Fred Delmare

Actor

Fred Delmare was a well-known East German actor who was born on April 24, 1922, in Hüttensteinach, Germany. During his five-decade career, he became an important figure in German cinema. Delmare initially trained as a cabinetmaker before turning to acting. He began his acting career after World War II and became a well-known character actor in East Germany. He appeared in over 200 films and television series. His best-known films include Der Fall Gleiwitz (1961), Schwester Agnes (1975), and Levins Mühle (1980). Delmare often played simple men, which was well received by audiences. He also worked in theater and was a member of the Deutsches Theater in Berlin. In DAS BLAUE LICHT (1976, directed by Iris Gusner), he played the charismatic little man, a magical being who serves the protagonist Hans with his wishes. The fairy tale film based on a Grimm story was highly praised for its atmospheric imagery and poetic interpretation, and Delmare's portrayal as the lovable, mystical companion in this film for older audiences firmly established him in the DEFA canon. Delmare also appeared in the folk film DER BÄRENHÄUTER (1986, director unknown) – according to his filmography, this was part of the local DEFA productions with literary references and symbolic imagery. The film is part of the DEFA tradition of conveying myths and local legends in an emotional and visual way, and Delmare is one of the most memorable supporting actors in it. Delmare cemented his cult status in DIE LEGENDE VON PAUL UND PAULA (1973, directed by Heiner Carow) as “Reifen-Saft,” the loyal, somewhat clumsy lover of Paula, played by Angelica Domröse. His role became a classic of GDR film history because, despite its comical touch, he convincingly embodied deep human compassion and social longing.