Austrian movie stars born in 1913
Here are 5 famous actresses from Austria were born in 1913:
Ljuba Welitsch
Ljuba Welitsch (July 10, 1913 Slavyanovo, Targovishte Province-September 1, 1996 Vienna) also known as Ljuba Velickova was an Austrian singer and actor.
She was renowned for her powerful voice and her roles in operas such as Tosca, Salome, and Aida. Welitsch was born to Bulgarian parents in what is now modern-day Bulgaria and began her career as an opera singer in Sofia, Bulgaria. She soon garnered international attention and began performing in major opera houses throughout Europe and the United States. In addition to her successful opera career, Welitsch also dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as The Toast of New Orleans and The Chocolate Soldier. She retired from performing in the 1960s and lived the rest of her life in Vienna.
Welitsch was known for her electrifying performances, which earned her worldwide acclaim. Her roles in Salome and Tosca were especially memorable, with critics lauding her ability to embody her characters with such intensity and passion. Welitsch was also known for her sense of style, often wearing elegant gowns and jewelry on stage.
Despite her success, Welitsch faced some challenges throughout her career. Her decision to perform in Nazi Germany during World War II led some to criticize her, and there were rumors that she was a Nazi sympathizer. However, many have argued that she was simply trying to maintain her career and support her family during a difficult time.
After retiring from performing, Welitsch remained a beloved figure in Vienna and continued to be involved in the arts community. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 83. Today, she is remembered as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century.
Welitsch's voice was a dramatic soprano with a range of over two octaves. She was known for her ability to simultaneously convey beauty and a certain darkness in her performances. Her interpretation of Salome's "Dance of the Seven Veils" was especially acclaimed. In addition to her performances on stage, Welitsch also made numerous recordings of her operatic roles. She was noted for her collaboration with conductor Sir Thomas Beecham, and their recordings together remain highly regarded.
After her retirement from performing, Welitsch continued to support the arts in Vienna. She taught master classes and served as a mentor to younger singers. She was also known for her philanthropy, supporting various causes throughout her lifetime.
In honor of her contributions to the arts, the Ljuba Welitsch Society was established in Vienna in 1996. The society works to preserve her legacy and promote the study of opera singing. Today, Welitsch's recordings and performances continue to be celebrated and studied by fans and scholars alike.
Welitsch's career was not without controversy. In addition to the criticism she faced for performing in Nazi Germany, Welitsch also had a difficult relationship with the Bulgarian government. She was accused of being a spy and was prohibited from performing in her home country for over a decade. Despite these setbacks, Welitsch continued to pursue her passion for singing and maintained an active career throughout her life.
Welitsch was married twice, first to Bulgarian businessman Walter Kommer and later to Austrian baritone Anton Dermota. She had two children with Kommer and remained close with Dermota even after their divorce. In her personal life, Welitsch was known for her warmth and generosity, and she frequently opened her home to friends and colleagues.
Today, Welitsch's contribution to the world of opera continues to be celebrated. In addition to the Ljuba Welitsch Society, there are streets named after her in Bulgaria and Austria, and her recordings and performances are still revered by music lovers around the world. Despite the challenges she faced, Welitsch remains an inspiration to aspiring opera singers and a reminder of the power of art to transcend borders and unite people across cultures.
Welitsch's early life was marked by tragedy. Her father died when she was just two years old, leaving her mother to raise Ljuba and her siblings on her own. Despite this, Welitsch showed an early aptitude for music and began taking voice lessons at a young age. She was soon discovered by Bulgarian composer and conductor Georgi Atanasov and began performing in operas throughout Bulgaria.In the 1930s, Welitsch caught the attention of Austrian conductor Clemens Krauss, who invited her to perform in Vienna. Her performance was a success, and she was soon offered roles in major operas throughout Europe. Despite her growing fame, Welitsch remained devoted to her family, often bringing her children with her on tour.In addition to her work in opera and film, Welitsch was also an accomplished concert singer. She performed in recitals throughout Europe and the United States, earning praise for her interpretations of works by composers such as Schubert, Brahms, and Strauss.Welitsch's legacy continues to inspire new generations of opera singers. Her unique style, powerful voice, and electrifying performances remain an example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to the arts.
Rose Stradner
Rose Stradner (July 31, 1913 Vienna-September 27, 1958 Mount Kisco) a.k.a. Rosa Stradner or Rose was an Austrian actor. Her children are called Christopher Mankiewicz and Tom Mankiewicz.
Stradner started her career in Austria and became a popular star of the Viennese theater scene during the 1930s. She made her film debut in Germany in 1936, appearing in the movie "We Have Only One Life" (Wir leben einmal). Stradner also acted in several Austrian films before marrying the Hollywood director Joseph L. Mankiewicz in 1939 and moving to the United States.
