The Actor
Richard Haydn
Richard Haydn was a British actor born on March 10, 1905 in London, England. Known for his signature roles and distinctive voice, he made a name for himself in Hollywood as a versatile actor in both comedies and dramas.
Role in the movie
Perhaps his most memorable role was in the classic musical movie “The Sound of Music” (1965), in which he played the charming and shrewd Max Detweiler. As Max Detweiler, an old friend of the von Trapp family, Haydn brings a mixture of humor and warmth to the film. Max is a musical impresario who recognizes the musical talents of the von Trapp children and urges them to perform at a singing competition. His role is crucial to the development of the plot, as he becomes an important support for the von Trapp family.
Further career
In addition to “The Sound of Music”, Haydn has had a successful career in film, television and theater. He starred in a variety of productions, including “And Then There Were None” (1945) and “Alice in Wonderland” (1951), where he lent the voice of the Caterpillar.
Richard Haydn died on April 25, 1985 at the age of 80 in Los Angeles, California. His portrayal of Max Detweiler in “The Sound of Music” remains an outstanding part of his filmography and an unforgettable contribution to this timeless classic.
Did you know?
The character of Max Detweiler in The Sound of Music was inspired by the real-life figure Father Franz Wasner, but was adapted for the movie to add more humor and dramatic energy to the musical. Unlike Max Detweiler, who is portrayed as a secular music promoter in the movie, the real Franz Wasner was a Roman Catholic priest, musician, and composer. He therefore not only served the Trapp family as musical director, but also supported them as their spiritual advisor.
The role of Max Detweiler (Uncle Max) in The Sound of Music was played by the British actor Richard Haydn. Through his portrayal of Uncle Max in the movie, he created a humorous and charming atmosphere. In addition to his role in The Sound of Music, Richard Haydn is also known for the role of the Caterpillar in Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland“ (1951) and for his appearances in movies such as “And Then There Were None“ (1945) and “Mutiny on the Bounty“ (1962).