Burkhard Driest facts for kids

Burkhard Driest (born April 28, 1939 – died February 27, 2020) was a talented German actor, writer, and director. He was well-known for his acting roles in movies like Cross of Iron by Sam Peckinpah and Querelle by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Besides acting, he also wrote many novels and screenplays for films.

Early Life and Career

Burkhard Driest was born in Stettin, Germany, on April 28, 1939. This city is now part of Poland. His father was an economist, and his mother was a piano teacher. When World War II ended, his family moved to Peine in Lower Saxony. His parents separated in 1950.

Burkhard had some challenges in school but still did very well on his final exams. He then studied law at different universities. After his studies, he worked in various jobs, including at the port of Hamburg, and as a waiter and taxi driver in London.

Becoming a Writer and Actor

In 1974, Burkhard Driest published his first novel, Die Verrohung des Franz Blum. This book included parts of his own life experiences. He also wrote the screenplay for a film based on his novel, which came out in the same year. He even had a small role in the movie.

A famous director named Peter Zadek invited Burkhard to act in a play called A Streetcar Named Desire. This was a big step for his acting career. He also appeared on a popular TV talk show, which made him even more famous.

Burkhard Driest worked with many important film directors. These included Werner Herzog for the movie Stroszek and Sam Peckinpah for Cross of Iron. He also worked on several projects with director Reinhard Hauff.

He helped write the script for a movie called Son of Hitler [de] in 1978. Later, he wrote different versions of the screenplay for Rainer Werner Fassbinder's last film, Querelle. Burkhard also acted in Querelle, playing the character Mario.

Directing and Later Works

After 1983, Burkhard Driest lived in Switzerland. He continued to work as an actor and also became a film producer. In 1984, he directed his first film, Anna's Mother [de]. He also wrote a detective novel in 2003 and explored his talent as an artist.

Personal Life

Burkhard Driest was married three times. His daughter, Johanna Driest, is also a writer. He passed away in Berlin on February 27, 2020, at the age of 80, after a long illness.

Filmography

Burkhard Driest was involved in many films. Here are some of his works as an actor, screenwriter, director, and producer:

As Actor

• 1974: Die Verrohung des Franz Blum [de] - Walter 'Tiger' Kuul
• 1976: Der Kommissar: Der Held des Tages (TV series episode) - Hartmut Stimmel
• 1977: Cross of Iron - Schütze Maag
• 1977: Stroszek - Souteneur
• 1978: Son of Hitler [de] - Gerd Müller
• 1980: Slow Attack [de] - Nick Dellmann
• 1982: Querelle - Mario
• 1983: The Roaring Fifties - Major Assimov
• 1984: Die Story
• 1984: Der Havarist - Sterling Hayden
• 1984: Smaragd - Klopfer Martin
• 1985: Kalt in Kolumbien
• 1986: Kir Royal (TV series, 1 episode) - Schläger
• 1987: Taxi nach Kairo - 1. Polizist
• 1990: Ein Fall für zwei: Madonna (TV series episode) - Malik
• 1992: Den demokratiske terroristen - Horst
• 1997: Der Ausbruch (TV film) - Peter Stolzek
• 1998: Night Time [de] - Lasinger
• 2000: I Love You, Baby - Decker
• 2003: Hamlet_X - Observer
• 2009: Lasko – Die Faust Gottes (TV series, 4 episodes) - Abt Patrizius
• 2011: Toni Costa: Kommissar auf Ibiza - Der rote Regen (TV series episode) - El Cubano (final film role)

As Screenwriter

• 1974: Die Verrohung des Franz Blum (based on his novel)
• 1978: Son of Hitler
• 1980: Slow Attack
• 1982: Querelle
• 1984: Anna's Mother [de]

As Director

• 1984: Anna's Mother [de]

As Producer

• 1978: Son of Hitler
• 1982: Querelle

Other Works

Burkhard Driest also wrote several novels:

• 1974: Die Verrohung des Franz Blum
• 1981: Mann ohne Schatten
• 1997: Sanfte Morde
• 2003: Der rote Regen
• 2005: Liebestod
• 2006: Brennende Schuld
• 2008: Sommernachtsmord
• 2010: Küchenkunst
• 2011: Die Maikäfer und der Krieg

See also