Heinz Erhardt
| Heinz Erhardt | |
|---|---|
Deutsche Post stamp, 2009
|
|
| Born |
20 February 1909 Riga, Livonia Russian Empire |
| Died | 5 June 1979 (aged 70) Hamburg, West Germany |
| Resting place | Ohlsdorf Cemetery, Hamburg |
| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Comedian, musician, entertainer, actor, poet |
| Years active | 1928–1971 |
| Website |
www |
Heinz Erhardt (20 February 1909 – 5 June 1979) was a German comedian, musician, entertainer, actor, and poet.
Heinz Erhardt was born in Riga, the son of Baltic German Kapellmeister Gustl Erhardt. He lived most of his childhood at his grandparents' in Riga, where his grandfather, Paul Nelder, owned a music house. His grandfather also taught him how to play the piano.
After World War I, his father emigrated to Germany. Erhardt lived with his stepmother in Wennigsen near Hanover, where he attended school, until in 1924 he returned to Riga. From 1926 he studied at the Leipzig conservatory; however, Erhardt's wish to become a professional pianist was not supported by his grandparents who wanted him to work as a merchant. In 1935, Erhardt married Gilda Zanetti, daughter of the Italian consul in Saint Petersburg. They had four children: Grit, Verena, Gero, and Marita. Gero Erhardt became a film director and cinematographer, and his grandson, Marek Erhardt, became an actor.
Working at his grandfather's business, Erhardt alongside entered the stage as a cabaret artist in several Riga coffeehouses, and in 1937 even appeared on the German RRG radio. The next year, Erhardt moved to Berlin, where he performed on a Kabarett stage on Kurfürstendamm. The spectacle wearer and non-swimmer Erhardt was drafted into the German Kriegsmarine navy during World War II, but only on the third call-up; he served as a pianist in the Marine orchestra and only handled weapons during his basic training.
...
Wikipedia