Actor
In The Great Escape Messemer plays the kommendant of the POW camp, in real life he was himself a POW in Russia.
Austere, incisive character actor, often seen in hard-edged, military or villainous roles. Prior to acting, he worked as a waiter and as an accountant.
Was conscripted in 1942. Sent to Stalingrad as punishment for failing to obey orders. Subsequently in Soviet captivity, but managed to escape in 1945.
He was conscripted into the German Army in 1942. He was sent to Stalingrad as punishment for failing to obey orders. Subsequently fell into Soviet captivity, but managed to escape in 1945.
