The Biography

Heinz Hoenig (born September 24, 1951) is a German film, television, and stage actor. Born in Landsberg am Lech, Bavaria, he grew up in Harlingerode in the Harz region of Germany. Before pursuing acting, he trained as a locksmith and worked as a streetworker in Berlin. In the early 1970s, Hoenig studied acting with John Allen in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After returning to Germany, he performed at Berlin’s Grips Theater and began appearing in films, including Under the Pavement Lies the Strand (1975) and Knife in the Head (1978). He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of radio operator Hinrich in Wolfgang Petersen’s acclaimed war film Das Boot (1981). He subsequently established himself as a prominent character actor in German cinema and television. His notable film credits include Die Katze (1988), Krücke (1993), Banklady (2013), and Radio Heimat (2016). He also became widely known for his performances in the television productions Der große Bellheim (1993), Der Schattenmann (1996), Der König von St. Pauli (1998), and Die Affäre Semmeling (2002). Throughout his career, Hoenig has received numerous awards, including the German Film Award for Best Actor for Krücke (1993), the Bavarian Television Award for Der Schattenmann (1996), the Adolf Grimme Award (1997), and the Golden Camera Award for Der König von St. Pauli (1998). In addition to his acting career, he founded the charitable initiative Heinz der Stier, which supports children and young people affected by psychological trauma.