Rolf Hoppe (1930 – 2020) was a prolific German actor, celebrated for his versatile film and theater career. Known for his commanding stage presence and an unmistakable voice, Hoppe specialized in portraying complex characters, often authoritarian figures, antagonists, or men of power with a subtle vein of ambiguity.

His most iconic performance is undoubtedly that of Hendrik Höfgen in István Szabó's masterpiece, "Mephisto" (1981). This role, inspired by the figure of Gustaf Gründgens and his controversial career during Nazism, earned him international acclaim and contributed to the success of the Oscar-winning film.

Other significant films include his role as the King in "Three Wishes for Cinderella" (Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel, 1973), a beloved Christmas classic in many European countries, and his performances in films like "Der Haudegen" (1984) and "Schneewittchen" (2001). Hoppe left a distinctive mark on East German cinema (DDR) and post-reunification German cinema.