Werner Herzog

Date of Birth: September 5, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Werner Herzog is a renowned German film director, screenwriter, author, and actor, known for his unique approach to filmmaking and his ability to capture the human condition in extreme circumstances. Born Werner Herzog Stipetić on September 5, 1942, in Munich, Germany, he grew up in a remote mountain village in Bavaria after his family moved there during World War II. Herzog showed an early interest in films and storytelling, creating his first short film at the age of 19. Herzog’s filmmaking career spans over five decades and includes a wide range of genres, from epic historical dramas to intimate documentaries. Some of his most acclaimed works include “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972), “Fitzcarraldo” (1982), and “Grizzly Man” (2005). Herzog is known for his collaboration with volatile actor Klaus Kinski, with whom he made five films, and for his distinctive voice and narrative style in his documentaries. Herzog’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival, the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America. Despite his success, Herzog remains a humble and dedicated artist, continually pushing the boundaries of cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Werner Herzog

1. Werner Herzog once ate his own shoe after losing a bet to fellow filmmaker Errol Morris, who completed his documentary “Gates of Heaven.”

2. Herzog walked from Munich to Paris in 1974 to visit a sick friend, believing the act would keep her alive.

3. He has directed over 60 films, both feature-length and documentaries, showcasing his prolific nature.

4. Herzog survived a plane crash in Africa during the filming of “Fitzcarraldo.”

5. He has a distinctive monotone voice, which has led to him being a sought-after narrator for documentaries and commercials.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Werner Herzog

1. “I’m fascinated by the idea that our civilization is like a thin layer of ice upon a deep ocean of chaos and darkness.”

2. “What would an ocean be without a monster lurking in the dark? It would be like sleep without dreams.”

3. “Do you not then hear this horrible scream all around you that people usually call silence?”

4. “The universe is not harmonious: you know that by looking outside.”

5. “If you’re purely a pragmatist, you’re a cynic. You have to have a dream.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Werner Herzog has achieved a net worth of approximately $10 million at the height of his career.

Children

Werner Herzog has three children: 1. Rudolph Herzog, a filmmaker and author. 2. Hanna Mattes, an artist and photographer. 3. Simon Herzog, whose details are less publicly known.