Manfred Steffen

Manfred Ludolf Steffen (28 June 1916 - 22 January 2009) was an actor in many German television programs and was the narrator of Thomas & Friends from the first - fifth series between 1996 and 2000, the CD release of Calling All Engines!and the first six audiobooks of Thomas & Friends in Germany.

He was best known for appearing in various German television shows and films, such as "Der Nachlaß", "Hoopers letzte Jagd", "Miss Milly Mill", "Heimatgeschichten", and "Frau Luna". He is also known for voicing Henry Travers from "It's a Wonderful Life", Peter Cushing from "From Beyond the Grave", Noah Beery Jr. from "The Rockford Files", Mr. Hooper from "Sesame Street", and Gustav from "Felidae".

He was born on 28 June 1916 in Hamburg, Germany and died on 22 January 2009 in Halstenbek, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany at the age of 92.

He was succeeded by Sky du Mont from the eighth series onwards.