Theo Lingen, born Franz Theodor Schmitz on June 10, 1903 in Hanover, was an actor, film director, and screenwriter. He began his professional stage career after adopting the stage name Theo Lingen, performing at various theaters including those in Hanover, Halberstadt, Münster, and Frankfurt. His breakthrough came when he appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest, earning a reputation as a character comedian known for his distinctive nasal speech.
Lingen's film debut occurred in 1929, often collaborating with actor Hans Moser. He starred in notable films such as M and The Testament of Dr. Mabuse. In the 1930s, he directed several films including Hauptsache glücklich, starring Heinz Rühmann. After World War II, Lingen became a naturalized Austrian citizen and worked extensively at the Vienna Burgtheater. He continued his film career with numerous comedies and also ventured into television in the 1970s. Lingen died of cancer on November 10, 1978, in Vienna.
