He began his acting career in East Germany and has appeared in more than 130 films and television shows since 1968. His debut film as a director, "Treffen in Travers", was the first East-German film screened at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. His 1998 film "The Big Mambo" was entered into the 48th Berlin International Film Festival. The following year, he won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 49th Berlin International Film Festival, for his role in the film "Nightshapes".