Hans Albers (September 22, 1891 – July 24, 1960) was a renowned German actor and singer, known as Germany's biggest male movie star from 1930 to 1945 and one of the most popular actors of the 20th century. Born in Hamburg, Albers grew up in St. Georg and developed an interest in acting as a teenager, secretly taking lessons. After being drafted during World War I and wounded early, he moved to Berlin and began working as a comedic actor in theatres, achieving fame with his role in Verbrecher.
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Hans Albers (September 22, 1891 – July 24, 1960) was a renowned German actor and singer, known as Germany's biggest male movie star from 1930 to 1945 and one of the most popular actors of the 20th century. Born in Hamburg, Albers grew up in St. Georg and developed an interest in acting as a teenager, secretly taking lessons. After being drafted during World War I and wounded early, he moved to Berlin and began working as a comedic actor in theatres, achieving fame with his role in Verbrecher. Albers starred in over one hundred silent films before making his mark in the first German talkie, Die Nacht gehört uns (1929). He rose to stardom with Der Greifer (1930) and appeared in notable films, including Der blaue Engel (1930) with Marlene Dietrich, and Bomben auf Monte Carlo (1931). His songs from movies were hits, and many remain popular today. Although he was a party member during the Nazi era, Albers maintained a cautious distance from public support for the regime. He continued his career with films like Münchhausen (1943) and Große Freiheit Nr. 7 (1944), avoiding an association with Nazi propaganda. After WWII, Albers faced challenges due to his connection with Hansi Burg, a half-Jewish actress with whom he maintained a relationship despite Nazi pressure. Though he avoided financial and professional ruin, post-war authorities considered him an undesirable "hero," limiting his roles. By the 1950s, his health and career declined due to age and alcoholism, though he remained active until his death in 1960. Albers is remembered for his music, particularly the song Auf der Reeperbahn nachts um halb eins, which has become an anthem for Hamburg's St. Pauli district. His legacy endures with a statue at Hans-Albers-Platz, reflecting his lasting influence on German culture.
