Austrian movie stars born in 1906
Here are 6 famous actors from Austria were born in 1906:
Siegfried Breuer
Siegfried Breuer (June 24, 1906 Vienna-February 1, 1954 Göttingen) was an Austrian film director, screenwriter and actor. His children are called Siegfried Breuer Jr. and .
Barbara Breuer. After completing his studies in art history and theater in Vienna, Siegfried Breuer went on to work in the Austrian film industry during the 1930s. He directed a number of films including the critically acclaimed "Streets of Gold" (1939). However, with the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, Breuer left the country and eventually settled in Sweden.
In Sweden, Breuer continued to work in the film industry and directed several films including "Marriage Bureau" (1943) and "Good Friends and Faithful Neighbors" (1947). In the early 1950s, he moved to Germany where he continued to work in the film industry until his untimely death in 1954 at the age of 47. Siegfried Breuer's legacy continues to be celebrated by film enthusiasts and historians around the world.
Breuer's work is often characterized by a focus on human relationships and the complex dynamics between individuals. His films often explored themes such as love, fidelity, and sacrifice, and he was known for his ability to capture the nuances of human emotion on screen. In addition to his work behind the camera, Breuer was also a talented actor and appeared in several films throughout his career. His children, Siegfried Breuer Jr. and Barbara Breuer, both followed in their father's footsteps and became actors as well. Today, Breuer's contributions to the film industry are recognized as an important part of cinematic history, and his work continues to inspire and influence filmmakers around the world.
Despite facing many obstacles throughout his career due to political turmoil in Europe during his lifetime, Siegfried Breuer was a highly respected and prolific film director. In addition to directing and acting, he was also a talented screenwriter and authored several screenplays. His early films were praised for their originality and their ability to explore complex themes in a thought-provoking way. During his time in Sweden, he formed a lasting friendship with the famous Ingmar Bergman, who was highly influenced by Breuer's work. Breuer's films in Germany during the early 1950s displayed a deep understanding of human relationships, and he was highly respected by his peers in the film industry. His unexpected death in 1954 was a great loss to the film world, but his work continues to be celebrated and studied by film enthusiasts and historians around the globe.
Wolf Albach-Retty
Wolf Albach-Retty (May 28, 1906 Vienna-February 21, 1967 Vienna) also known as Wolfgang Helmuth Albert Albach, Wolf Albach Retty or Helmuth Walter Wolfgang Albach was an Austrian actor. His children are called Romy Schneider, Wolfi Albach-Retty and Sacha Darwin.
Albach-Retty began his acting career in Vienna in the 1920s and eventually appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He was known for his roles in romantic comedies and musicals, often playing the leading man or romantic interest. Albach-Retty was also a successful stage actor, performing in productions in Vienna and Berlin.
In addition to his acting career, Albach-Retty had a notable military career. He was a member of the German Wehrmacht during World War II and was captured by the Soviet Army in 1945. He was imprisoned in a Soviet Gulag for several years before being released and returning to Austria.
Albach-Retty's most famous role was that of Emperor Franz Joseph I in the wildly popular Sissi film trilogy, which starred his daughter Romy Schneider as Empress Elisabeth of Austria. The films were box office successes in Germany and abroad, and the role of Franz Joseph became an iconic part of Albach-Retty's legacy.
Albach-Retty died suddenly of a heart attack in Vienna in 1967 at the age of 60. He is buried in the city's Zentralfriedhof cemetery.
Albach-Retty was born into a family of actors, and his mother was a celebrated Viennese actress. He originally studied medicine at university but eventually dropped out to pursue a career in acting. Albach-Retty's early film work was predominantly in Germany, but he also appeared in several Austrian productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He became a prominent figure in Austrian cinema during this time, often starring in films that showcased his talent as a singer and dancer.
After his release from the Soviet Gulag, Albach-Retty resumed his acting career in Austria and Germany. He continued to appear in popular films, including several movies that also featured his daughter Romy Schneider. Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, Albach-Retty was also involved in politics. He was a member of the right-wing Austrian Freedom Party and served as a municipal councilor in Vienna in the 1950s.
Despite his success as an actor, Albach-Retty's personal life was marked by tragedy. His wife, Magda Schneider, was a well-known German film actress who suffered from mental health issues. She was institutionalized for several years, and the couple eventually divorced. Albach-Retty's son, Wolfi, died in a car accident in 1961 at the age of 21.
Today, Albach-Retty is remembered as one of Austria's most iconic film stars of the 20th century. His role in the Sissi trilogy has cemented his place in Austrian cultural history, and his work in romantic comedies and musicals continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Albach-Retty's daughter, Romy Schneider, followed in her father's footsteps and became a successful actress in her own right. She starred in many popular films, including the Sissi trilogy alongside her father. Despite their on-screen success as a father-daughter duo, their personal relationship was reportedly strained. Schneider struggled with the pressures of fame and her strained relationship with her father, and she tragically died of heart failure in 1982 at the age of 43.Albach-Retty's legacy also includes his contributions to the Austrian film industry. He was a beloved figure in Austria during his lifetime, and his work helped to establish the country as a prominent player in the world of cinema. In recognition of his contributions, a square in Vienna was named after him in 2006 on what would have been his 100th birthday.
