Bernd Hölscher studied German studies and history in Würzburg, Münster and Cologne before completing acting school in Freiburg from 1996 to 2000. In addition to engagements at well-known German theater stages, among others in Stuttgart, Mannheim, Detmold, Rostock, the Schaubühne in Berlin and most recently at the Staatstheater Kassel in 2021, Hölscher made his debut in 2017 in Robert Schwentke's biographical film "The Captain" with his first major role, for which he was nominated as Best Supporting Actor for the German Acting Award in 2018.

Bernd Hölscher has been a member of the ensemble of the Staatstheater Kassel since the 2010–11 season.