Austrian movie stars born in 1944
Here are 7 famous actors from Austria were born in 1944:
Peter Weibel
Peter Weibel (March 5, 1944 Odessa-) is an Austrian artist, curator, actor, screenwriter and visual artist.
He studied literature, medicine, logic, philosophy, and film in Paris, London, New York, and Vienna before beginning his career in the arts. Weibel's artwork employs various mediums, including installation, video, and performance art, and typically explores the relationship between technology and human society. He is known for his elaborate and immersive exhibitions that often incorporate digital technology and interactive elements. Weibel has been an influential figure in the contemporary art world for decades and has curated numerous exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Centre Pompidou and the ZKM Center for Art and Media. He has also been the recipient of many awards and honors for his contributions to the field of contemporary art.
Weibel co-founded the influential media art group "The World Question Center" in the late 1960s, and later joined the collective "Television Laboratory" at WNET-Thirteen in New York City. In the 1970s, he was a member of the Austrian performance group "Grimmuseum" and co-founded the avant-garde music festival "Wien Modern". Weibel has also worked extensively in academia, holding professorships at institutions such as the University of Applied Arts Vienna and the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design. He has written numerous books and articles on topics such as media theory, art history, and cultural criticism. In 2011, Weibel was appointed CEO and artistic director of the ZKM Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Peter Turrini
Peter Turrini (September 26, 1944 Carinthia-) is an Austrian writer, screenwriter and actor.
He is best known for his plays, which are often critical of Austrian society and politics. Turrini's works have been translated into several languages and staged all over the world. Some of his most famous plays include "Rozznjogd" (Freakout), "Alpensaga" (Alpine Saga), and "Josef und Maria" (Joseph and Mary). As a screenwriter, Turrini has worked on films such as "Die Wirtin zur Goldenen Krone" (The Landlady of the Golden Crown) and "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg). In addition to his writing, Turrini has also acted in several films and TV shows. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to literature and the arts, including the prestigious Grillparzer Prize.
Turrini was born in Carinthia, a southern Austrian state. He grew up in a family of farmers and was the first member of his family to attend university. Turrini studied German literature, philosophy and psychology at the University of Vienna, but did not complete his degree. Instead, he began writing and soon gained a reputation as a playwright. Turrini's plays often deal with political and social issues, including the oppression of minorities, environmental degradation, and corruption.
In addition to his work as a writer and screenwriter, Turrini has been a vocal critic of the Austrian government and its policies. He has been involved in various political movements throughout his career and has often used his platform to advocate for social justice and human rights.
Today, Turrini is considered one of Austria's most prominent writers and cultural figures. His plays continue to be staged and translated into new languages, and his impact on Austrian literature and theater is widely recognized.
Helmut Berger
Helmut Berger (May 29, 1944 Bad Ischl-) also known as Helmut Steinburger, Heli, Helmut Steinbergher or Helmut Steinberger is an Austrian actor.
He began his acting career in the late 1960s and became renowned for his work in several groundbreaking films by Italian director Luchino Visconti, including "The Damned" and "Death in Venice." Berger's striking good looks and intense on-screen presence made him a popular leading man, and he worked with a number of prominent filmmakers throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to his film work, Berger has also appeared in several stage productions and television shows. Despite struggles with substance abuse and legal issues, he remains a respected figure in the world of international cinema.
Berger was born in Bad Ischl, Austria, and grew up in a working-class family. He began acting in local theater productions as a teenager before moving to Vienna to study at the Max Reinhardt Seminar. He made his film debut in the 1967 Austrian feature, "Love in the Mountains" and quickly gained attention for his charismatic screen presence.
In 1969, Berger landed his breakthrough role in "The Damned," a lavish historical drama directed by Luchino Visconti that explored the power struggles within the Nazi party. Visconti was reportedly taken with Berger's raw intensity and cast him again in his next film, "Death in Venice," which became a major international success.
Berger's success in these films led to collaborations with other esteemed directors of the time, including Ken Russell, Marco Ferreri, and Bernardo Bertolucci. He also worked with Rainer Werner Fassbinder, who cast him in his acclaimed television series, "Berlin Alexanderplatz."
Despite his early successes, Berger struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his career. He has been open about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder and has been in and out of rehab facilities over the years. In recent years, Berger has made headlines for his outspoken and controversial statements in interviews and on social media.
Despite his personal difficulties, Berger's legacy as an actor has endured, and he remains a beloved figure among fans of classic European cinema.
Clement von Franckenstein
Clement von Franckenstein (May 28, 1944 Sunninghill-) also known as Clement Franckenstein, Clement von Franchenstein, Clement Von Franckenstein, Clement von Frankenstein, Clement George Freiherr von und zu Franckenstein, Clement St. George or Clem St. George is an Austrian actor, singer and voice actor.
