Hungarian actors born in 1939
Here are 9 famous actors from Hungary were born in 1939:
Michu Meszaros
Michu Meszaros (September 20, 1939 Budapest-) a.k.a. Mihaly 'Michu' Meszaros, Mihaly 'Michu' Mesza or Mihály 'Michu' Mészáros is a Hungarian actor.
He is best known for his role as the alien ALF in the NBC sitcom of the same name. Standing at only 2 feet 9 inches tall, Michu began his career in the circus as a performer and eventually transitioned into acting. In addition to ALF, he also appeared in various films and TV shows, including Waxwork and Freaked. Michu was also a frequent guest on talk shows and made appearances at fan conventions. Sadly, Michu passed away on June 12, 2016 at the age of 76.
Michu Meszaros was born in Budapest and began his career in entertainment at a young age, working in the circus as a performer. He later moved to the United States and worked with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Michu's diminutive size of 2 feet 9 inches made him a unique and sought-after performer.
After appearing in various films and TV shows, including a role in H.R. Pufnstuf, Michu landed the role of ALF in the popular sitcom. Although he only played the character in certain scenes due to the use of a puppet for most of the show, Michu's portrayal of the lovable alien endeared him to fans.
Despite his success, Michu remained humble and often made time for his fans. He was a frequent guest at conventions and always took the time to interact with attendees, going so far as to create personalized sketches for each person.
Sadly, Michu's life was cut short when he passed away in 2016. However, his legacy as a beloved actor and performer lives on, and his talent and spirit continue to inspire fans around the world.
Elemér Ragályi
Elemér Ragályi (April 18, 1939 Rákosliget-) also known as Elemer Ragalyi or Elemer Regalyi is a Hungarian cinematographer, film director and actor.
He began his career in the film industry in the 1960s and has contributed to many notable films in Hungary. Some of his most acclaimed works include "The Fence" (1970), "A Tanítványok" (1980), and "Kártyavár" (1982).
Ragályi has also directed several films, including "The Fifth Seal" (1976), which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. He has won several awards for his cinematography, including the Best Cinematography Award at the Hungarian Film Week in 1979 for "A tanítványok".
In addition to his film work, Ragályi has also acted in a number of films and TV shows. He is known for his roles in "Napfény íze" (1999), "Hídember" (2003) and "A Rózsa énekei" (2003).
Overall, Ragályi is considered to be one of the most talented and versatile figures in Hungarian cinema, having made significant contributions as a cinematographer, director and actor.
Born in Rákosliget, Hungary, in 1939, Elemér Ragályi studied at the Hungarian Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest. He began his career as a cinematographer in 1963, working on short films and documentaries. He received critical acclaim for his work on "The Fence" (1970), which won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
In 1976, Ragályi directed "The Fifth Seal", which was based on a novel by Hungarian writer Ferenc Sánta. The film was selected as the Hungarian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 49th Academy Awards and was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
In addition to his film work, Ragályi has also worked extensively in television, directing and acting in a number of series and TV movies. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Kossuth Prize, which is considered to be Hungary's highest cultural award.
Ragályi is renowned for his innovative cinematography, which often involves the use of natural light and a documentary-style approach. His work has been compared to that of other great Hungarian cinematographers, such as Sándor Sára and Vilmos Zsigmond.
Today, Ragályi is considered to be one of the most respected and influential figures in Hungarian cinema. His career has spanned over six decades, and his contributions to the industry continue to inspire filmmakers around the world.
Vilmos Izsóf
Vilmos Izsóf (May 19, 1939 Győr-) is a Hungarian actor and voice actor.
He started his career in the early 1960s and quickly gained popularity in both theater and film. One of his most notable roles was in the widely acclaimed Hungarian film, "Mephisto" (1981), in which he played the character of Hendrik Höfgen.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Izsóf has also been a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous Hungarian dubs of popular foreign films and TV shows, such as "The Simpsons" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 2016, Izsóf has continued to work and has remained a beloved figure in Hungarian entertainment. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Hungarian Film Awards, cementing his place as one of the country's most beloved actors.
Throughout his career, Vilmos Izsóf has acted in numerous films, including "A Tenkes Kapitánya" (1965), directed by the legendary Zoltán Várkonyi, and "A Pál utcai fiúk" (1969), directed by Zoltán Fábri. He has also been a frequent presence on Hungarian television, starring in popular shows like "Szomszédok" and "Szerencsés Dániel".
Aside from his acting work, Izsóf is also an accomplished painter and has exhibited his works at various exhibitions in Hungary. In addition, he is a prominent advocate for animal rights, and has worked with animal welfare organizations to draw attention to animal cruelty and promote responsible pet ownership.