In Hollywood, Stradner appeared in several films, including "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (1942) and "The Shanghai Gesture" (1941), and worked with her husband on the film "No Way Out" (1950). Despite her promising career, Stradner struggled with depression and alcoholism.
Tragically, Stradner took her own life in 1958 at the age of 45. She is buried in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.
Stradner was known for her versatility as an actress and her ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. She was highly regarded by critics and colleagues alike for her talent and dedication to her craft. Stradner's marriage to Mankiewicz was a prominent one in Hollywood, and the couple was well-respected among their peers. Despite Stradner's personal struggles, her legacy as an actress endures, and she is remembered as a talented performer who left her mark on both the Austrian and Hollywood film industries. Stradner's sons, Christopher and Tom, went on to become successful Hollywood screenwriters, carrying on the family's legacy in the entertainment industry.
During her time in Austria, Rose Stradner established herself as a leading actress in the German language theater. Her breakthrough came when she was noticed by Max Reinhardt, a renowned theater director who offered her a contract at the prestigious Salzburg Festival in 1935. There, she worked with other famous actors and directors, such as Paul Czinner and Bertolt Brecht. Stradner's theatrical performances were highly acclaimed by both audiences and critics, and she gained a reputation as a versatile actress who could play a wide range of roles.
In addition to her successful stage career, Stradner also appeared in several Austrian films, including "Liebeskomödie" (Comedy of Love) in 1934 and "Maskerade" (Masquerade) in 1935. Her talent and beauty made her a popular film actress in Austria, and she was offered several roles in Germany.
Stradner's marriage to Joseph L. Mankiewicz, a successful Hollywood director and writer, brought her to the United States and marked a turning point in her career. While she continued to act in films, she also became involved in Mankiewicz's projects, such as being a script consultant for "All About Eve" (1950). Despite the promising start to her Hollywood career, Stradner's personal struggles with depression and alcoholism took a toll on her mental health and ultimately led to her untimely death.
Throughout her career, Rose Stradner was known for her talent, versatility, and beauty. Her legacy as an actress endures, and her contributions to both the Austrian and Hollywood film industries are remembered by fans and fellow performers.
Despite her successful career as an actress and her prominent marriage to Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Rose Stradner faced numerous personal struggles. She reportedly struggled with depression and alcoholism for much of her life - issues that may have been exacerbated by the pressures of Hollywood and her demanding career. Stradner's mental health struggles ultimately led to her tragic suicide in 1958.
Despite the challenges she faced, Stradner left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. She was highly regarded as a versatile performer who could tackle both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. Her work in the Austrian and German theater scenes established her as one of the most talented actresses of her era, and her transition to Hollywood showcased her ability to adapt and succeed in a new environment.
In addition to being a dedicated performer, Rose Stradner was also a devoted mother. Her two sons, Christopher and Tom Mankiewicz, went on to establish successful careers in the film industry as screenwriters for films such as "Superman" and "Diamonds Are Forever". Their success, along with Stradner's own enduring legacy, serves as a testament to the lasting impact that the actress had on the entertainment industry.
In addition to her talents on stage and screen, Rose Stradner was also known for her beauty and fashion sense. She was considered a style icon in both Austria and Hollywood and was often featured in magazines and newspapers for her elegant and sophisticated look. Stradner's signature style included tailored suits, statement jewelry, and bold accessories, which helped establish her as a fashion icon of her time. Despite her untimely death, Stradner's influence on fashion and her contributions to the entertainment industry will always be remembered. Today, she is celebrated as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, whose legacy continues to inspire performers and artists all around the world.
Angela Salloker
Angela Salloker (March 5, 1913 Moškanjci-January 3, 2006 Graz) was an Austrian actor.
Salloker began her acting career in 1933, performing in various theaters in Austria and Germany. She quickly gained popularity for her performances in classic plays by Shakespeare, Goethe, and Schiller. Salloker became a member of the Burgtheater in Vienna in 1945 and stayed with the theater for over 30 years. During that time, she was recognized as one of the most important actors in Austria, winning numerous awards for her acting, including the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art. Additionally, she also had notable roles in films, including the acclaimed drama film "The Condemned of Altona" (1962). Salloker retired from acting in 1988 and spent the rest of her life in Graz, Austria.
In addition to her successful acting career, Salloker was also involved in various humanitarian projects. During World War II, she was part of a resistance group that helped Jews and other persecuted individuals escape from Nazi Germany. Salloker was also a member of the International League for Human Rights and was active in advocating for the rights of refugees and migrants. In recognition of her philanthropic work, she was awarded the Silver Medal of the Province of Styria. Despite her many accomplishments, Salloker remained humble throughout her life and was known for her kindness and generosity.
