Biography
Friedrich Wilhelm Schoenfelder (born October 17, 1916, in Sorau, Lower Lusatia; died August 14, 2011, in Berlin) was a German actor and voice-over artist. Friedrich Schoenfelder received his acting training under Gustaf Gründgens at the Prussian State Theater in Berlin, where he made his stage debut in 1936. After World War II, he performed at major theaters in Stuttgart, Frankfurt am Main, and Berlin, later working as a freelance actor at numerous German-language theaters. He became particularly well known for his elegant stage presence in boulevard plays and musicals. Among his greatest theatrical successes was My Fair Lady, in which he appeared approximately 1,200 times over the course of many years. From the late 1940s onward, Schoenfelder also appeared regularly in film and television productions. He acted in numerous light entertainment films, Edgar Wallace adaptations, and TV series, and participated in projects such as Otto – Der neue Film and, as the narrator, Der Schuh des Manitu. With over 140 film and television roles to his name, he remained one of the defining character actors of German popular cinema and television for decades. His work as a voice-over artist was also of particular significance. In more than 400 productions, Schoenfelder lent his distinctive voice to international actors such as David Niven, John Gielgud, Rex Harrison, Vincent Price, and Alec Guinness. He also enjoyed a successful career as a radio drama actor, narrator, and radio host, working on projects including Sesame Street, Little Britain, and numerous audio drama productions for the labels Europa and Titania Medien. Even in his advanced years, Schoenfelder continued to appear regularly on stage; in 1996, he published his memoirs, titled Ich war doch immer ich ("I Was Always Just Me"). He passed away in Berlin in 2011 at the age of 94.
Acted in 63
2010s
- 2010
Lotta & ...
Herr Schlegel · 1 episode
2000s
- 2009
- 2007
Little King Macius
King Friedewald (voice)
- 2006
The Trip to Panama
Paradies Vogel
- 2004
A Journey Into Bliss
voice
- 2003
Momo
Meister Hora (Voice) · 26 episodes
- 2002
Das Schloss des Grauens
Sir Douglas
- 2001
1990s
- 1999
Das Mädchen aus der Torte
Uncle
- 1998
A Rat's Tale
Walter Demokratz
- 1997
Pension Schöller
Major von Mühlen
- 1995
- 1991
Insel der Träume
Popescu · 1 episode
1980s
- 1988
Stowaways on the Ark
Der "Chef"
- 1987
Otto – The New Movie
Professor Edelsen
- 1986
Boundaries of Time - Caspar David Friedrich
Museumsdirektor
Die Wicherts von nebenan
Dr. Helmer · 15 episodes
Gestatten, Bestatter
Friedrich Barnewitz
- 1985
- 1984
Berliner Weiße mit Schuß
Dr. Friedrich Berghoff · 1 episode
- 1983
Kiez
Juweller
- 1981
Kintopp-Kintopp
Konsul Kruse · 2 episodes
1970s
- 1979
The Magician of Lublin
Count Zaruski
- 1977
- 1975
Beschlossen und verkündet
Hugo von Bessem, Ewald Karsten · 1 episode
- 1971
- 1970
Was ist denn bloß mit Willi los?
Dr. Senn
Heintje - Einmal wird die Sonne wieder scheinen
Comissioner
Gentlemen in White Vests
Shopping Mall Director
1960s
- 1969
Heintje - A Heart Goes on a Journey
Schweizer Grenzpolizist
- 1967
Death Runs After Them
David Stone · 3 episodes
- 1966
Cliff Dexter
Botschafter · 1 episode
Long Legs, Long Fingers
Movie
- 1964
The Death Ray of Dr. Mabuse
Jason Monta (voice)
- 1963
The Black Abbot
Dr. Loxon
The White Spider
Sir James
- 1962
Wild Waters
Baron Ferdinand von Lindner
Frau Cheneys Ende
Jerome
- 1961
Mein Mann, das Wirtschaftswunder
Dr. Bach
- 1960
Sabine und die hundert Männer
William Hellberg
Bis dass das Geld euch scheidet…
Gerichtsvorsitzender
The Avenger
Jack Jackson, Regisseur
1950s
- 1959
Rebel Flight to Cuba
Reverend Wilson
Grand Hotel
Receptionist
Peter schießt den Vogel ab
Toni Hartwig
- 1958
Der eiserne Gustav
Deutscher Botschafter
Escape from Sahara
Movie
- 1954
The Gallery of the Great Detectives
Hauptmann Peter Wain · 1 episode
Augsburger Puppenkiste - Der kleine Prinz
Saint-Ex (voice)
Viktoria und ihr Husar
Ehemaliger Rittmeister Graf Sandor Koltay
- 1950
Liebe auf Eis
Birger Sörensen
City in the Fog
Dr. Sven Berling
Königskinder
Prinz Sascha Alexander von Thessalien
Appearances8
2000s
- 2001
1990s
- 1991
1970s
- 1979
- 1974
Am laufenden Band
Self - Guest · 1 episode
- 1971
- 1970
1950s
- 1959
The Indian Tomb
Narrator (voice)