Izsóf's talent and contributions to Hungarian culture have earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Kossuth Prize, one of Hungary's highest honors in the arts. He continues to be an active and influential figure in Hungarian entertainment, demonstrating his dedication to his craft and his commitment to social causes.
György Fehér
György Fehér (February 12, 1939 Budapest-July 15, 2002 Budapest) also known as György Feher was a Hungarian screenwriter, film director, cinematographer and actor.
Throughout his career, Fehér gained recognition for his contributions to Hungarian cinema, directing over twenty films and writing the screenplay for several more. He first gained attention with his 1967 film "Message", which won the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. He went on to make a name for himself as a filmmaker, with movies like "The Confrontation" (1974), "The Brave Don't Cry" (1982), and "The Secret of the Hanging Garden" (1994), which were critically acclaimed both in Hungary and abroad.
In addition to his work in film, Fehér was also an accomplished actor, appearing in numerous Hungarian productions. He was a prominent figure in the country's cultural scene, and was known for his outspoken views on politics and the arts. Fehér passed away in 2002 at the age of 63, leaving behind a rich legacy in Hungarian cinema.
Fehér was born into a Jewish family in Budapest in 1939. His parents, who were both doctors, were deported during World War II and did not survive the Holocaust. As a young boy, Fehér was sent to live with relatives in the countryside to escape persecution. After the war ended, he returned to Budapest and began studying film at the University of Drama and Film.
In addition to his work in film, Fehér was also an active member of the Hungarian opposition movement during the communist era. He spoke out against censorship and government interference in the arts, and was involved in several anti-government protests. Despite facing persecution for his beliefs, Fehér continued to create thought-provoking works of art that challenged the status quo.
Fehér was also a mentor to numerous young filmmakers in Hungary, and was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. In recognition of his contributions to Hungarian cinema, Fehér received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the title of Artist of Merit and the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic.
Today, Fehér's films continue to be celebrated both in Hungary and abroad, and he is remembered as one of the country's most important film directors.
István Fonyó
István Fonyó (January 2, 1939 Dunakeszi-April 8, 2003 Budapest) was a Hungarian actor. He had two children, Ilona Fonyó and Barbara Fonyó.
Fonyó began his acting career in 1959, after graduating from the Academy of Drama and Film in Budapest. He quickly rose to fame and became one of the most popular and beloved actors in Hungary. He acted in over 120 films and TV shows, including many classics of Hungarian cinema.
Fonyó was known for his versatility as an actor, and he excelled in both comedic and dramatic roles. He won numerous awards for his performances, including the Kossuth Prize in 1986, one of the highest honors for artists in Hungary.
Aside from his acting career, Fonyó was also interested in sports and was an accomplished athlete. He played football and tennis, and was a keen fan of horse racing.
Fonyó's death in 2003 was a great loss to the Hungarian film and theatre industry, and he is remembered as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Fonyó was not just a talented performer, but he also directed several productions during his career. His directorial debut was in 1980 with the film "Szakadék" (The Precipice), which won critical acclaim and several awards, including Best Director at the Moscow International Film Festival. He went on to direct several other films, as well as stage productions.Fonyó was also known for his philanthropic work, and was involved in various charitable organizations. He was particularly committed to helping children with disabilities and was a generous donor to several children's hospitals in Hungary. He was also active in environmental causes and was a member of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society.Fonyó's legacy continues to inspire and influence actors and filmmakers in Hungary and beyond. In 2012, a memorial plaque was unveiled at the Academy of Drama and Film in Budapest, where he had studied and taught. The plaque honors his contributions to Hungarian culture and serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on the country's film and theatre industry.
Pál Sándor
Pál Sándor (October 19, 1939 Budapest-) also known as Pal Sandor is a Hungarian film producer, film director, screenwriter, actor and television producer.
He began his career in the Hungarian film industry in the 1960s, working as an assistant director on several films before directing his own feature film in 1971. He went on to produce and direct numerous films, both in Hungary and internationally, and has won several awards for his work, including the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. In addition to his work in film, he has also produced and directed television programs, including documentaries and dramas. Sandor is known for his social commentary and political themes in his films, exploring issues such as cultural identity and the human condition.
Sandor was born into a Jewish family in Budapest and grew up during World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation of Hungary. He studied at the Hungarian Film Institute before beginning his career in the industry. Sandor's early films, such as "My Generation" and "The Learning Years," were critical of the communist government in Hungary and drew attention to the struggles of the younger generation during the politically tumultuous times.
Sandor's international breakthrough came with the film "Diary for My Children," which won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1984. The film, a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood during the war, was praised for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. Sandor continued to explore complex, often controversial topics throughout his career, including the Holocaust in Hungary, the role of the artist in society, and the decline of traditional values in modern life.
