Biography
This stout, balding character actor was a constant presence in German-language films for nearly fifty years. A contemporary critic even dubbed him 'the king of supporting roles.' The son of a baker, Sima initially dreamed of becoming a writer. When that path didn’t pan out, he pursued drama studies at the Vienna Conservatory. His first theater engagement in 1919 brought him to the Deutsche Theater in Prague. He then split his stage time between Vienna and Berlin. Beginning in 1927, Sima worked under Max Reinhardt, who recognized his unique comedic talent and cast him in satirical and comedic roles.
Sima’s film career began in 1921 but gained momentum only with the advent of sound cinema. Suddenly, he appeared in multiple films annually, often starring in commercially successful titles such as Die Fledermaus (1931), So ein Flegel (1934), Liebe, Tod und Teufel (1934), Glückskinder (1936), Gasparone (1937), Frau im Strom (1939), and Jenny und der Herr im Frack (1941). He typically portrayed the gruff curmudgeon—sometimes villainous, cigar-smoking, and irritable; other times sly and scheming, yet deceptively genial. He also delivered memorable comedic performances as pompous, easily deflated editors, industrialists, or burgomasters. Sima’s career continued strongly after the war, balancing comedies with romantic melodramas. In 1967, a heart attack forced his retirement, and he withdrew to his horse-breeding estate near Vienna.
During the Nazi era, Sima’s attitude toward the regime was ambiguous. On one hand, he vocally supported Austria’s Anschluss with Germany and joined the NSDAP, apparently to maintain his acting career. On the other hand, he was reportedly linked to at least one resistance group during the 1940s. This complex stance may explain why he received the most significant honor of his extensive career—the Filmband in Gold—shortly before his death in June 1969.
