Actor Peter Simonischek Dies Unexpectedly at 76 After Celebrating New Film Premiere

The death of actor Peter Simonischek was surprisingly announced on Tuesday. He celebrated the premiere of his new film in February.

Peter Simonischeks made a name for himself through his acting achievements and even achieved international fame. Now the native Austrian died unexpectedly at the age of 76. His death also came as a surprise because he worked in front of the camera until the very end and celebrated the premiere of his new film this year. However, the role in “The Measured Man” was to be one of his last.

The historical drama deals with the evolutionist racial theory of the late 19th century. In it, Simonischek embodies Josef Ritter von Waldstätten, a professor at Berlin’s Friedrich Wilhelm University.

The film premiered at the Berlinale in February this year. Peter Simonischek was also present at the 73rd International Film Festival in the capital. Together with his colleagues, he posed for the photographers at a photo call during the event. A picture shows the 76-year-old together with director Lars Kraume and the main actors Girley Charlene Jazama and Leonard Scheicher. A month later, the production was released in German cinemas.

The Austrian has appeared in numerous roles on stage, film and television throughout his career. In the touching father-daughter story “Toni Erdmann” he played the title role alongside Sandra Hüller. The film was even a finalist for the 2017 Oscar for best international film. From 2002 to 2009 he played “Jedermann” at the Salzburg Festival. More than 100 times, more often than anyone else, he played the rich man who slowly but surely dies.

The career of the star actor, who was born in Graz on August 6, 1946, was multifaceted. In the past few decades, Simonischek has played practically all the important games in German-speaking countries. In 2016, Simonischek was awarded the Austrian honorary title of “Chamber Actor” for his impressive stage presence.

“I’m so grateful that I can do what I love,” said Simonischek once to the dpa, who has collected two Grimme Awards, the European and the German Film Awards, among other things, in his career.