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Leo Woodall: Jewish actor's secret in Nuremberg trial
10 Dec
Summary
- Actor Leo Woodall played a Jewish interpreter in Nazi war crimes film.
- He had to hide his Jewish background from Nazi war criminals.
- Woodall learned German intensely for his challenging role.
British actor Leo Woodall took on the demanding role of Sergeant Howie Triest, a Jewish interpreter tasked with translating for Nazi war criminals during the Nuremberg trials. Woodall's performance navigates the complex tension of his character hiding his Jewish heritage from the very individuals he is assisting.
Woodall described the intensive German language study required for the role, noting it was exceptionally difficult. He found immense value in working alongside seasoned actors like Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, absorbing their distinct approaches to performance. His dedication culminated in a deeply personal connection after meeting the grandchildren of the real Howie Triest.
The actor also shared insights into preparing for emotionally charged scenes, emphasizing underplaying the drama to allow the character's internal struggle to surface naturally. He highlighted the profound impact of confronting historical footage from concentration camps and the humbling experience of receiving approval from the real Howie's family.
