Gustaf Gründgens (December 22, 1899 – October 7, 1963) was one of Germany's most famous actors of the 20th century, leading theatres in Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. His single most famous role was that of Mephistopheles in Goethe's Faust in 1956/57, which is still considered by many to have been the best interpretation of the role ever given.
He later found himself and his life portrayed in a book called "Mephisto" which was written by Klaus Mann (brother of Erika Mann (I)). Gruendgens stopped further publications of this book.
Was married to Erika Mann (I), the daughter of famous german writer Thomas Mann (I).
Klaus Mann's book "Mephisto" was banned in Germany in 1966 (after Gründgens' death). However, despite the ban, it was republished in 1981 by Rowohlt Verlag.
Changed his first name from Gustav to Gustaf with "f" because Gustav was the more common version.
His most famous role was that of "Mephistopheles" in Goethe's "Faust", which is by many still considered having been the best interpretation of the character ever given.
His connection to the Nazi regime is considered controversial because he starred in some propaganda movies and was the favorite actor of Hermann Göring, but saved the life of anti-fascist actor Ernst Busch on the other hand.
