Rolf Schult, German actor (d. 2013)

Rolf Schult, born on April 16, 1927, and passing away on March 13, 2013, was a distinguished German actor whose voice became as iconic as his on-screen presence. He carved out a prolific career not only as a stage and screen actor but, more famously, as one of Germany's most recognizable voice actors, lending his unique timbre to some of Hollywood's biggest stars for German-speaking audiences.

The Voice Behind the Stars: A Dubbing Icon

In Germany, where dubbing foreign films and television series is a deeply ingrained cultural practice, voice actors like Rolf Schult play a pivotal role in shaping how international characters are perceived. Schult possessed a voice that conveyed authority, charm, and sometimes a subtle gravitas, making him a sought-after talent in the industry.

He became the definitive German voice for the legendary American actor Robert Redford, providing a consistent and recognizable auditory experience for Redford's myriad roles, from romantic leads to rugged heroes. This enduring association meant that for generations of German filmgoers, Rolf Schult's voice was inextricably linked with Redford's charismatic performances.

Another significant connection was his portrayal of Anthony Hopkins. For many years, Schult was the voice that brought Hopkins' nuanced and often intense characters to life in German. This partnership continued until the critically acclaimed film Hannibal in 2001. Following this project, the role of Hopkins' German voice was taken over by Joachim Kerzel. Such transitions, while sometimes noticeable to dedicated fans, are a common occurrence in the dynamic world of voice acting, often influenced by factors like scheduling, creative direction, or the natural evolution of an actor's voice over time.

Furthermore, Rolf Schult was the steadfast German voice for Patrick Stewart throughout a substantial portion of his career, particularly known for Stewart's roles that demanded a voice of wisdom and command. This consistent portrayal further solidified Schult's reputation as a versatile and reliable voice artist capable of capturing the essence of diverse characters.

Beyond the Screen: Collaborations with E Nomine

Demonstrating the breadth of his artistic versatility, Rolf Schult also ventured into the realm of music, collaborating with the German trance/techno-band E Nomine. Known for their distinctive style that blends electronic music with Gregorian chants and spoken-word passages, E Nomine found in Schult's deep and resonant voice the perfect complement for their atmospheric and often dramatic compositions. He contributed his spoken talents to a number of their albums, adding a theatrical and narrative dimension that became a hallmark of the band's unique sound, further cementing his place in German cultural memory beyond traditional acting roles.

FAQs About Rolf Schult

Who was Rolf Schult?
Rolf Schult (April 16, 1927 – March 13, 2013) was a prominent German actor and, more notably, a highly respected voice actor. He was widely recognized for dubbing major Hollywood stars into German and for his collaborations with the band E Nomine.
Which famous actors did Rolf Schult primarily dub in German?
Rolf Schult was the iconic German voice for Robert Redford for many years. He also dubbed Anthony Hopkins until 2001, and was the long-standing voice for Patrick Stewart for much of his career.
Why was Rolf Schult replaced as Anthony Hopkins' German voice?
Rolf Schult voiced Anthony Hopkins until the film Hannibal in 2001, after which Joachim Kerzel took over. The specific reasons for such casting changes are not always publicly disclosed, but they can include factors like new directorial choices, scheduling conflicts, or the natural progression of an actor's voice.
What was Rolf Schult's involvement with the German band E Nomine?
Rolf Schult collaborated with the German trance/techno-band E Nomine on several of their albums. He provided spoken-word passages, utilizing his distinctive voice to add a dramatic and narrative element to their unique blend of electronic music and Gregorian chants.
When did Rolf Schult pass away?
Rolf Schult passed away on March 13, 2013, at the age of 85.