**Peter Berling (1934-2017) was a German actor, an emblematic figure of New German Cinema.** Also a writer and producer, he is nonetheless best known for his prolific film career, often working for directors such as Werner Herzog and Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

With Herzog, he made his mark in iconic films such as *Aguirre, the Wrath of God* (1972), where he played Don Fernando de Guzmán, and *Fitzcarraldo* (1982). With Fassbinder, he appeared in works such as *The Marriage of Maria Braun* (1979).

Berling was recognizable for his imposing stature and gruff face, characteristics that made him perfect for roles as ambiguous characters, conspirators, tyrants, or eccentric and sometimes grotesque figures. His screen presence, often hieratic and unsettling, contributed to defining the atmosphere of numerous masterpieces, making him an unforgettable face of international art-house cinema.