In the early 1970s, he made his breakthrough by starring in films such as Zeit der Störche and The Legend of Paul and Paula.

His mother did not follow the order announced on 19 March 1945 that civilians should evacuate Sopot, so his birth took place in the liberated area.

Shortly afterwards, his mother was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, where she developed tuberculosis and from then on spent many years in sanatoriums.

Glatzeder grew up in privileged circumstances, but spent time in group homes while his grandparents travelled for work.

After completing an apprenticeship in refrigeration, Glatzeder attended the Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg from 1965.

After completing his studies, Glatzeder received an engagement at the Hans Otto Theatre in Potsdam in September 1969.

Among other roles, he played the aviator Yang Sun in The Good Person of Szechwan in 1971, under Benno Besson.

In 1971, Glatzeder made his breakthrough as an actor in the role of the young, unconventional drilling worker Christian in Siegfried Kühn's Zeit der Störche.

He performed in numerous films for cinema and television, including Forget Mozart in 1984 and Rosa Luxemburg in 1986.