Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Known For
Director
Birthday
(Friday)
Died
Height
1 cm (0'0")
Nationality
Languages
English, German
Spouses
Ursula Sieg (1970-1978), Marie-Antoinette Borgel (1978-2022)
Children
1 child: Daniel Petersen
Education
German Film and Television Academy Berlin, Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums
Zodiac Sign
♓ Pisces
Chinese Zodiac
蛇 Snake
Name Origin
English < German < Middle High German < Old High German
Popularity
Tier C -- 24,756 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Wolfgang Petersen is known for directing.
Born in Emden, Germany (died at age 81).
2 awards including Bavarian Order of Merit.
Wolfgang Petersen has 13 credits in our database.
Studied at Array.
DROPTHE GOOD_
14
Notable
out of 100
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Human Impact
0
Innovation
0
Giving
0
Sustainability
80
Cultural Uplift
56
Public Vote
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Filmography (13)
AWARDS (2)
B
Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
WON
B
Bavarian Order of Merit
WON
Biography
Wolfgang Petersen was a German-born screenwriter, producer and film director who spent most of his career in the United States. In the 1960s he began working directing plays at the Ernst Deutsch Theater in Hamburg. After becoming interested in theater in Berlin and Hamburg, Petersen attended the Berlin Film and Television Academy (1966-70). His first productions were for German state television, and it was during his work on the popular crime series Crime Scene that he met actor Jürgen Prochnow, who would later appear in his iconic film Das Boot (1981). His other films include The NeverEnding Story (1984), cult film Enemy Mine (1985), Shattered (1991), In the Line of Fire (1993), Outbreak (1995), Air Force One (1997), The Perfect Storm (2000), Troy (2004), Poseidon (2006) and Four Against the Bank (2016), his latest film.
Related People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Wolfgang Petersen?
Wolfgang Petersen was born on and passed away on at the age of 81.
Where was Wolfgang Petersen born?
Wolfgang Petersen was born in Emden, Germany.
What movies or shows has Wolfgang Petersen been in?
Wolfgang Petersen has 13 credits in our database. Notable titles include Poseidon (2006), Troy (2004), Bicentennial Man (1999), Instinct (1999), Air Force One (1997).
What is Wolfgang Petersen known for?
Wolfgang Petersen is primarily known as a director. Wolfgang Petersen was a German-born screenwriter, producer and film director who spent most of his career in the United States. In the 1960s he began…
Where can I find more information about Wolfgang Petersen?
You can find more about Wolfgang Petersen on IMDB, TMDB, Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
