Lex Barker slipped into the role of "Old Shatterhand" seven times in the sixties. But in 1973 the actor died. We tell you everything about how the American actor died.
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00:00 Seven times in the 1960s, Lex Barker stepped into the role of Old Shatterhand.
00:07 The Carl May movies represented the pinnacle of his acting career, which tragically concluded
00:12 in the early 70s with his death.
00:15 We will disclose everything about how the American met his end.
00:20 Lex Barker's life concluded on May 11, 1973, just three days after his 54th birthday.
00:27 He was strolling in Manhattan on his way to his girlfriend when he collapsed and passed
00:32 away.
00:33 The media introduced alcoholism into their speculation about the circumstances of his
00:38 death.
00:40 What is certain is that it was a heart attack that abruptly took Barker from this world.
00:45 Eyewitnesses reported that he clutched his left chest and his face contorted in pain.
00:50 Yet, the recently departed man went unrecognized initially.
00:55 Ultimately, it was an engraving on the back of his wristwatch that revealed his renowned
01:00 name Alexander C. Barker, known as Lex Barker.
01:04 Indeed, Barker was nowhere near as renowned in his homeland as he was in Europe, especially
01:10 Germany.
01:11 The reason for this lay in the fact that the Carl May movies did not capture much attention
01:16 in the USA.
01:18 Following the end of the Western movies, significant roles eluded the actor.
01:23 Shortly before his demise, he endeavored to advance his Hollywood career.
01:29 He aimed to get in shape, played copious amounts of tennis, and, as reported in Der Spiegel,
01:34 shed 15 kilograms.
01:37 Nonetheless, he indulged in drinking and smoking.
01:41 Barker left behind three children.
01:43 -
01:49 (upbeat music)
01:52 (upbeat music)