- Physically, a rather unlikely actor to portray Sherlock Holmes on screen. In Sherlock Holmes: The Grey Lady (1937), Speelmans appeared as Holmes, masquerading as Jimmy Ward, a dapper young socialite, working with the secret police to infiltrate a criminal organisation.
- On stage from 1924.
- German synchronising voice for Herbert Lom and Akim Tamiroff.
- Had problems with alcohol addiction and collapsed on a Berlin street from a heart attack in February 1960, having just signed a contract with the East German film company Defa.
- Popular Ufa supporting actor of the 1930's and 40's. Often played 'nice chaps' or friends of the hero.
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