Austrian movie stars born in 1920
Here are 6 famous actors from Austria were born in 1920:
Romuald Pekny
Romuald Pekny (July 1, 1920 Vienna-November 9, 2007 Linz) was an Austrian actor.
He started his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous films and theater productions throughout Austria. Pekny was also known for his voice-over work and lent his voice to many radio dramas and documentaries. In addition to his acting career, Pekny was a prominent figure in the Austrian cultural scene, serving as the director of the Linz City Theater from 1972 to 1980. He was honored with several awards for his contributions to Austrian culture, including the Silver Medal of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria.
Pekny's acting career spanned over five decades and he had over 150 film and television appearances to his name. Some of the notable films he starred in include "The Marriage of Mr. Mississippi" (1961), "Traitors' Gate" (1964), and "Der Abschied" (1966). Pekny was also a regular on Austrian television, appearing in popular series such as "Derrick" and "Tatort."
In addition to his work in theater and film, Pekny was also a prolific voice actor. He provided his voice to numerous documentaries and radio dramas, and was highly regarded for his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters through his voice work.
Outside of his professional work, Pekny was known for his dedication to preserving Austrian culture and heritage. He was a frequent lecturer on topics related to Austrian art, history, and literature, and was deeply committed to promoting Austrian cultural identity both at home and abroad.
Romuald Pekny passed away in 2007 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as one of Austria's most beloved and respected actors and cultural figures.
Among the many accolades he received during his lifetime, Pekny was particularly proud of his status as an honorary member of the Upper Austrian Cultural Council. He also received the coveted Golden Medal of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the country's cultural landscape.
Pekny was born into a middle-class family in Vienna in 1920. His father was an architect who instilled in him a love for art and culture from a young age. He studied acting at the prestigious Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna before making his professional debut in the city's Burgtheater in 1942.
Throughout his career, Pekny was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to embody a wide range of characters. He was equally at home in dramatic and comedic roles, and was celebrated for his impeccable timing and delivery. His colleagues remember him as a consummate professional who always brought his best to every project he worked on.
Despite his fame and success, Pekny remained humble and grounded throughout his life. He credited his success to his love for his craft and his deep respect for his fellow actors and artists. He once said in an interview, "Acting is not just a job, it's a vocation. You have to love it with all your heart and soul to truly succeed."
Today, Pekny is remembered as a towering figure in Austrian culture and a beloved icon of the country's artistic heritage. His legacy lives on through his many contributions to film, theater, and voice acting, as well as his enduring commitment to preserving and promoting Austrian culture around the world.
Rudolf Rhomberg
Rudolf Rhomberg (February 1, 1920 Dornbirn-June 6, 1968 Munich) also known as Rudolf Romberg was an Austrian actor.
Rhomberg was born into a family of actors and began his career in theater before transitioning into film. He appeared in numerous German films during the 1940s and 1950s, often portraying romantic leads or villains.
In 1954, he played the role of the fictional character Gustav von Wangenheim in the film "The Last Bridge," directed by Helmut Käutner, which received critical acclaim and garnered international attention.
Rhomberg was a versatile actor who could take on a range of roles, including comedies and musicals, and was highly sought after by directors of the time.
Despite his success, Rhomberg struggled with alcoholism and had a reputation for being difficult to work with on set. He died in 1968 at the age of 48 from liver disease, which was attributed to his heavy drinking.
Rudolf Rhomberg's parents were actors Felix R. Rhomberg and Gertrud Enderle. He followed in their footsteps and began performing on stage at a young age. Rhomberg also studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, where he honed his skills as an actor and singer. During World War II, he served in the German army, which impacted his views on war and his acting career.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Rhomberg was also a successful radio broadcaster in Germany, hosting his own show called "Stars und Musik." He was known for his smooth voice and charming personality, which made him a popular public figure. Rhomberg's personal life was equally intriguing, as he had numerous romantic relationships with actresses and socialites throughout his career.
Today, Rhomberg is remembered as one of Austria's most talented actors of the post-war era. Despite his personal struggles, he left a lasting legacy through his performances on stage, screen, and radio.
One of Rudolf Rhomberg's notable performances was in the 1952 movie "The Forester's Daughter," directed by Franz Antel, where he played the male lead opposite actress Sonja Ziemann. The movie was a commercial success and helped solidify Rhomberg's reputation as a rising star. He also appeared in international films, including "Three Nights of Love" and "The Silent Partner," which featured Hollywood actors such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn.
