O.W. Fischer, 88, top Austrian actor

February 04, 2004|Associated Press

VERNATE, Switzerland -- O.W. Fischer, the leading man who was the highest-paid actor in German cinema in the 1950s, died Sunday in a hospital in Lugano. He was 88.

Born in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna, Otto Wilhelm Fischer began his acting career on the Austrian stage before breaking into cinema in 1950 with the title role in "Erzherzog Johanns grosse Liebe" (Archduke Johann's Great Love). He appeared in more than 40 films, of which the most successful were those where he played romantic leads, starring alongside Maria Schell in seven films including "Napoleon" and with Ruth Leuwerik in "Ludwig II."

Mr. Fischer tried to break into Hollywood in 1956, signing up for the lead in the remake of "My Man Godfrey," but left after differences with Universal Studios and director Henry Kosters. The role was taken by David Niven.

Mr. Fischer returned to Europe, making films in Germany, Italy and Spain, including "Helden" (Arms and the Man) in 1958 and "Onkel Toms Huette" (Uncle Tom's Cabin) in 1965.

Mr. Fischer stopped making movies in the 1960s but continued to appear on stage and television. He also wrote books on science.