Hardy Krüger (1928-2022) was a German actor with a remarkable international career. Becoming famous in Germany with films like *Die Halbstarken* (1956), he quickly established himself globally, becoming one of the few German actors to break into Hollywood after World War II.

His versatility led him to star in numerous Hollywood and European productions. His most iconic roles include the German pilot in *The One That Got Away* (1957), the hunter in *Hatari!* (1962) alongside John Wayne, the engineer in *The Flight of the Phoenix* (1965), and roles in war films like *A Bridge Too Far* (1977) and *The Wild Geese* (1978).

Krüger was often cast as charismatic, intelligent, and resolute characters, capable of acting with honor even in extreme situations. He brought depth and authenticity to complex figures, becoming a "good German" in international cinema.