Biography
Norbert Grupe, also known by the stage name Wilhelm von Homburg, was a German professional boxer, wrestler and actor. Born in Berlin, he began his career in the 1950s wrestling alongside his father Richard Grupe, performing in Germany and the United States under names including Prinz Wilhelm von Homburg. He turned to professional boxing in 1962 and competed until 1970, retiring with a record of 30 wins, 11 losses and 6 draws.
After boxing, Grupe worked as a supporting actor, often in villainous or tough-guy parts. His credits include an uncredited role in Torn Curtain (1966), a part in The Devil's Brigade (1968), the role of Souteneur in Werner Herzog's Stroszek (1977), James in Die Hard (1988) and Vigo the Carpathian in Ghostbusters II (1989). He was the subject of the 2002 documentary Der Boxprinz.
