Did you know that this plaque commemorates a beloved Berliner? It is the Ewald Wenck Plaque. We are standing before it now. This plaque honors Hermann Ewald Wenck. He was born in Berlin on December 28 1891. Ewald Wenck died here on April 30 1981.
Ewald Wenck was more than just an actor. He was a true Berliner original. Wenck charmed audiences as a cabaret artist. He was also a popular radio host. The Ewald Wenck Plaque marks his former home. From 1957 to 1981, he lived at Unter den Eichen 104a.
Wenck’s journey began with private acting lessons. In 1912, he debuted at the Stadttheater Bautzen. He performed in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”. Later engagements took him to Konstanz and Gera. Finally, Wenck arrived in Berlin. He shone at the Metropoltheater and the Admiralspalast.
His film career started in the silent era. Wenck appeared in Hans Werckmeister’s “Margots Freier” in 1919. However, talkies brought his real breakthrough. During the 1930s and 1940s, he became very sought-after. Wenck often played smaller roles. He became one of Germany’s busiest supporting actors. Even during World War II, he starred in entertainment films. Among them was the classic “Die Feuerzangenbowle” from 1944.
After the war, Wenck became a household name. He was a member of the RIAS radio cabaret “Die Insulaner”. Wenck also starred in the RIAS radio series “Pension Spreewitz”. He narrated “Damals war’s – Geschichten aus dem alten Berlin”. From January 27 1970, he hosted “Ewalds Schlagerparade”. He presented 282 shows until January 26 1981. Wenck signed off with “Opi Dopi” and “Hallo Fans, hier ist wieder Ewalds Schlagerparade – Eine moderne Hitsendung für reife Hörer”.
Ewald Wenck is buried in Steglitz Cemetery. Since August 2021, his grave is an honorary grave of the State of Berlin. This honor lasts for twenty years. It can be extended.
Wenck’s filmography is extensive. It includes “Figaros Hochzeit” from 1949. He also starred in “Karneval der Liebe” in 1943. Another notable film is “Tanz ins Glück” from 1951.
The unveiling of the Ewald Wenck Plaque was on May 3 1990. His final resting place is in Friedhof Steglitz. It is located at Bergstraße 34-52. The grave is in Abt. D VII 1. Wahlreihe rechts, Nr. 11.
Ewald Wenck’s legacy lives on through this plaque. It reminds us of his contributions to Berlin’s cultural scene. He was a true original. He brought joy to countless people.