Paul Henckels (Hürth, 1885 – Kettwig, 1967) was a prolific German theatre and film actor and director. His career began on the stage, where he also worked as a theatre director, and extended to cinema from the silent era, establishing him as one of the best-known character actors of his generation. He played over 200 roles, specializing in authoritarian yet often good-natured or eccentric figures, such as professors and civil servants. His most celebrated performance remains that of Professor Bömmel in the cult comedy *Die Feuerzangenbowle* (1944). His other significant works include appearances in classics such as *The Blue Angel* (1930) and popular films such as *Quax, der Bruchpilot* (1941). For his artistic contributions, he was awarded the title of *Staatsschauspieler* (State Actor) in 1937 and, in 1962, a special award at the German Film Awards for his long and distinguished career in German cinema.