Urs Althaus, a multifaceted individual, embarked on a journey that defied expectations. Born to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian medical student, he was raised by his single mother in Altdorf.
Despite his initial aspirations to become a professional soccer player, an accident and a subsequent diagnosis led him to rebuild his life. Instead, he pursued a career in fashion, storming the runways for esteemed designers such as Calvin Klein, Valentino, Armani, Kenzo, and Yves Saint Laurent.
In 1977, Urs made history by becoming the first black model to appear on the cover of GQ magazine. He co-founded Xtazy Ltd., the world's first model ensemble, in 1978, and later became an actor in Italy, receiving his first leading roles in L'allenatore nel pallone (1984) and Arrapaho (1984),which have since become cult classics.
His international recognition grew with his role in The Name of the Rose (1986). Off-screen, Urs co-founded the fashion label Gary Gatyasin New York with Gary Gatyas in 1986. As an agent between 1990 and 2001, he represented top models like Giselle Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer.
Urs has had the privilege of meeting influential figures, including a private audience with the Dalai Lama and breakfasting with Richard Gere. Since 2001, he has resumed his acting career, appearing in numerous film productions in Italy and Germany.
In 2016, Urs was appointed as the Ambassador for Amnesty International's "5 Rings for Rio One Flame for Human Rights" for the Olympic Games. Currently, he is the initiator and founder of Grand Opera Wilhelm Tell by Giacomo Rossini, which is set to premiere on July 25th, 2019, on the Rütli Meadow in Switzerland.
