Bernhard Wicki

Bernhard Wicki, born on October 28, 1919, in St. Pölten, Austria, was a renowned actor and film director whose career spanned several decades. He pursued studies in Art History, History, and German Literature in Breslau before enrolling at the Schauspielschule des Staatlichen Schauspielhauses in Berlin in 1938. Wicki's political activism led to his imprisonment in Sachsenhausen concentration camp in 1939 due to his affiliation with the Bündische Jugend. After enduring this harrowing experience, he relocated to Vienna and eventually settled in Switzerland in 1944.

Post-World War II, Wicki gained recognition for his performances in films such as "Die letzte Brücke" (1953) and "Es geschah am 20. Juli" (1955). A talented photographer as well, he transitioned to directing with the documentary "Warum sind sie gegen uns?" in 1958. His fame soared with the release of the anti-war film "Die Brücke" in 1959, which resonated worldwide. In 1961, he was honored with the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival for "The Miracle of Father Malachia."

Following his death in 2000, the Bernhard Wicki Memorial Fund was established in Munich, dedicated to promoting peace through cinema. The fund presents awards including "The Bridge," a prestigious peace prize. Wicki was married twice, first to actress Agnes Fink and later to Elisabeth Endriss, who later reflected on his life in the documentary "Verstörung - und eine Art von Poesie." He rests at Nymphenburger cemetery in Munich.