Theodore Bikel
- Birthday
- May 2, 1924
- Birthplace
- Vienna, Austria
Bio: Though he has logged many impressive credits as an actor, Vienna-born Theodore Bikel prefers to think of himself -- and bill himself -- as a folksinger. Emigrating to Palestine in the 1930s, Bikel supported himself with his music, and also acted with Tel Aviv's Habimah Theatre in Sholem Alecheim's Tevye the Milkman. A quick study in several languages, Bikel honed… More Bio: Though he has logged many impressive credits as an actor, Vienna-born Theodore Bikel prefers to think of himself -- and bill himself -- as a folksinger. Emigrating to Palestine in the 1930s, Bikel supported himself with his music, and also acted with Tel Aviv's Habimah Theatre in Sholem Alecheim's Tevye the Milkman. A quick study in several languages, Bikel honed his acting skills with Britain's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Three years after his London stage debut, Bikel made his first film, playing a German naval officer (the first of many villainous roles) in The African Queen (1951). In 1958, he was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting appearance in The Defiant Ones. One year later, he costarred with Mary Martin on Broadway, originating the role of Captain Von Trapp in Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Active in many political causes ranging from Jewish relief to the Democratic Party, Bikel served as president of Actor's Equity from 1973 until 1982. In a mid-1980s interview, Theodore Bikel noted with amusement that, in spite of his many stage and screen appearances, many fans remembered him best for his brief unsympathetic appearance as a Russian officer in the otherwise forgettable 1957 film Fraulein. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Theodore Bikel Pictures
Theodore Bikel Videos
Fiddler On The Roof
Sweet November
Modern Life
200 Motels
The Golden Age Of 2nd Avenue
Filmography
-
Profils Paysans: la Vie Moderne (Modern Life) (2008)
- Actor
- 100%
-
The Little Traitor (2007)
- Security Officer
- 39%
-
Isn't This a Time! A Tribute Concert for Harold Levanthal (2005)
- Actor
- 100%
-
A Taste of Passover (1999)
- Host
-
Noon Wine (1998)
- Actor
- See all 58 films
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