I remember his performances in both films. I really liked Der Himmel über Berlin. I saw that film within a few months of its release here in Michigan. The owners of the local independent cinema were film buffs with a keen eye foreign and independent films. It was shown in its original German.
After the showing there was a group discussion for those that wished to discuss the film. Since I studied German, and, had been to Berlin (then West Berlin) several times, I was able to comment on the locations and also some of the linguistic nuances. All in the group really lauded his performance.