Early Life and Education of Hans Zimmer: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Hans Zimmer, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Hans Zimmer is a highly acclaimed German film score composer and music producer recognized for his significant contributions to the film industry. He has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and five Grammy Awards. His innovative and impactful musical scores have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential composers of his generation. He was also named on The Daily Telegraph's list of Top 100 Living Geniuses in 2007, acknowledging his creative brilliance and enduring legacy.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1939: Mother's Escape to the UK

In 1939, Hans Zimmer's mother escaped from Germany to the UK to survive World War II.

September 1957: Hans Zimmer's Birth

In September 1957, Hans Florian Zimmer was born in Germany. He would later become a renowned film score composer and music producer.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Divorce from Vicki Carolin

In 1992, Zimmer divorced his first wife, Vicki Carolin.

1995: Marriage to Suzanne Zimmer

In 1995, Zimmer married his second wife, Suzanne Zimmer.

1999: Berlin Film Festival Speech

At the 1999 Berlin Film Festival, Hans Zimmer stated that he is Jewish and shared his mother's story of surviving World War II by escaping from Germany to the UK in 1939.

2002: Sound on Sound Interview

In 2002, Hans Zimmer joked in an interview with Sound on Sound magazine about the piano sounds in Driving Miss Daisy coming from the Roland MKS–20.

2006: ZDF Interview on Father's Death

In 2006, Hans Zimmer said in an interview with the German television station ZDF, that his father died when he was just a child, and that he escaped somehow into the music and music has been his best friend.

December 2010: Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In December 2010, Zimmer received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and dedicated it to Ronni Chasen.

July 2012: Release of The Dark Knight Rises and response to Aurora shooting

In July 2012, The Dark Knight Rises was released. Following the Aurora, Colorado shooting, Zimmer recorded "Aurora", a choral arrangement from the soundtrack, to raise money for the victims.

February 2013: Interview with Mashable

In a February 2013 interview with Mashable, Hans Zimmer described his parents and his childhood experimentation with modifying pianos, which his father encouraged.

May 2014: Revealing Jewish Heritage

In May 2014, Hans Zimmer revealed in an interview the challenges of growing up Jewish in post-War Germany, noting his parents' caution about disclosing their religious identity to neighbors.