Swiss movie stars born in 1907
Here are 5 famous actors from Switzerland were born in 1907:
Alfred Rasser
Alfred Rasser (May 29, 1907 Basel-August 18, 1977 Basel) was a Swiss actor and comedian. His child is called Roland Rasser.
Throughout his career, Alfred Rasser mainly worked in Swiss-German dialect theater performances and radio shows. He gained national recognition for his role as the grumpy and unamused character called “Fritzli Bieri,” which he played in various theater shows, radio sketches, and TV adaptations.
In addition to his theatrical work, Rasser also appeared in several Swiss movies, including the 1958 comedy "Bibi Fricotin," where he played a supporting role.
While he was popular throughout his lifetime, Rasser's work has continued to be celebrated and remembered in Switzerland long after his death. In 1986, a bronze plaque was added to his birth home in Basel to recognize his contributions to Swiss culture.
Born in Basel, Switzerland on May 29, 1907, Alfred Rasser began his career in the 1930s as a stage actor in Swiss-German dialect performances. He quickly gained a reputation for his comedic talent and soon became a regular performer on radio shows in Switzerland. It was through his work on radio that Rasser became a household name in Switzerland, and he eventually became one of the most popular entertainers in the country.
Rasser's performances as "Fritzli Bieri" garnered him significant attention, and the character became his trademark. Always dressed in a brown suit, a white shirt, and a dotted tie, Fritzli was known for his grumpy demeanor and his dislike of most things. Rasser also had a talent for imitating regional dialects and accents, which he used to great effect in his comedic sketches.
Alongside his work on stage and on radio, Rasser also appeared in several Swiss movies throughout his career. In 1958, he played a small role in the comedy film "Bibi Fricotin," which was based on a popular Belgian comic book series.
Despite his success, Rasser remained a humble and private person throughout his life. He married his wife, Hedi, in 1950, and they had one child together, a son named Roland. Rasser continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in Basel on August 18, 1977. Today, he is remembered as one of Switzerland's most beloved and talented entertainers, and his influence is still felt in Swiss culture.
In addition to his contributions to the entertainment industry, Alfred Rasser was also a fierce advocate for the Swiss-German dialect. He believed that it was important for Swiss people to preserve their regional dialects and cultural identities, which were often overshadowed by the dominance of the German language in Switzerland. Rasser's dedication to the Swiss-German dialect and culture earned him the nickname "Mister Mundart," which roughly translates to "Mr. Regional Language."
Rasser's legacy lives on in Switzerland, where he is still celebrated as a cultural icon. The Swiss-German radio station SRF Radio broadcasts a program called "Fritzli Bieri's Chuchichäschtli," which features recordings of Rasser's iconic character. In Basel, a street is named after Rasser, and there is a park in the city that bears his name.
Despite his immense popularity in Switzerland, Alfred Rasser is not widely known outside of his home country. However, his work as an actor and comedian continues to bring joy to generations of Swiss people, and his commitment to preserving regional dialects and cultures serves as an inspiration to those who seek to celebrate their unique identities.
Fred Zendar
Fred Zendar (June 8, 1907 Switzerland-May 7, 1990 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Manfred Volkmar Zendar, Freddie Zendar or Manfred Zendar was a Swiss actor and stunt performer.
He began his career in the film industry in the 1920s as a camera assistant, eventually transitioning into acting and performing stunts in the late 1930s to early 1940s. Zendar worked primarily in European and Hollywood films, working on over 60 productions throughout his career.
One of his most notable performances was in the 1969 musical film "Hello, Dolly!" where he played the character of Rudolph Reisenweber, performing stunts in the famous restaurant scene. Zendar also performed in the James Bond films "Goldfinger" and "You Only Live Twice."
In addition to his on-screen work, Zendar was also involved in the development of camera and lighting equipment for the film industry. He was a founder and president of the Zendar Camera Corporation, which provided advanced camera systems for use in film and television.
After his retirement from the film industry, Zendar continued to be active in the community as a member of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and various philanthropic organizations.
Zendar was born in Wetzikon, Switzerland and grew up in Zurich. He began working in the film industry at a young age, starting as a camera assistant at the age of 18. Zendar later worked as a cinematographer and director of photography on several European productions, including the German film "Three from the Filling Station" and the French film "The Merry Widow."
