A Frenchman, A Legend: The Story of Pierre Brice as Winnetou
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Became a Legendary Figure Portraying Winnetou - Winnetou Ascended to Mythical Status
In a twist of fate, a Breton heartbeat became the rhythm of the Apaches. Sculpted by the Great Spirit, Pierre Brice, a man of French descent, embodied the legendary character of Winnetou in a time when such a casting was not entirely politically correct.
My Winnetou!
It was nothing short of serendipity when German producer Horst Wendlandt, a pioneer in German cinema, happened upon a striking Frenchman. Reportedly, this Horst Wendlandt, famous for his Edgar Wallace crime films, saw a young, rugged Frenchman and declared, "This is my Winnetou!"
Fast forward 63 years, and Pierre Brice transformed into Winnetou. Although he may have left this world in 2015, his spirit continues to resonate in the hearts of millions of fans, with his death anniversary being commemorated on June 6 this year.
This Pierre Brice ascended to legendary status in German-speaking countries through the Karl May films, and his life story, if turned into a movie, would be no less captivating.
From Military Man to Actor
Pierre Brice, originally Pierre Louis Baron le Bris, was born in Brest, France, to a noble family. His father, a naval officer, spent most of his time at sea, while his mother raised him and his older sister Yvonne with a strict Catholic upbringing and strong French patriotism.
At just 11 years old, German troops occupied France. His father fought in the Resistance, and young Pierre joined at 15, bravely delivering messages between different Resistance groups. Caught by the Germans, it would have meant certain death.
Following World War II, Pierre bravely donned the uniform once more, becoming a frogman (a free-swimming diver for military and special operations) before serving in the Indochina War in present-day Vietnam as a paratrooper for four years. After his military service, he returned to civilian life in France, highly decorated with three medals of bravery.
Finding His Passion
With the adrenaline and camaraderie of military life behind him, Pierre found himself yearning for something more. He decided to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Despite his father's reservations, Pierre persisted and changed his name to Pierre Brice.
While roles didn't come easily, he took on odd jobs as a messenger, model, and even acrobatic dancer with an artistic group. In 1954, he landed his first film job, appearing in "Hard Fists - Hot Blood." The first step was taken, but his career was far from smooth sailing, as a certain Alain Delon had taken over the French film scene, and they bore a striking resemblance.
Thus, Pierre found himself working primarily in Italy and Spain.
Winnetou: The Breakthrough Role
1962 marked a turning point in Pierre's career. In Berlin at the Berlinale with his Spanish film "Los Atracadores," he crossed paths with producer Horst Wendlandt, who was preparing his first Karl May film, "The Treasure of Silver Lake." Wendlandt found his Old Shatterhand in the lanky, blonde American actor, Lex Barker, but the search for his blood brother Winnetou had yet to bear fruit.
With Karl May's novels adapting for the big screen, Wendlandt happened to see the agile Frenchman Pierre Brice and knew, "He's the one!"
Winnetou: The Rise to Stardom
Initially reluctant, Pierre eventually agreed to the role, discovering the charm of the character through the French Winnetou edition. Filming began just 14 days later.
The Karl May films became an unparalleled success, spawning numerous sequels and making Old Shatterhand and, particularly, Winnetou household names. Pierre Brice found himself not merely reuniting with the role but merging with it, captivating the hearts of young and old German audiences.
- Pierre Brice
- Horst Wendlandt
- Military Career
- Karl May
- France
- Old Shatterhand
- Paris
- Lex Barker
- Alain Delon
- Edgar Wallace
- Brest
- World War II
- Algeria
- Vietnam
- Mother
- Ten years ago, Pierre Brice, the French actor renowned for his iconic role as Winnetou, passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that echoes in the world of entertainment to this day.
- Born in Brest, France, Pierre Brice embarked on a military career during World War II and later returned as a decorated war hero, but it was his transition to acting and his unforgettable portrayal of Winnetou in the Karl May movies that elevated him to stardom, placing him among the ranks of celebrated celebrities in the movies-and-tv industry.
