Austrian movie stars born in 1901
Here are 5 famous actors from Austria were born in 1901:
Leonard Steckel
Leonard Steckel (January 18, 1901 Ivano-Frankivsk-February 9, 1971 Aitrang) also known as Leonhard Steckel was an Austrian actor and film director. His child is called Anya Steckel.
Steckel began his acting career in Germany in the 1920s and later worked in Hollywood, appearing in films such as "Gone with the Wind" and "Oliver Twist". He also directed films in Europe during the 1930s. Steckel was known for his versatility as an actor, playing both dramatic and comedic roles. In addition to his acting work, he was also an accomplished artist and writer. In the later years of his life, Steckel retreated from the film industry and worked as a farmer in Germany.
Steckel's career spanned several decades and he worked with many notable directors, including Fritz Lang and Georg Wilhelm Pabst. He appeared in over 80 films throughout his career, including "Metropolis" (1927), "M" (1931), and "The Testament of Dr. Mabuse" (1933). In Hollywood, he worked with directors such as Victor Fleming and David O. Selznick. During World War II, Steckel returned to Germany and continued to act in films.
Steckel's personal life was also notable. He was married four times and had eight children. Two of his daughters, Anya and Angelika, also became actresses. Steckel was a vocal opponent of the Nazi regime and risked his career and safety by speaking out against them. He was briefly arrested by the Gestapo in 1933 and later fled Germany for a time.
Despite his success as an actor, Steckel was also passionate about painting and literature. He studied art in Paris in the 1920s and later published several books of poetry and prose. In his later years, he focused on farming and wrote a memoir about his experiences.
Steckel died in 1971 at the age of 70. He is remembered as a talented and versatile actor, as well as a courageous voice against fascism during a tumultuous time in history.
Otto Waldis
Otto Waldis (May 20, 1901 Vienna-March 25, 1974 Hollywood) also known as Otto Brunn was an Austrian actor and photographer.
He started his professional career in the entertainment industry in the 1920s, appearing on stage in Vienna and Berlin. Waldis moved to the United States in the 1930s to escape Nazi persecution, where he continued his acting career in Hollywood. He made his film debut in the 1937 film "The Devil Is Driving" and appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career, including "To Be or Not to Be" (1942), "North by Northwest" (1959), and "The Twilight Zone" (1961). Waldis was also a skilled photographer and often took portraits of his fellow actors and actresses, including Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich.
In addition to his acting and photography work, Waldis was also a vocal opponent of the Nazi regime and used his platform to speak out against their atrocities. He was active in anti-Nazi organizations in Europe before his emigration to the United States, where he continued his advocacy work, speaking out against racism and intolerance. Waldis became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1943 and continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in 1974. He is remembered for his contributions to both film and photography, as well as his bravery in speaking out against oppression and injustice.
John Reinhardt
John Reinhardt (February 24, 1901 Vienna-August 6, 1953 Berlin) a.k.a. Harry John Reinhardt was an Austrian film director, screenwriter, actor, film producer, television producer and television director.
A pioneer in Austrian cinema, Reinhardt was best known for his imaginative approach to filmmaking and his commitment to realism on screen. He began his career in the 1920s as a stage actor and worked extensively in theatre before transitioning to film. He made his directorial debut in 1929 with the film "Night Owls" and went on to direct over 30 films throughout his career.
Reinhardt's films were noted for their visually stunning cinematography, deeply nuanced characters, and exploration of complex themes such as love, war, and social class. He was also a prolific screenwriter and wrote the scripts for many of his own films.
In the 1930s, Reinhardt immigrated to the United States and worked briefly in Hollywood before returning to Europe in the 1940s. He continued to direct films and television throughout the 1940s and early 1950s.
Tragically, Reinhardt died in a car accident in Berlin at the age of 52, cutting short the career of one of Austria's most celebrated filmmakers.
Reinhardt was born to a family of the theatre, with both of his parents being actors. Following in their footsteps, he began his career on stage at a young age and quickly became known for his talent and versatility. In addition to his work in film and television, Reinhardt continued to work in theatre throughout his career, directing plays in both Austria and Germany.
During his time in Hollywood, Reinhardt worked on a number of films for studios such as MGM and Universal. Despite his success in the United States, he ultimately decided to return to Europe, where he continued to make films and television shows that were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
Reinhardt's legacy as a filmmaker continues to be celebrated in Austria and around the world. In 2001, the Austrian Film Museum held a retrospective of his work, showcasing many of his most important films. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Austrian cinema, and his films continue to inspire and influence filmmakers today.
Rolf Wanka
Rolf Wanka (February 14, 1901 Vienna-November 28, 1982 Munich) also known as R. Wanka was an Austrian actor. He had one child, Irina Wanka.
Wanka started his acting career in Austrian theatre and later transitioned to German theatre. He was a prolific actor and appeared in over 150 films and television shows during his career. Some of his notable film credits include "The Templar", "The Blue Angel", "Munchhausen", and "The Great Love".
Wanka was known for his versatility as an actor, and his ability to play roles ranging from comedic to serious. He was particularly successful in playing supporting roles and character parts, and was highly respected by his peers in the industry.
In addition to his film and theatre work, Wanka was also a successful voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated films and TV shows.
Wanka retired from acting in 1975, and spent his later years in Munich. He passed away in 1982, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of theatre and film.
In addition to his successful acting career, Rolf Wanka was also a talented writer. He wrote several plays that were produced in Vienna and Munich, including "The King's Crown" and "The Strong Man". Wanka's work was critically acclaimed and well-received by audiences. He was also a member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and was awarded the title of Professor by the Austrian government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. Wanka was known for his dedication to his craft, and was admired for his professionalism and work ethic. He was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his legacy as an actor, writer, and voice actor continues to be celebrated today.
Walter Varndal
Walter Varndal (June 27, 1901 Vienna-April 24, 1993 Baden District, Austria) also known as Walter Varndahl, Walter von Varndal or Walter Vancsa was an Austrian actor.
Varndal began his acting career in the 1920s and appeared in over 80 films throughout his career. He was known for his roles in German and Austrian films during the 1930s and 1940s, including the films "The Trunks of Mr. O.F." (1931) and "The Uncle from America" (1931). Varndal also appeared in various German propaganda films during World War II.
After the war, Varndal continued his acting career in Austria and Germany. He appeared in the film "The Angel with the Trumpet" (1948) and the popular German television series "Tatort" in the 1970s. Varndal was known for his versatility as an actor, playing both comedic and dramatic roles.
Aside from acting, Varndal was also a writer and director. He wrote the screenplay for the film "The Hunter of Fall" (1936) and directed the film "The Apostle of Munich" (1947). In recognition of his contributions to film, Varndal was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art in 1976.
Varndal was born as Walter Vancsa in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. He started his acting career in the 1920s and trained at the Max Reinhardt Seminar. In 1928, he appeared in the film "G'schichten aus dem Wienerwald" and made his stage debut at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin. During the 1930s, Varndal established himself as a prominent actor in German and Austrian cinema, frequently collaborating with director Gustaf Gründgens. However, despite his success, Varndal was forced to flee Berlin in 1938 due to the Nazi regime and returned to Austria.
After the end of World War II, Varndal continued to work in film and television in Austria and Germany. In addition to his acting career, he also directed several plays and operas. He married his wife, actress Maria Andergast, in 1949 and the couple had two children together.
Varndal's last film role was in the 1982 German comedy "Ich heirate eine Familie". He passed away in 1993 in the Baden District of Austria, at the age of 91.