In addition to his work in film and television, Sandor is also a respected lecturer and teacher, having taught at the University of Drama and Film in Budapest and several other institutions. He has influenced a generation of filmmakers, both in Hungary and around the world, with his insightful and thought-provoking work. Sandor has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to film, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hungarian Society of Cinematographers.
Gábor Csíkos
Gábor Csíkos (April 3, 1939 Szeged-December 29, 1996 Hungary) otherwise known as Csikós Gábor was a Hungarian actor.
He appeared in over 70 films throughout his career, making him one of the most prominent actors in the Hungarian film industry. Csíkos was best known for his dramatic performances and his ability to bring complex characters to life on the screen. Some of his most memorable roles include Ferenc Rákóczi in the historical drama "Rákóczi hadnagya", László in the film adaptation of Sándor Márai's "Embers", and Ferenc Molnár's "The Paul Street Boys". He was also a frequent collaborator with renowned Hungarian director Miklós Jancsó, starring in several of Jancsó's films including "The Round-up" and "Red Psalm". Csíkos was widely recognized for his contributions to Hungarian cinema and was awarded several accolades throughout his career, including the Kossuth Prize in 1989, the highest cultural award in Hungary.
Apart from his successful career in cinema, Gábor Csíkos was also a talented stage actor, with his performances often receiving critical acclaim. He was a regular performer at the National Theater of Hungary and the Vígszínház, two of the country's most prestigious theaters. Csíkos was also known for his work in television, appearing in numerous Hungarian TV series and films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In addition to his acting career, he was also a respected voice-over artist and dubbed the Hungarian versions of many popular Hollywood films. Despite his success, Csíkos was known for being modest and preferred to let his work speak for itself. He was deeply passionate about his craft and is remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation. Csíkos passed away in 1996 at the age of 57 due to a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of Hungarian actors.
Gyula Áts
Gyula Áts (March 20, 1939 Miercurea Ciuc-) also known as Ács Gyula is a Hungarian actor.
Áts started his acting career in the early 1960s and became a prominent figure in the Hungarian film industry during the 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in over 150 films, television series, and theater productions throughout his career. Some of his notable works include "The Boys of Paul Street" (1969), "The Witness" (1969), "Mephisto" (1981), and "The Round-Up" (1965). Apart from acting, Áts was also known for his work as a voice actor and dubbed various foreign films and animated series in Hungarian. In recognition of his contribution to Hungarian cinema, he received several awards and honors, including the Kossuth Prize in 1985, the highest cultural award in Hungary.
Áts Gyula was born to a Hungarian family in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. After completing his studies at the Drama School in Cluj-Napoca, he started his acting career in the National Theater of Szeged in Hungary. The 1960s were a breakthrough period for him, and he gained recognition for his performances in films such as "The Round-Up" and "The Boys of Paul Street." Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Áts became a leading actor in the Hungarian film industry, and his roles in films such as "Mephisto" earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Apart from his successful acting career, Áts was also well-known for his voice acting work. He lent his voice to various foreign films and television shows dubbed in Hungarian. He was also a narrator for the Hungarian version of several films, including "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Forrest Gump."
Throughout his career, Áts received numerous awards and recognitions for his contribution to Hungarian cinema. In addition to the Kossuth Prize, he was awarded the Mari Jászai Prize, the highest honor in Hungarian theater. He was also a recipient of the Hungarian Order of Merit and the Merited Artist of Hungary title. Áts Gyula passed away in 2002 at the age of 63, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Hungarian cinema and theater.
Kálmán Koletár
Kálmán Koletár (June 29, 1939 Alibunar-January 22, 1982 Budapest) was a Hungarian actor.
Koletár was born in Alibunar, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) and grew up in Temerin. He studied acting at the Academy of Drama and Film in Budapest and began his career on stage in 1961 at the Csokonai Theatre. He acted in numerous films and TV productions throughout the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a well-known face in Hungarian cinema. Some of his most famous roles include the character Gergö in the 1971 film "A tanítványok" and the lead role of Feri in the 1975 film "Ferenc". He was also a popular voice actor and dubbed several foreign films in Hungarian. Koletár was married twice and had one daughter. He died in Budapest in 1982 at the age of 42.
Throughout his career, Kálmán Koletár acted in over 50 films and TV shows. He was known for his versatility and was able to successfully portray a wide range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles. Aside from his work in acting, Koletár was also involved in dubbing cartoons and animated films in Hungarian, and was a well-loved voice actor among children. Despite his success and fame, Koletár was known for his modesty and humility in the industry. He is remembered as a talented and respected actor in Hungarian cinema.