Henry Rowland (born Heinrich Wilhelm von Bock; December 28, 1913 – April 26, 1984) was an American actor. Of German descent and partly raised in Bonn, he became known for playing Nazi soldiers and officers during World War II, appearing alongside German and Austrian expatriate actors. Post-war, he had a lengthy career playing character roles in film and television, appearing in over 200 film and television productions.
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Early life
Rowland was born Heinrich Wilhelm von Bock in Omaha, Nebraska, to German parents. Originally from Bonn, his father was a professor of German at the University of Nebraska Omaha. His great-uncle was Fedor von Bock, a Wehrmacht field marshal.
Following the First World War, Rowland was sent to Germany for his secondary education. After completing gymnasium, Rowland moved to California to study in Pasadena.
During World War II, Rowland served in the United States Army Air Forces.
Career
Rowland "heiled" and "achtunged" his way through a variety of films, ranging from Casablanca to Russ Meyer's Supervixens. His fluency in the German language made him an ideal choice to play Nazi soldiers and officers during the Second World War. Conversely, he showed up as an American flight surgeon in 1944's Winged Victory, billed under his Army rank as 'Corporal Henry Rowland.' In his last years, Rowland had continued playing such Germanic characters as the Amish farmer in The Frisco Kid (1979).
He appeared six times on the western series Annie Oakley, starring Gail Davis and Brad Johnson. He was also cast in the television series Brave Eagle, Fury, The Lone Ranger, Zorro, The Rifleman, Tales of Wells Fargo (episode "Laredo"), and Gunsmoke.
Honors
For his contribution to the television industry, Rowland has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6328 Hollywood Boulevard.
Death
Rowland died on April 26, 1984 at the age of 70. He was buried in Los Angeles National Cemetery.