Hans Jaray
Hans Jaray (June 24, 1906 Vienna-January 6, 1990 Vienna) also known as Hans Yaray or Hans Jarai was an Austrian actor, writer, playwright, screenwriter and film director.
He began his career as a stage actor in Vienna before transitioning to screenwriting in the 1930s. He wrote several successful films, including the international hit "Die Wacht am Rhein" in 1936. He also directed a number of films in the 1950s and 1960s, including "Eroica" in 1957, which won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Jaray continued acting throughout his career, appearing in over 50 films and numerous stage productions. He was known for playing both comic and dramatic roles, and was particularly acclaimed for his work in the films of Austrian director Willi Forst. In addition to his film work, Jaray also wrote several plays and novels, and was a prominent member of the Austrian cultural community.
Jaray's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he was drafted into the German army and sent to France. After the war, he returned to Vienna and resumed his career in the arts. He continued acting on stage and screen, and also worked as a writer and director for Austrian television. Jaray passed away in Vienna in 1990, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile artist who contributed much to Austrian culture. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor for Services to the City of Vienna in 1986.
Jaray was born on June 24, 1906, in Vienna, Austria. He was the son of renowned stage actor Rudolf Jaray, and grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the arts. His father's influence inspired him to pursue a career in acting, and he began performing on stage at a young age. He trained at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna, where he honed his skills as an actor and gained a reputation as a talented performer.
In the 1930s, Jaray transitioned from acting to screenwriting, and wrote a number of successful films. His work caught the attention of prominent Austrian director Willi Forst, who cast him in a number of films and helped launch his career as an actor. Jaray also directed a number of films in the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Good Soldier Schweik" in 1960, which was based on the novel by Jaroslav Hasek.
Throughout his career, Jaray remained committed to the Austrian artistic community, and was actively involved in promoting the arts in his home country. He was a prolific writer, and published several plays and novels in addition to his work as a screenwriter and director. In his later years, he turned his attention to television, and worked as a writer and director for Austrian television.
Jaray's legacy as a talented artist and cultural ambassador for Austria continues to be celebrated in his home country and beyond. His contributions to the world of film, literature, and the arts have left a lasting impact on Austrian culture, and he is remembered today as one of the country's greatest artists.
Fritz Schmiedel
Fritz Schmiedel (March 26, 1906 Vienna-November 5, 1979 Innsbruck) also known as Schmiedel or Fritz Schmiedl was an Austrian actor, theatre director and voice actor.
He began his acting career in the 1920s, performing in a number of plays in Vienna. He also worked as a voice actor in numerous radio productions, as well as appearing in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Schmiedel became known for his roles in comedies, often playing quirky and eccentric characters.
In addition to his acting work, Schmiedel was also a respected theatre director, working in both Austria and Germany. He directed a number of successful productions, including plays by Shakespeare and Goethe.
Schmiedel's career was briefly interrupted during World War II, when he was conscripted into the German army. However, he was captured by Allied forces in 1945 and spent several years in a prisoner of war camp.
After the war, Schmiedel resumed his acting and directing work, and continued to be a prolific performer in film, television and theatre until his death in 1979. He is remembered as one of Austria's most beloved actors and a key figure in the country's cultural scene in the mid-twentieth century.
Schmiedel's passion for acting started when he was a child. He would perform in school plays and local theatre productions. After completing his education, he enrolled in the Max Reinhardt Seminar, a renowned acting school in Vienna. It was there that he honed his skills and developed his unique style of acting. During the 1930s, Schmiedel appeared in a number of successful films, including "The Blue Danube" and "Vienna Blood". His performance in the latter earned him critical acclaim and helped establish him as a top comedic actor.
In addition to his work in film, Schmiedel's career extended to radio as well. He was a regular voice actor on Austria's national radio network and lent his voice to a number of popular radio dramas. His voice work was so well-regarded that he was often asked to appear in radio adaptations of classic plays.
Schmiedel's theatrical career was just as impressive as his on-screen work. He directed a number of productions at the Burgtheater in Vienna, one of the country's most prestigious theatres. He was known for his ambitious productions, which often featured elaborate sets and costumes. Schmiedel was also a gifted teacher, and he taught acting and directing at a number of institutions, including the Vienna Conservatory.
Despite his success in Austria, Schmiedel's work was largely unknown outside of the German-speaking world. However, his contributions to Austrian theatre and film have been widely celebrated in the years since his death. In 2006, a retrospective of his films was held at the Austrian Film Museum, which showcased his comedic talent and his enduring legacy in Austrian cinema.
