Herman Bing (March 30, 1889 – January 9, 1947) was a German-American character actor. He acted in more than 120 films and many of his parts were uncredited.

Herman Bing
Bing in The Great Ziegfeld trailer
Born(1889-03-30)March 30, 1889
DiedJanuary 9, 1947(1947-01-09) (aged 57)
OccupationActor
Years active1921–1946
SpouseCarla Lichtenstein
Children1

Biography

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Bing was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. [1]: 115 

Bing began his career at the circus, at age 16, and vaudeville showing comedic talent.[2]: 25  In 1921 he made his film debut in "Ciska Barna, die Zigeunerin".

He was production chief of several films in Germany before he went to America, in 1923, with director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau as Murnau's interpreter and assistant director. He also worked under John Ford and Frank Borzage, before establishing himself as a successful character actor well known for his wild-eyed facial expressions and thick German accent. He also provided the voice for the Ringmaster in Walt Disney's Dumbo (1941).

Death

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The start of World War II in Europe caused all things German to be unpopular with audiences. His German accent was no longer in demand in the years following World War II. He became increasingly depressed in the mid-1940s, as he was unable to secure work in Hollywood, and committed suicide by gunshot in 1947.[3]

Selected filmography

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References

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  1. ^ Ellenberger, Allan R. (2001). Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries: A Directory. Jefferson, North Carolina, and London: McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-7864-0983-9. Archived from the original on 2022-05-06. Retrieved 2020-11-28 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ Hischak, Thomas S. (2011). Disney Voice Actors: A Biographical Dictionary. Jefferson, North Carolina, and London: McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 25. ISBN 978-0-7864-8694-6. Archived from the original on 2022-05-06. Retrieved 2020-11-28 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "COMEDIAN KILLS HIMSELF; Herman Bing, of Films, Leaves Note Ascribing Act to Nerves". The New York Times Archives. January 10, 1947. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
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