Though he took on a wide range of roles throughout his long and storied career, actor Maximilian Schell truly made his name with powerful performances in several World War II-themed films and television productions. It was in Hollywood where Maximilian Schell first gained major attention, stepping into the spotlight with his role as a Nazi officer in “The Young Lions” (1958). From there, Maximilian Schell’s career soared when he earned the Academy Award for Best Actor for his intense portrayal of a determined defense attorney in the landmark courtroom drama “Judgment at Nuremberg” (1961)—a performance that cemented his reputation as a serious and gifted actor.
But Maximilian Schell wasn’t one to rest on his acting laurels. Ever ambitious, he branched out into directing, carving a second successful path behind the camera. His directorial debut, “First Love” (1970), was not only well-received but also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film—another milestone in Maximilian Schell’s already impressive resume.
Over the following decades, Maximilian Schell continued to build a diverse and respected body of work. He delivered a standout performance in the title role of the acclaimed miniseries “Peter the Great” (NBC, 1986), showcasing his ability to embody historical figures with depth and nuance. Later, as Joseph Stalin in the HBO film “Stalin” (1992), Maximilian Schell won critical acclaim and multiple awards, including a Golden Globe, further proving his mastery of complex, larger-than-life characters.
As time went on, Maximilian Schell increasingly focused on television and smaller-scale projects, bringing gravitas to independent films and premium cable productions alike. Even as he shifted toward more selective roles, his presence remained commanding. When Maximilian Schell passed away at the age of 83, he left behind a legacy as one of Austria’s most distinguished actors—a man who, across generations and genres, consistently made his name synonymous with excellence in both acting and filmmaking.
Maximilian Schell’s most acclaimed film, in terms of ratings, is Marlene (1984), which stands out as his highest-rated work. On the other end of the spectrum, his lowest-rated film is Krakatoa, East of Java (1969), which has received considerably less favorable reviews over time.