Erik Jan Hanussen

Career overview

Erik Jan Hanussen was born Hermann Chajm Steinschneider, also known as Hermann, Herschel Chaim Steinschneider, on 2 June 1889 in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, which is now Austria. Though he claimed to be a Danish aristocrat, he was an Austrian Jewish trick artist and publicist known as a clairvoyant, as well as an actor and writer. His father, Siegfried Steinschneider, worked as an actor and a synagogue caretaker.

As a film actor and writer, Hanussen was known for his work in Hypnose in 1919 and Der rätselhafte Tod in 1921. His filmography and career credits also encompass later recognition in connection with the 1988 production titled Hanussen: Hitler's Astrologer. Database records note his acting profession and include a known acting credit within the motion picture industry.

Hanussen died in the night between the 24th and 25th of March in 1933 in Berlin, Germany. Despite his Jewish heritage, he operated as a sympathizer during his life. His biographical and professional details are documented across film and biographical databases including the Internet Movie Database, AllMovie, and The Movie Database.