In addition to his acting and broadcasting work, Rhomberg was also an accomplished singer and released several popular singles in Germany. He often incorporated his singing talents into his film and theater performances, which made him a beloved performer among audiences.
Despite his struggles with alcoholism, Rhomberg was known for his generosity and kindness towards his colleagues and fans. He was known to mentor and support younger actors and actresses, and was respected for his dedication to his craft.
Franz Muxeneder
Franz Muxeneder (October 19, 1920 Salzburg-January 3, 1988 Munich) a.k.a. Herr Muxeneder was an Austrian actor.
Muxeneder started his acting career in theater in Austria and Germany before making his way to the film industry. He gained prominence as a character actor, known for his distinct voice and versatility in portraying various roles. He appeared in over 80 films and television shows, including the acclaimed World War II film "The Longest Day" (1962), and the German drama series "Der Alte" (1977-1986) where he played the recurring role of Commissioner Meier. In addition to his acting career, Muxeneder was also a successful writer, having authored several books including a memoir and a cookbook that reflected his passion for cooking. Muxeneder passed away at the age of 67 in Munich, Germany.
Muxeneder was born into a family of musicians and started playing the violin at a young age. However, his love for acting led him to pursue a career in theater. He trained at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna and later joined the ensemble at the Burgtheater in Vienna. During his time there, he acted in various plays including "Jedermann," a traditional play performed every year at the Salzburg Festival.
In 1950, Muxeneder made his film debut in the Austrian film "Ein Polterabend." He went on to appear in numerous films in Austria, Germany, and internationally. Some of his notable film credits include "Hotel Adlon" (1955), "The Counterfeit Traitor" (1962), and "Rosemary's Baby" (1968).
Apart from his acting career, Muxeneder was also a trained chef and often cooked for his fellow actors on set. He wrote a cookbook titled "Das Schauspieler-Kochbuch" (The Actor's Cookbook) which included recipes from his colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Muxeneder was married twice and had one son from his first marriage. He was honored with numerous awards during his career, including the Bambi Award and the Cross of Honor for Science and the Arts from the Austrian government. He is remembered for his contributions to both the film and theater industries and for his passion for cooking.
Muxeneder's contributions to the entertainment industry were not limited to acting and writing. He also served as a dubbing actor, providing German voices for international films such as "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) and "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). He was particularly praised for his dubbing work in "The Godfather" (1972) where he voiced the character of Luca Brasi.
In addition to his successful acting career, Muxeneder was also a respected stage director. He directed several plays in Austria and Germany, including "The Matchmaker" and "The Merchant of Venice".
Muxeneder was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and was known for his generosity and humor. He was particularly fond of practical jokes and would often play them on his colleagues on set. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and chefs alike.
Alfred Böhm
Alfred Böhm (March 23, 1920 Vienna-) is an Austrian actor.
Born in Vienna, Austria in 1920, Alfred Böhm went on to become a celebrated actor, famous for his work in both film and theater. Böhm began his acting career in his hometown and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He starred in a number of significant productions, including the seminal Austrian film "Menschen im Hotel" ("People at the Hotel") in 1959. Böhm also became a prominent figure in the theater world, known for his commanding stage presence and compelling performances. He was awarded numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art. Böhm's legacy as an actor continues to inspire generations of performers to this day.
In addition to his successful acting career, Alfred Böhm also made significant contributions to the field of education. He served as a professor at the Max Reinhardt Seminar, one of the most prestigious drama schools in Vienna. Böhm mentored many students, passing on his knowledge and expertise to future generations of actors. He was known to be a strict but nurturing teacher, fostering creativity and dedication in his pupils. Outside of his work in the arts and education, Böhm was also a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice. He lent his voice to numerous causes and used his platform to raise awareness for important issues. Despite his passing in 1999, Alfred Böhm's impact on the world of acting and beyond lives on.
Throughout his illustrious career, Alfred Böhm appeared in over 70 film and television roles, cementing himself as one of Austria's most beloved actors. His performances were characterized by a deep emotional intelligence and a willingness to delve into complex characters. In addition to his work on screen, Böhm also had a successful theater career. He performed in countless productions throughout Austria, and was particularly acclaimed for his performances in Shakespearean plays.
Beyond his work as a performer, Alfred Böhm was deeply committed to the arts. He was an avid supporter and patron of numerous cultural institutions, using his resources to ensure the continued presence of the arts in Austria. Böhm also dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of his fellow artists, serving on the board of directors for the Vienna Burgtheater and the Vienna Volksoper.
