**Thomas Thieme** (1952) is a German actor known for his striking presence and his portrayals of authoritative figures. He gained international acclaim for his portrayal of Minister Bruno Hempf in Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's *The Lives of Others* (2006), a character who perfectly embodies his ability to render complex and ambiguous figures of power, often cynical or morally questionable.

His film career includes appearances in prominent films such as *Downfall* (2004), *The Baader Meinhof Complex* (2008), where he plays the influential publisher Axel Springer, and *Hanna* (2011). Thieme is praised for his deep voice and imposing demeanor, which allow him to credibly embody political leaders, industrialists, or characters with a dark side, solidifying his reputation as one of the most recognizable faces in contemporary German cinema.