Vampedia
Advertisement


Max Schreck (September 6, 1879 - February 20, 1936) was a German actor, best known for his lead role as the vampire Count Orlok in the film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror.

Biography[]

Born in Berlin, Germany. Little is known about his early life and upbringing, as details about his childhood remain elusive. Schreck's interest in acting emerged during his youth, leading him to pursue a career in the performing arts.

Schreck began his acting career in the early 20th century, initially working in theater productions in Germany. He honed his craft on the stage, gaining recognition for his talent and dedication to his roles. Despite his early success in theater, Schreck's breakthrough into film came later in his career.

NOSFERATU

Schreck as Count Orlok

Max Schreck is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Count Orlok in the classic silent horror film "Nosferatu" (1922). Directed by F.W. Murnau and based on Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," "Nosferatu" is considered one of the most influential horror films of all time. Schreck's chilling performance as the vampire Count Orlok earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his place in cinematic history.

Although Schreck's filmography is relatively modest compared to some of his contemporaries, his portrayal of Count Orlok in "Nosferatu" remains his most enduring legacy. His haunting performance set a standard for vampire portrayals in cinema and established him as an iconic figure in the horror genre.

Following the success of "Nosferatu," Schreck continued to work in theater and film, although none of his subsequent roles achieved the same level of recognition. He appeared in several other films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, but none matched the impact of his portrayal of Count Orlok.

Max Schreck passed away on February 20, 1936, at the age of 56. Despite his relatively short career in film, his portrayal of Count Orlok ensured his place in cinematic history. His contribution to the horror genre continues to be celebrated by fans and filmmakers, cementing his status as one of the most iconic figures in early cinema.

Filmography[]

  • The Mayor of Zalamea (1920) as Don Mendo
  • The Story of Christine von Herre (1921) as Peter the domestic
  • Nosferatu (1922) as Count Orlok
  • Nathan the Wise (1922) as the Great Master of the Order of the Temple
  • The Street (1923) as the blind man
  • The Merchant of Venice (1923) as the Doge of Venice
  • Dudu, a Human Destiny (1924)
  • War in Peace (1925) as the apothecary
  • The Pink Diamond (1926) as Watson
  • Out of the Mist (1927)
  • The Strange Case of Captain Ramper (1927)
  • Doña Juana (1927) as Juana's father
  • At the Edge of the World (1927) as Troedler
  • Luther (1928) as Aleander
  • Scampolo (1928) as the waiter
  • Serenissimus and the Last Virgin (1928)
  • The Republic of Flappers (1928)
  • Volga Volga (1928)
  • Modern Pirates (1928)
  • Fight of the Tertia (1929)
  • Ludwig II, King of Bavaria (1929)
  • Boycott (1930)
  • The Land of Smiles (1930)
  • A Man with Heart (1932)
  • Boo! (1932) as Dracula (archive footage from Nosferatu)
  • The Love Hotel (1933)
  • A Woman Like You (1933)
  • Must We Get Divorced? (1933)
  • The Tunnel (1933)
  • Knockout (1935)
  • Donogoo Tonka (1936)
  • The Last Four on Santa Cruz (1936)
Advertisement