Schmiedel's personal life was marked by tragedy and resilience. He was married twice, and his second wife, actress Erni Mangold, became his lifelong partner until his death. Together they had a son, Michael, who also pursued a career in acting. During World War II, Schmiedel was imprisoned in a concentration camp, but he managed to survive and was eventually released. This experience had a profound impact on him, and he became a passionate advocate for human rights and democracy. He was also a vocal opponent of the rise of the far-right in Austria in the post-war period. Despite the challenges he faced, Schmiedel remained committed to his craft and was known for his professionalism and generosity towards his colleagues. His legacy as a talented actor, director, and voice actor continues to inspire generations of artists and performers.
Erich Nikowitz
Erich Nikowitz (February 20, 1906 Vienna-August 26, 1976 Vienna) also known as Erich Nikovitz was an Austrian actor.
He began his acting career in the 1920s, performing in various theaters in Vienna. Nikowitz became known for his roles in both stage plays and films, often playing humorous or character roles. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 50 films, including "Emil and the Detectives" (1931), "The Eternal Waltz" (1954), and "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" (1962).
Aside from acting, Nikowitz was also a singer, and recorded several songs throughout his career. He was also a talented dancer, and often incorporated dance into his performances on stage and in films.
Nikowitz continued to act well into his 60s, appearing in his final role in the film "Tatort: Wiener Blut" in 1974. He passed away two years later at the age of 70 in his hometown of Vienna.
Nikowitz was also known for his work as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into German for Austrian audiences. He lent his voice to a number of classic films, including "Gone with the Wind" (1939) and "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). Additionally, Nikowitz was an accomplished stage director, having directed productions of popular plays such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Arsenic and Old Lace" throughout his career.
Despite facing significant challenges during World War II due to his Jewish heritage, Nikowitz continued to work in the entertainment industry and proved to be a beloved figure in Austrian theater and film. He was posthumously awarded the Golden Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um das Land Wien (Golden Merit Badge for Services to the City of Vienna) in recognition of his contributions to the arts.
Nikowitz's career was not without its challenges, particularly during the rise of Nazi Germany. As a Jewish actor, he faced discrimination and persecution during this time. However, Nikowitz was determined to continue his work despite the danger. He was eventually forced to flee Austria in 1938, following the Anschluss, and relocated to Switzerland.
In Switzerland, Nikowitz continued to perform in theater and film, although he faced significant obstacles due to his status as a refugee. In 1945, he returned to Austria and resumed his career in film and theater.
Nikowitz's contributions to Austrian culture were widely recognized, and he was honored with numerous awards throughout his career. In addition to the Golden Ehrenzeichen, he received the title of Kammerschauspieler (Chamber Actor) in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting.
Today, Nikowitz is remembered as one of Austria's most beloved actors and performers. His contributions to theater, film, and voice acting have left a lasting legacy in Austrian popular culture.
Guido Wieland
Guido Wieland (November 18, 1906 Vienna-March 10, 1993 Vienna) was an Austrian actor.
He started his acting career in the 1920s and appeared in over 100 films during his career. Wieland was a popular character actor known for his humorous and often eccentric roles. He worked with many notable directors including Billy Wilder, Ernst Lubitsch, and Fritz Lang. In addition to his film career, Wieland was also an accomplished stage actor, performing in theaters throughout Austria and Germany. He was recognized for his contributions to Austrian cinema with a lifetime achievement award in 1982. Wieland passed away in Vienna in 1993 at the age of 86.
Some of Wieland's most famous film roles include his performances in "The Three Penny Opera" (1931), "The Merry Widow" (1934), and "The Congress Dances" (1931). He continued to act in films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in popular Austrian and German productions such as "The White Horse Inn" (1952) and "The Trapp Family in America" (1958). Despite his success on screen, Wieland never forgot his roots in the theater and continued to perform in plays throughout his life. He was married to actress Hilde Krahl for many years and the two often appeared together on stage and screen.
Wieland was born on November 18, 1906, in Vienna, Austria. He began his career in acting during the 1920s, performing in various theaters throughout Austria and Germany. Wieland's talent and versatility as an actor saw him transition seamlessly into film, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after character actors in the burgeoning Austrian film industry.
Wieland's natural comedic ability and quirky charm endeared him to audiences, and he soon established himself as a reliable presence in films, appearing in a variety of supporting roles. His ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through his performances made him a favorite among filmmakers, and he worked with some of cinema's most renowned directors.
During his illustrious career, Wieland acted in over 100 films, including some of the most iconic German and Austrian films of the 20th century. He was particularly renowned for his performances in musicals, comedies, and period dramas, and his unique style earned him a legion of devoted fans.
Despite his success, Wieland remained grounded and dedicated to his craft, continuing to appear in films and theater productions well into his later years. His contributions to Austrian cinema were recognized with a lifetime achievement award in 1982, cementing his status as one of the country's most beloved actors.
Wieland will always be remembered as a consummate entertainer, whose talent and dedication made him an enduring icon of Austrian cinema. He passed away on March 10, 1993, in Vienna, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a lasting impact on the world of film and theater.