Bought himself a castle for the (then) astounding sum of 480,000 Reichsmark.
Set up his own production company and was active during World War I as director and producer.
On stage from 1901. He was the first German actor to sign a film contract (with Deutsche Bioscop in April 1912). He eventually became one of the most highest paid stars of silent films.
He got an engagement at the "Bochumer Stadttheater" although he earned only the half of the salary he had had as a seller. But his enthusiasm became rewarded. When he got a film offer from the Bioskop he didn't hesitate one moment.
The 9th April 1912 is a historical date in the German film history, when Ludwig Trautmann signed the first film contract which had ever been concluded.