He was born in Sunninghill, England to a German Austrian father and an English mother. He grew up in Austria and later moved to the United States to pursue his acting career. Franckenstein has appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as "The Major and the Minor", "The Avengers", "The Yakuza", "The Little Drummer Girl", "Knight Rider", "CSI: Miami", and "Shameless". He is also known for his voice acting work, having lent his voice to animated shows like "American Dad!", "The Simpsons", and "King of the Hill". Apart from acting and singing, Franckenstein is also a writer, having published his memoir "Balls: Tales from the Life of a Celebrity Hairdresser" in 2013.
He started his career in the entertainment industry as a singer, performing with his band "The Tamara Dey Band" in Vienna, Austria. Later, he moved on to acting and made his debut in the film "Charly" in 1968. Franckenstein has also appeared in theater productions, including "The Sound of Music" and "The Wizard of Oz". In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Franckenstein is a philanthropist and supports several non-profit organizations, including amfAR, AIDS Project Los Angeles, and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. He is married to actress Aileen Getty and they have two children together. Franckenstein currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues his work in the entertainment industry and his charitable efforts.
Thomas Frey
Thomas Frey (August 23, 1944 Vienna-) is an Austrian actor.
He is best known for his work in Austrian cinema and television, having starred in numerous popular films and series throughout his career. Frey trained at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna before beginning his acting career in the 1960s. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and versatility, and has since played a wide range of characters in both comedic and dramatic roles. In addition to his work on screen, Frey is also an accomplished stage actor, having performed in many plays throughout Austria and Germany. He has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to Austrian theater and film, including the prestigious Kammerschauspieler award in 2002. Frey continues to act today and is considered one of Austria's most beloved and respected actors.
In addition to his acting career, Thomas Frey is also a highly skilled voice actor, having lent his voice to many animated films and TV series. He is also a successful author, having published several books in Austria, including a memoir about his life as an actor. Frey also serves as a board member of the Austrian Film Academy, where he advocates for the advancement of Austrian cinema and the recognition of Austrian actors and filmmakers on the world stage. Off-screen, Frey is known for his humanitarian work and is an advocate for animal rights. He has been actively involved in organizations that seek to protect endangered animal species and promote animal welfare. Frey's legacy in the world of Austrian entertainment continues to grow, and he remains a beloved figure in the country's cultural landscape.
Dieter Berner
Dieter Berner (August 31, 1944 Vienna-) is an Austrian film director, actor and screenwriter.
He began his career as an actor in the late 1960s and later transitioned into directing and screenwriting. Berner has directed several successful films in the German language, including "Kaltfront" (1984), which won Best Film at the Max Ophüls Prize in 1985, and "Erlkönig" (1992), which received widespread critical acclaim. Berner is also known for his work in television, having directed episodes of several popular German-language series such as "Tatort" and "Polizeiinspektion 1". Additionally, he has worked as a theatre director in Vienna and Germany. Berner has won numerous awards for his work, including the Romy Award for Best Director in 2017 for "Arthur & Claire" (2017).
In addition to his successful career in the film industry, Dieter Berner has also made notable contributions to the world of literature. He is the author of two novels, "Die Amsel" (2006) and "Die Schattenboxerin" (2010), both of which received critical acclaim. Berner is also active in promoting Austrian culture and serves as the artistic director of the international film festival "Viennale". In 2013, he was awarded the Cross of Honour for Science and Art by the Federal President of Austria for his contributions to the arts. Despite his many accomplishments, Berner remains a humble and dedicated artist who is passionate about telling stories that resonate with audiences around the world.
Max Edelbacher
Max Edelbacher (October 22, 1944 Vienna-) is an Austrian actor, jurist and police officer.
He is best known for his role as the detective in the Austrian crime series "Kottan ermittelt". Edelbacher began his career as a police officer before pursuing acting and attending law school. He worked as a lawyer for the Austrian Interior Ministry while also acting in various theater productions. In 1975, he landed his breakthrough role as the detective in "Kottan ermittelt", which ran for several seasons and made him a household name in Austria. In addition to his acting career, Edelbacher has also worked as a jurist, serving as a judge in Vienna's criminal court. He has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to the arts and law enforcement.
Edelbacher's versatility as an actor was demonstrated in his roles in theater productions, films, and TV shows. He was particularly skilled in characters that dealt with crime and law enforcement. After the success of "Kottan ermittelt", Edelbacher continued to act in various productions, including "Einzug ins Paradies", "Kurhotel Alpenglück", "Der Kurier der Kaiserin", and "Mörderischer Besuch". He also lent his voice to several audiobooks and documentaries.
Aside from acting and his legal career, Edelbacher has also been involved in politics. He served as a member of the district council in Vienna's Ottakring district and as president of the Austrian Actors' Association. Edelbacher's devotion to his profession and community earned him the Cross of Merit, awarded by the federal president of Austria.
Now retired from acting, Edelbacher spends his time with his family and continues to advocate for the arts and the police force. His contributions to both fields have brought him great recognition and respect in Austria.