Al Hoosman

Al Hoosman (October 4, 1918 – October 25, 1968) was an American boxer and actor active in Germany after the Second World War. He is known for his appearances in Besuch aus heiterem Himmel (1959), The Avenger (1960), The Phony American (1961), and Jack of Diamonds (1967), 

Early life

Al Hoosman was born Alston James Hoosman on October 4, 1918, in Waterloo, Iowa.

Career

Boxing and army service

Hoosman enlisted in the US Army in Los Angeles, California, on November 23, 1940, and was stationed at Mount Isa, Australia, during the Second World War. Affectionately known as "Big Al," when he arrived in Mount Isa, he needed an eye operation and was operated on by an Australian Army Doctor.

Before joining the military, Hoosman was a noted amateur heavyweight boxer. He made his debut on June 09, 1937, winning against Quentin Hill at Electric Park, Waterloo, Iowa. In 1939, he won a National Golden Gloves title fight at Madison Square Garden, New York. 

From June 1943, he lived in Queensland, Australia, where he continued his boxing, fighting against Herb Narvo (June 1943), Ival Wilson (July 1943), Bill Biddle (October 1943), Teddy Moran (October 1944), and Alabama Kid (October 1943). There, he also led the Doctor Carver Service Club for US Army members. 

In January 1946, he won against Lee Savold at Madison Square Garden, New York. He was Joe Louis' sparring partner at some stage and fought him in an exhibition fight in California in 1948. He also fought against Austrian boxer Jo Weidin (July 13, 1951), British boxer Tommy Farr (November 16, 1951, and September 10, 1952), and German boxer Heinz Neuhaus (May 15, 1953 ).

Acting

After his discharge from the US Army, Hoosman settled in Germany and eventually began acting in German films. He made his screen debut in 1952, playing James R. Spencer in Robert A. Stemmle's drama Toxi, starring Elfie Fiegert and Paul Bildt. The following year, he was seen in Rudolf Jugert's Jonny Saves Nebrador, alongside Hans Albers, Margot Hielscher, and Peter Pasetti.

1957 saw his television debut, when he played Kardinal Perez in Fritz Umgelter's TV movie Monsignores große Stunde with Anton Reimer and Mario Adorf.

Hoosman's last film credit was Rainer Erler's 1968 TV movie Endkampf, in which he played an American soldier.

Personal life

In Munich, Germany, Hoosman opened a bar and was involved in charitable work for children of color and orphaned children.

Death

Hoosman died at the age of 50 on October 25, 1968, in Munich, Germany. He is buried at Nordfriedhof München, Schwabing, Stadtkreis München, Germany.