In the late 1930s, Zendar began performing stunts in films and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled stuntman. He worked on several Hollywood productions in the 1940s, including "Gone with the Wind" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood," before transitioning into acting in the 1950s.
Zendar's work as an inventor and producer of camera equipment was a passion of his throughout his career, and he held several patents for camera and lighting systems. In addition to the Zendar Camera Corporation, he also founded the Zendar Trading Company, which specialized in the distribution of film and photography equipment.
Despite his success in the film industry and his inventions, Zendar remained humble and dedicated to his work. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and often used his resources and time to support various charities and causes.
Zendar passed away in 1990 at the age of 82 in Santa Monica, California. He left behind a legacy as an innovator, performer, and philanthropist who helped shape the film industry for generations to come.
Zendar was a well-respected member of the film industry, and was a mentor to many aspiring actors, stuntmen, and filmmakers. He was particularly known for his dedication to safety on set, and always took measures to ensure the wellbeing of his fellow performers. Zendar also had a love for aviation and was a licensed pilot, often using his planes to transport equipment and personnel to film sets located in hard-to-reach areas.
In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, Zendar was awarded several honors throughout his career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures. He was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Zendar was a beloved figure in Santa Monica, where he lived with his wife, actress Ingrid Goude. They had three children together, and were active members of the local community. Zendar's legacy lives on through his contributions to the film industry and his charitable work, which continues to impact the lives of many people today.
Zarli Carigiet
Zarli Carigiet (August 5, 1907 Trun-May 6, 1981 Männedorf) otherwise known as Carigiet, Zarli or Balthasar Anton Carigiet was a Swiss actor and comedian.
Carigiet started his career as an actor in 1929, performing in various Swiss theaters. He quickly gained popularity for his comedic roles and was known for his ability to make the audience laugh. Besides being an actor, Carigiet was also a talented artist, having studied at the Academy of Art in Zurich. He often used his artistic skills to design posters and promotional materials for the theaters he performed in.
Throughout his career, Carigiet appeared in various films, TV shows, and theater productions. He was also a well-known radio personality, hosting the popular show "Zarli Carigiet and his Orchestra". He received a number of awards for his contributions to Swiss culture, including the title of "Honorary Citizen of Graubünden" and the "Honorary Prize of the Canton of Zurich for Culture".
Carigiet was married twice and had two children. He passed away in 1981 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of Switzerland's most beloved comedians and performers.
Carigiet's most well-known role was in the Swiss film "Uli der Knecht" which was released in 1954. He played the character of Marti, a farmer. The film was widely popular and it won numerous awards, including Best National Film at the Locarno International Film Festival. Carigiet's performance in the film earned him critical acclaim and helped to solidify his place as a beloved Swiss actor.He was also known for his work in radio, hosting a number of programs throughout his career. One of his most popular shows was "Mein Gott Carigiet", which aired from 1951 to 1961. The show featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and interviews with various guests.Carigiet was also a writer and published several books throughout his lifetime. He wrote a number of plays, including "Dianas Hochzeit" and "Glarner Bauernhochzeit", which were both popular productions in Switzerland.In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Carigiet was also a dedicated philanthropist. He supported a number of charitable causes, including organizations that worked to help children and the elderly. His commitment to helping others earned him a reputation as a compassionate and caring person.
Carigiet was born in Trun, a small village in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. His parents were farmers, but they supported his artistic interests from a young age. Carigiet attended art school in Zurich and studied drawing, painting, and sculpture. After completing his studies, he worked as a graphic designer for a time before deciding to pursue his passion for acting.
Aside from his successful career as an actor and comedian, Carigiet was also a talented musician. He played the accordion and the clarinet and often incorporated music into his comedy sketches and radio shows. He was a regular performer at local music festivals and was known for his lively and entertaining performances.
Throughout his life, Carigiet remained deeply connected to his roots in Graubünden. He was a proud ambassador of the region and often included references to its unique culture and traditions in his work. He was also an advocate for the use of the Romansh language, a minority language spoken in Graubünden, and worked to promote its preservation.
Carigiet was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans alike. His humor, warmth, and kindness made him a beloved figure in Swiss culture, and his legacy continues to be celebrated today through various tributes and exhibitions dedicated to his life and work.
Hugues Wanner
Hugues Wanner (October 19, 1907 Lausanne-October 29, 1993) a.k.a. Hugues Waner, Hugues Vanner, H. Waner, H. Wanner or Wanner was a Swiss actor.
