Actor typecast as a Nazi, dies at 89

LOS ANGELES, July 19 (UPI) -- Kurt Kreuger, a handsome Swiss-German actor often cast as a Nazi officer in World War II movies, who later became a realtor, died in Los Angeles at 89.

Kreuger was born July 23, 1916, in Michenberg, Germany, and was raised in Switzerland, the Los Angeles Times reported.

After studying to become a doctor in London and New York, he dropped out to pursue acting.

In the 1950s, he appeared in more than 20 films, including "Mademoiselle Fifi," his first major role.

Krueger's good looks made him 20th Century Fox's third most-requested male pinup photo, the 1992 edition of "Who's Who in Hollywood said." Although he tried to break free from his stereotyped image, he was frustrated by the studio.

When Krueger requested other parts, Darryl F. Zanuck reportedly answered, "What's your hurry? With your looks, you'll be good at 50."

He moved to Europe in the 1950s where he appeared in German films. His last film was "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre," released in 1967. After acting on television through the 1960s, he became a very successful realtor in Beverly Hills. He owned a second home in Aspen, Colo. where he skied until 2004.

An only child, Krueger never married.