He studied graphic design at the Art School Alsterdamm in Hamburg, however, felt drawn to the theater and therefore moved to the Neue Münchner Schauspielschule (1967–1969).

As the successor of Manfred Krug and Charles Brauer he investigated from 2001 to 2008 as Tatort-homicide detective Jan Casstorff along with Tilo Prückner as Commissioner Holicek and Julia Schmidt as Jenny Graf for the NDR.

In the romantic comedy Kiss Me, Chancellor (2004) he slipped into the role of a head of government who falls in love with a maid, played by Andrea Sawatzki.

Also in 2004 he was before the camera in Das Kommando [de], as the commander of a special unit, with his sons Jens and Daniel, who made his debut in the film as an actor.

In the ZDF production Africa, mon amour (2007) he played opposite Iris Berben, as occurred with Matti Geschonneck's Wer liebt, hat Recht and in Das Kommando.