Alfred Böhm's contributions to the field of education were also significant. He played a key role in shaping the next generation of actors, and was instrumental in ensuring the success of the Max Reinhardt Seminar. His impact on his students extended far beyond the classroom, with many of his former pupils going on to have successful careers in the arts.
Despite his many achievements, Alfred Böhm was always modest and unassuming. He remained deeply committed to his craft, and saw acting as a form of service to his community. His impact on the world of Austrian culture and beyond is immeasurable, and his legacy as both an artist and a humanitarian continues to inspire people around the world.
Rudolf Lenz
Rudolf Lenz (May 25, 1920 Graz-July 12, 1987 Inzell) a.k.a. Rudi Lenz was an Austrian actor.
He began his career in theater and later transitioned to film and television. Lenz appeared in over 130 films throughout his career, including the 1955 film "Sissi" in which he played Emperor Franz Joseph. He was also known for his roles in "The Great Waltz" (1972) and "The Testament of Dr. Mabuse" (1962). In addition to his acting career, Lenz was also a vocal advocate for workers' rights and was a member of the Social Democratic Party in Austria. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 67.
Lenz began his acting career in 1939 in Graz and quickly became a distinguished performer in the Austrian theater scene. He later moved to Vienna where he continued to act in various stage productions. In the 1950s, he began taking film and television roles, which propelled him to mainstream success. His phenomenal performances earned him multiple awards, including the prestigious Kainz Medal in 1957.
Lenz was renowned for bringing elegance and depth to his roles, which made him a beloved star in Austria and Germany. Throughout his career, he worked with esteemed directors, including Fritz Lang, among others. Despite being a successful actor, Lenz never shied away from his political convictions, often speaking out against fascism and advocating for labor unions through his work in the Social Democratic Party.
In the 1970s, Lenz's career began to wind down, but he still continued to act until the end of his life. Some of his prominent films during these years include "Der Schüler Gerber" (1981) and "Der Bockerer" (1981). He died of a heart attack while on vacation in the Bavarian town of Inzell in 1987, leaving behind a legacy as one of Austria's most accomplished actors.
Lenz was married three times during his life and had three children. He was briefly married to actress Ruth Leuwerik in the 1950s before marrying his second wife, Liv Dommnich, in 1965. He remained with Dommnich until his death in 1987. Lenz was also well-known for his charitable work, particularly for his support of children's hospitals and cancer research. He was a generous philanthropist who gave generously to many causes throughout his life. Lenz's contributions to the entertainment industry and to society as a whole continue to be celebrated to this day, making him an enduring icon in the cultural history of Austria.
Louis Soldan
Louis Soldan (March 19, 1920 Vienna-April 25, 1971 Vienna) also known as Luis Soldan was an Austrian actor and radio personality.
Soldan began his career in the 1940s as a radio announcer for the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. He quickly gained popularity for his smooth voice and charming personality. In the 1950s, he turned to acting and appeared in numerous productions on stage, television, and film, often playing romantic leads.
Soldan was known for his good looks, impeccable diction, and effortless charm. He captivated audiences with his performances in films like "Life Begins at 17" and "The Miracle of Father Malachia." In addition to his acting career, Soldan continued to work in radio, hosting popular music programs and talk shows.
Tragically, Soldan's life and career were cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 51. His legacy, however, lives on through the many recordings, films, and television shows he appeared in, and through the memories of his many fans.
Soldan was married twice, first to actress Helga Martin and later to journalist Gerti Schindler. He had four children. Soldan was also an accomplished musician, having studied piano and accordion. He often incorporated music into his performances and was known for his skillful singing voice. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Soldan was a dedicated philanthropist and was actively involved in supporting various charitable causes in Vienna. He was known for his generosity and kindness towards those in need. Today, Soldan is remembered as one of Austria's most beloved and talented entertainers.
Soldan's popularity extended beyond Austria and into other parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, where his films and shows were widely viewed. He was also known for his fashion sense, often sporting stylish suits and impeccably coiffed hair. Soldan was a charismatic figure both on and off-screen, and his friendly demeanor and easy smile made him a popular figure among his colleagues in the entertainment industry. In addition to his talents as an actor, musician, and radio personality, Soldan was also a skilled writer, penning several articles and essays on topics ranging from politics to music. Despite his success, Soldan remained humble and grounded, and was known for his willingness to help others in the industry and to mentor young aspiring actors and radio personalities.