Became naturalized citizen of Switzerland and lived in Küsnacht near Zurich until his death.
Father of Klaus Knuth.
Published his autobiography "Mit einem Lächeln im Knopfloch" (With a smile in the buttonhole) in 1974.
The role of veterinarian Dr. Hofer on "Alle meine Tiere" (1962) made him one of Germany's first television stars.
Was trained to be a locksmith, but ran away from home to become an actor.