Salloker was born in Moškanjci, a small village in what is now Slovenia, but was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. She grew up in a family of intellectuals, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her passion for the arts. Salloker attended drama school in Vienna and Munich, where she honed her acting skills.
Salloker's career was interrupted in 1938, when Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. As a member of a resistance group, Salloker was arrested and sent to a concentration camp in Ravensbrück, where she spent several months before being released. She returned to Austria and resumed her acting career, but never forgot the horrors she had witnessed.
In addition to her work on stage and in film, Salloker was also a successful voice actor. She provided the German voice for several Hollywood stars, including Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland.
Throughout her life, Salloker remained committed to social justice and humanitarian causes. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights and was involved in the anti-nuclear movement. She also supported various charities, including the Red Cross and the Austrian Cancer Society.
Salloker's contributions to the arts and to society were recognized with numerous awards, including the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver for Services to the Republic of Austria. She passed away in 2006, at the age of 92, but her legacy lives on through her many performances and her tireless activism.
In addition to her achievements on stage, screen, and in humanitarian work, Angela Salloker was also an accomplished writer. She published her memoir, "Ich fand mein Leben", in 1983, which chronicles her experiences as an artist during the turbulent period of World War II. The book was well-received and remains an important historical document today. Salloker was also a notable poet and published her first collection of poetry, "Menschenträume", in 1959. Her poetry often tackled themes of social justice and the human condition. In recognition of her writing, Salloker was awarded the Austrian Prize for Literature in 1984. Salloker's legacy continues to inspire and influence artists, activists, and writers around the world.
Salloker's legacy extends beyond her artistic and humanitarian endeavors to also include her impact on the Austrian cultural landscape. As a pioneer for women in the arts, Salloker paved the way for future generations of female actors and filmmakers. In recognition of her contributions, the Angela Salloker Foundation was established in 2007 to support emerging artists in Austria. The foundation offers scholarships and grants to enable promising young artists to pursue their careers in the arts.In addition to her professional achievements, Salloker was also known for her strong relationships with her colleagues and friends. She was a mentor to many aspiring actors and was known for her generosity and compassion. Her personal papers and correspondence are preserved in the Austrian National Library, where they serve as a testament to her impact on the arts and society. Angela Salloker's life and work serve as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, enlighten, and transform individuals and communities.
Marika Rökk
Marika Rökk (November 3, 1913 Cairo-May 16, 2004 Baden bei Wien) also known as Marika Rokk, Marika Roekk, Rökk, Marika, Marie Karoline Rökk or The Nazi Ginger Rogers was an Austrian actor, singer and dancer. She had one child, Gabriele Jacoby.
Marika Rökk was born in Cairo to Hungarian parents and spent her early years in Budapest before her family moved to Vienna. She began her career in the 1930s as a stage performer and quickly became a popular actress and singer in Europe. In the 1940s, she was signed by UFA, a German film company, and appeared in several successful films during the Nazi era, leading to her being labeled as the "Nazi Ginger Rogers."
After World War II, Rökk continued to act and sing in Germany and Austria, but her association with the Nazi regime limited her career opportunities. She eventually moved to Switzerland in the 1960s, and continued to perform on stage and in films. In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Rökk was also known for her charitable work and was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in Germany for her contributions to the arts and cultural heritage.
Marika Rökk passed away at the age of 90 in Baden bei Wien, Austria. Despite her controversial past, she is remembered as a talented performer and an important figure in European entertainment history.
During her career, Marika Rökk appeared in over 50 films, including the popular German musicals "Die Frau meiner Träume" and "Maske in Blau". She was known for her energetic dance routines and beautiful singing voice, which made her a favorite among audiences. Rökk also performed in stage productions, including operettas and cabarets.
After moving to Switzerland, Rökk continued to perform in stage productions and also appeared in a few films, including the 1971 movie "Der Kapitän". In the 1980s, she retired from her career in entertainment and focused on her charitable work.
Despite her success, Rökk's association with the Nazi regime remained a controversial topic throughout her life. However, she always maintained that she was not a Nazi sympathizer and that her career was not dependent on her political beliefs. Today, she is remembered as a talented performer who brought joy and entertainment to audiences throughout Europe.
In addition to her successful career as an actress and singer, Marika Rökk was also known for her fashion sense and became a style icon during her time. She often wore glamorous and colorful outfits which were a reflection of her personality and also influenced fashion trends in Germany and Austria. Rökk was also a polyglot and spoke several languages including German, Hungarian, English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Despite her difficult past, Rökk remained positive and dedicated her life to helping others. She established the Marika Rökk Foundation, which supports young talented performers and provides financial assistance to those in need. Rökk's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and performers, and her contributions to the arts are still celebrated today.
