Olaf Fønss


Olaf Holger Axel Fønss was a Danish actor, director, producer, film censor and one of Denmark and Germany's biggest stars of the silent film era.

Career

Fønss' leading role in the 1913 Danish classic Atlantis made his face recognizable to movie fans. It was his role as the artificial creature in the 1916 German science fiction film series, Homunculus, that earned Fønss status as a top matinee idol. In the 1930s, Fønss became politically active by directing two films for Denmark's Socialdemokratiske Parti (Social Democracy Party), Den Store Dag and Under Den Gamle Fane. He was president of the Danish Actor's Union from 1933-1947 and was a censor for the National Film Censor of Denmark for 14 years. Fønss was the older brother of actors Johannes and Aage Fønss.
He was the recipient of voluminous fan mail, which was the subject of 2024 research.

Filmography

As actor

As director

  • Hævneren
  • Samvittighedskvaler
  • B.T.'s amatørfilm
  • Den store Dag
  • ''Under den gamle Fane''