Personal info
Known for
Actor
Gender
Male
Birthday
29 October
Location
Indiana, United States
Edit pageJess Hahn
Biography
Jess Hahn (October 1, 1921 – June 29, 1998) was an American actor who spent much of his career working in European cinema, particularly in France and Italy. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, he served in the United States military during World War II before pursuing acting.
Hahn began appearing in European films during the 1950s and became a familiar supporting actor in international productions. His large physical presence and distinctive appearance made him well suited to roles as soldiers, gangsters, sailors, and other tough or imposing characters.
Among his notable film appearances were The Proud and the Beautiful (1953), The Day and the Hour (1963), The Train (1964), The Last Adventure (1967), The Night of the Following Day (1968), and The Valachi Papers (1972).
In Hubert Cornfield's The Night of the Following Day (1968), Hahn played François, a member of the criminal group involved in the kidnapping of a wealthy young woman. He appeared alongside Marlon Brando, Richard Boone, Rita Moreno, and Pamela Franklin.
Hahn worked with numerous prominent European filmmakers and appeared in productions from France, Italy, Britain, and the United States. He continued acting through the 1970s and 1980s, building a substantial filmography as a character actor.
Jess Hahn died in France on June 29, 1998, at the age of 76. He is remembered primarily for his extensive supporting work in European genre films and international productions.