Throughout his career, Hugues Wanner appeared in a number of films and television shows. He began his acting career in the 1930s and starred in several French and German films during that time. He also appeared in Hollywood productions such as "The Young Lions" in 1958 and "Is Paris Burning?" in 1966.
Apart from his work in film, Wanner was also a prominent stage actor in Switzerland and Germany. He was widely recognized for his dynamic and versatile performances, which ranged from comedic to dramatic roles. For his contributions to Swiss theatre, Wanner was awarded the Swiss Film Award for Best Actor in 1978.
Wanner was fluent in several languages, including French, German, English, and Italian, which allowed him to work in various international film industries. In addition to his acting career, he was also a respected acting coach and taught at the University of Lausanne.
Hugues Wanner passed away on October 29, 1993, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of theatre and film.
Throughout his life, Hugues Wanner was known not just for his acting skills but also for his commitment to promoting cultural exchange. He was a founding member of several humanitarian and artistic organizations, including the Swiss-German cultural organization Société de la Grange de Dorigny. Wanner also served as the president of the prestigious Swiss Actors Guild. Additionally, he was a generous supporter of young artists in Switzerland and worked tirelessly to help them develop their skills. Wanner's legacy lives on not just in his work but also in the countless artists whom he inspired and supported throughout his career. His contributions to the arts in Switzerland and beyond continue to be celebrated to this day.
Wanner's family was involved in the arts, with his father being a sculptor and his uncle a painter, which led to his own passion for acting and the performing arts. He studied at the Geneva School of Dramatic Arts and made his stage debut at the Municipal Theater of Lausanne in 1932. Wanner was known for his dedication and discipline in his craft, having a rigorous approach to his performance preparation.
In addition to his acting and coaching work, Wanner was also involved in politics and was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland. He was a strong advocate for the rights of artists and organized various protests and demonstrations to highlight the plight of actors in Switzerland.
Wanner's most notable film appearances include "La Symphonie Pastorale" (1946), "The Journey" (1959), "Mike and these Damen" (1961), and "Le Diable par la Queue" (1969). He also appeared in TV shows such as "Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret" (1967) and "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" (1977).
Throughout his career, Wanner received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts, including the Gold Medal of the City of Lausanne and the Honorary Award of the Swiss Film Archive. He was also made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1976.
Fred Mahr
Fred Mahr (May 20, 1907 Zürich-March 12, 1980 Kleinmachnow) was a Swiss actor, film director and screenwriter.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in the 1930s, appearing in several German films. In the 1950s, he transitioned to directing and screenwriting, making his directorial debut with the film "Der Ruf" in 1949. He went on to direct and write screenplays for numerous films throughout his career, including "Die Regenbogenkette" (1965), "Ghosts of the Civil Dead" (1988) and "Castaway" (1986). Mahr was known for his adeptness at crafting complex characters and emotional storylines that resonated with audiences. He won several awards and accolades for his work, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1951. Despite his success, he remained a relatively low-key figure in the industry, focusing on his work rather than courting fame or celebrity status. Mahr passed away in 1980 at the age of 72, leaving behind a rich legacy of films and performances that continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.
In addition to his work in film, Fred Mahr was also known for his work in theatre. He began his career in the theatre, performing in various productions in Germany and Switzerland before transitioning to film. Mahr continued to be involved in theatre throughout his career, directing several productions and even serving as the artistic director of the Schlosspark Theater in Berlin during the 1960s. He was also a passionate advocate for the arts and served as the president of the Swiss Actors' Association for several years. Mahr's impact on the film and theatre industries has been widely recognized, with several retrospectives and tributes to his work being held in the years following his death.
Mahr's personal life was just as intriguing as his professional career. He was married twice, first to German actress Ellen Frank, with whom he had one daughter, and later to Swiss actress Johanna Matz. Mahr's second marriage was a controversial one due to the significant age difference between him and Matz, who was over 20 years younger than him. Despite this, the couple remained married until Mahr's death in 1980. Mahr was also known for his love of travel and adventure, and he often incorporated his experiences into his work. He frequently visited countries such as India and Nepal, and he even made a documentary about a trek he took through the Himalayas. Mahr's adventurous spirit and dedication to his craft make him an enduring figure in both the film and theatre worlds.