Helmut Berger: Film legend died at the age of 78

The Austrian film legend Helmut Berger is dead. His agency announced this on Thursday (May 18). Accordingly, he died at the age of 78 in Salzburg. “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of the legendary actor Helmut Berger, who passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at 4 a.m. this morning in his hometown of Salzburg, shortly before his 79th birthday”.

It goes on to say that Berger was one of the “greatest and most talented actors” that European cinema has ever seen. Berger was one of the most famous actors in Europe, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. At the side of Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) and Henry Fonda (1905-1982) he achieved world fame through the joint film “The Rival”. In 1970 he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Young Male Actor. In “The Godfather III” he was seen alongside world stars such as Al Pacino (83), Diane Keaton (77), Andy Garcia (67) and Sofia Coppola (52).

Helmut Berger spoke of numerous affairs with megastars

The actor, often described by the media as an eccentric and enfant terrible, was also known for his extravagant lifestyle, including alcohol and drug excesses, and his openly communicated bisexuality. He spoke of affairs with numerous superstars, including Ursula Andress (87), Elizabeth Taylor, Jerry Hall (66) and Mick Jagger (79). “Vogue” once described him as the “most beautiful man in the world”. The pop singer Madonna (64) once said in an interview about the often androgynous actor: “Apart from Helmut Berger, there are no more interesting women these days.”

In 2013, Berger took part in the RTL jungle camp, which caused great controversy. The broadcaster had to face criticism after Berger, who was obviously ill, had to leave the show after three days. In 2019, the star, who was already in poor health, announced that he was retiring from acting. In a statement it was said that he – like his role model Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992) – would spend the rest of his life outside of the public eye.