Austrian film icon Helmut Berger dies at 78 in Salzburg

Helmut Berger, the famous Austrian actor celebrated for his unique androgynous roles, sadly passed away at 78. His management team, Helmet Werner Management, announced that he died peacefully in Salzburg on Thursday. Berger gained fame in the late 1960s, working closely with Luchino Visconti, making his debut in 'The Witches' (1967) and receiving accolades for his role in 'The Damned' (1969) as Marlene Dietrich. In the 1970s, he starred in the Oscar-winning 'The Garden of the Finzi-Continis' (1970) and won Italy's David di Donatello for 'Ludwig' (1972). Originally from Bad Ischl, Austria, he began as a film extra in Rome before being noticed by Visconti. He later appeared in 'The Godfather Part III' (1990) and Madonna's 'Erotica' video (1992). Since the early 2000s, he lived in Salzburg, becoming a notable figure in European cinema, known for his open bisexuality and magnetic presence.