Helmut Berger, Austrian Actor Known for Visconti Films, Dies at 78
Berger, who was known as 'the most beautiful man in the world,' starred in 'The Damned' and 'Ludwig II'
Berger died on Friday at his home in Salzburg, Austria
Helmut Berger, the Austrian actor who was known for his roles in three films by Luchino Visconti, including "The Damned" and "Ludwig II," has died at the age of 78.
Berger, who was known as "the most beautiful man in the world," died on Friday at his home in Salzburg, Austria, according to his agent.
Berger was born in 1944 in Salzburg, Austria. He began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in Italian and German films. He rose to prominence in 1969 when he was cast as Martin von Essenbeck in Visconti's "The Damned." The film was a critical and commercial success, and Berger's performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Berger went on to star in two more of Visconti's films, "Ludwig II" (1972) and "Conversation Piece" (1974). He also appeared in a number of other films, including "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis" (1970), "The Night Porter" (1974), and "The Serpent's Egg" (1977).
Berger's career declined in the 1980s and 1990s, but he made a comeback in the 2000s, appearing in a number of films and television shows. He was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 2014.
Berger was a controversial figure in his personal life. He was openly gay and had a number of relationships with both men and women. He was also a heavy smoker and drinker, and he spent time in rehab for drug addiction.
Berger's death was met with sadness by his colleagues and fans. He was remembered as a talented actor and a charismatic personality.
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