out of uniform, but remained firmly in command just the same, as police inspectors (_Das Geheimnis der schwarzen Koffer (1962)_ (qv)), men of impeccable integrity (_Via Mala (1961)_ (qv)) or outdoorsy heroes in romantic melodramas (_Duel with Death (1959)_ (qv)). Hansen segued into character roles on the small screen during the 1970's and 80's. He emigrated to Canada in 1986, but returned to Germany for occasional theatrical appearances. He died in Berlin after suffering a stroke in September 2007, aged 77.::I.S.Mowis