Billed as Otto Valdis, he performed Shakespeare and classic German plays.

[citation needed] Waldis began made his film debut in a small role in director Fritz Lang's classic thriller M (1931) starring Peter Lorre.

After he began acting regularly in films, he had the lead in The Broken Pitcher, which received first prize in an international competition in 1934.

[1] Waldis became a familiar character actor often appearing in B movies and his roles were sometimes uncredited.

[citation needed] Waldis also made several guest appearances on television including roles in My Little Margie, The Adventures of Superman, General Electric Theater, Lassie, Maverick, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Perry Mason, Peter Gunn, Playhouse 90, Have Gun - Will Travel, The Untouchables, 77 Sunset Strip, Wagon Train, Lawman, Ben Casey, Hogan's Heroes, Mannix and Gomer Pyle, USMC.