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Ingolf “Ingo” Gorges, born on April 8, 1940, in Magdeburg, Germany, and died on May 24, 2008, in Berlin, was a highly regarded German actor. He gained prominence primarily in East Germany and later left the country in 1977 in protest against the expulsion of Wolf Biermann.
Early Life and Education
Ingolf Gorges embarked on a unique journey in the world of performing arts. At the age of 14, he left school and initially worked as a copper miner in the Mansfeld region. However, his true passion lay in acting, prompting him to enroll in an acting program at the Hochschule für Film und Fernsehen Potsdam-Babelsberg from 1958 to 1961. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career in the world of theater and film.
Career
Ingolf Gorges’s talent was quickly recognized, and he became a prominent figure in East German cinema and theater. He showcased his acting skills at theaters such as Theater der Freundschaft (now known as Theater an der Parkaue) in Berlin, Deutsches Theater Berlin, and Friedrichstadtpalast. Additionally, from 1969 onwards, he was a valued member of the actor ensemble at East Germany’s television network, where he participated in numerous series and films produced by the DDR-Fernsehen and DEFA.
In 1977, in response to his protest against the expulsion of Wolf Biermann from East Germany, Ingolf Gorges made the courageous decision to leave the country and settle in West Berlin. In this new chapter of his life, he continued to contribute to the world of performing arts. He worked as a radio presenter for the Rundfunk im amerikanischen Sektor (RIAS) radio station and took the stage at various theaters, including those in Cologne, Frankfurt, and Berlin.
His diverse career included tours, including those to Switzerland and Austria, where he performed in productions such as “Sappho” under the direction of Wolfgang Liebeneiner, “Amadeus” directed by Gerhard Klingenberg, and “Gefährliche Liebschaften” (Dangerous Liaisons) directed by Manfred Wekwerth. Gorges also made guest appearances at the Karl-May-Festspiele (Karl May Festivals). Throughout these experiences, he continued to lend his distinctive voice to film and television productions, notably as a voice actor for Bernard Giraudeau in “Bilitis,” Denis Lawson as “Wedge” in “Star Wars,” and David Lynch in “Twin Peaks.”
What was Ingolf Gorges’s Cause of Death?
Ingolf Gorges died on 24 May 2008 in Berlin, Germany. The exact cause of his death is unknown.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ingolf Gorges was not only an accomplished actor but also a man of diverse interests. He pursued his love for amateur boxing for many years before transitioning to tennis after relocating to West Berlin. In his later years, he excelled in tennis, winning multiple championships with various teams in the Berlin-Brandenburg Tennis Association. Gorges also displayed his athleticism by completing 14 marathons, including two in New York, and remained passionate about football, even joining the SC Lankwitz’s Over-60s team.