Marika Rökk's legacy has been the subject of several documentaries and books, including the 2016 biography "Marika Rökk: Eine Biographie" by Stefan Frey. Her life has also been turned into a musical, titled "Marika Rökk - Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern" which premiered in 2015 in Germany. Even after her passing, she remains a beloved figure in European entertainment and her films are still watched and enjoyed by many today.
Marika Rökk's success in the entertainment industry was not limited to Europe. She also gained popularity in Asia, particularly in Japan, during the 1950s and 1960s. Her style of singing and dancing, influenced by the Hollywood musicals of the time, resonated with Japanese audiences and she became a cultural icon in the country. Rökk made several trips to Japan and starred in several Japanese films, including "Hanayome-san wa sekai-ichi", which was a huge success. She was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, in recognition of her contributions to the country's cultural exchange with Europe. Rökk's popularity in Japan endured even after her retirement from the entertainment industry, and she remained a beloved figure until her passing.
Ellen Stretton
Ellen Stretton (November 12, 1913 Vienna-January 14, 1985 New York City) was an Austrian actor.
She began her career on stage in Austria and Germany, but later moved to the United States and became a prominent figure in the American theater scene. Stretton is best known for her roles in the productions of "My Fair Lady" and "The Sound of Music". She also appeared in several films, including "The Pajama Game" and "A Majority of One". Stretton was admired for her impeccable acting skills, as well as her charm and sophistication both on and off stage. Her contributions to the theater industry and her legacy as an actress continue to be celebrated today.
Stretton's passion for acting started when she was a child, where she would perform in school plays. After completing her education, she attended the Max Reinhardt Drama School in Berlin, Germany, where she trained under some of the finest directors of that time. In 1937, Stretton made her stage debut in Vienna, where she quickly gained recognition for her talent. During World War II, she continued to work on stage and also appeared in several German films.
After the war, Stretton decided to move to the United States to pursue opportunities in the American theater. She made her American stage debut in a production of Agnes De Mille's ballet "Fall River Legend" in 1948. Her breakthrough came in 1956 when she was cast in the role of Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" opposite Rex Harrison. Her performance earned her rave reviews and established her as one of the leading actresses on Broadway.
Stretton's career on stage spanned several decades, and she continued to perform in various productions until shortly before her death in 1985. In addition to her work in theater, she appeared in several television shows and films, including the popular soap opera "As the World Turns" and the film "Up the Down Staircase".
Throughout her career, Ellen Stretton was praised for her acting abilities, her work ethic, and her dedication to the craft. Her legacy as one of the great actresses of the twentieth century continues to inspire generations of aspiring performers.
Stretton was also a dedicated advocate of the arts and worked actively to support emerging artists and theater companies. She served on the board of the Actors' Equity Association and was a founding member of the Theater Development Fund, which provides funding and resources to new and emerging theater companies. She was also a mentor to many young actors and actresses, and was known for her generosity and kindness.
Despite her success on stage, Stretton led a relatively private personal life. She was married twice, first to Austrian actor and director Ernst Lothar, and later to American playwright and theater director Garson Kanin. She had no children and was known to be fiercely independent.
Stretton's contributions to the theater industry were recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including three Tony Award nominations and a Drama Desk Award for her performance in "The Grass Harp". In 1985, just a few months before her death, she was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Ellen Stretton's legacy as an actress and advocate for the arts continues to inspire and influence the theater community. Her commitment to excellence and integrity in the craft of acting will always be remembered as a shining example of the best of the performing arts.
In addition to her work in the arts, Ellen Stretton was also a dedicated philanthropist. She supported several charities, including the American Cancer Society and the United Jewish Appeal. She was particularly passionate about aiding refugees and immigrants, as she herself had to flee Europe during World War II. Stretton also contributed to the preservation of the arts and culture by donating to various museums and cultural institutions.
Off stage, Stretton was known for her wit and intelligence, and was a respected member of the New York literary scene. She was an avid reader and writer, and often hosted literary gatherings and salons in her home. Her friends included writers and intellectuals such as Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, and Gore Vidal.
Stretton's influence on the performing arts has extended beyond her lifetime, with many current actors citing her as an inspiration. Her legacy as a talented and passionate performer, as well as her dedication to supporting emerging artists, continues to live on through the countless people she inspired and influenced throughout her career.
Ellen Stretton was also a skilled linguist, speaking fluent German, English, and French. She often helped fellow performers with their accents and pronunciation, and was known for her attention to detail in dialects and speech patterns. Stretton was a true professional who took pride in her craft and was respected by her peers for her talent and dedication. Her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of the twentieth century continues to inspire and influence generations of performers today.