Helmuth Lohner facts for kids

Helmuth Lohner in May 2015

Helmuth Lohner (born April 24, 1933 – died June 23, 2015) was a famous Austrian actor and theatre director. He was also in charge of the Theater in der Josefstadt, a well-known theatre, from 1997 to 2006.

Helmuth Lohner's Early Life

Helmuth Lohner was born in Vienna, Austria. At first, he studied to become a commercial artist. But he also took private acting lessons because he loved performing. His first acting role was in 1952 at a local theatre in Baden bei Wien. He also performed in light operas, called operettas, in Klagenfurt. From 1953 to 1963, he acted in many plays at the Theater in der Josefstadt. During this time, he also appeared in many films.

Helmuth Lohner's Acting Career

After his early years, Helmuth Lohner performed in many cities. These included Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Zurich. He also acted at the famous Burgtheater in Vienna. Lohner was a regular at the Salzburg Festival. Here, he played important roles like "Death," "The Devil," and "Jedermann." These roles were in the play Jedermann by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. This play is performed every year at the festival.

His first movie role was in 1955 in the film Hotel Adlon. From 1963 onwards, he also worked a lot in television. He was both an actor and a director for TV shows.

Helmuth Lohner's Family Life

Helmuth Lohner was married several times. He married the German actress Susanne Cramer twice. They later divorced both times. Their daughter, Konstanze Lohner, is now a teacher in Germany.

He then married another German actress, Karin Baal. They had a daughter named Therese Lohner, who also became an actress. In 2011, Helmuth Lohner married Elisabeth Gürtler-Mauthner. They had lived together for 19 years before getting married.

Helmuth Lohner's Passing

Helmuth Lohner passed away on June 23, 2015. He was 82 years old.

Helmuth Lohner's Directed Operas

Helmuth Lohner also directed many famous operas. Here are some of the operas he directed:

• 1994: La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach
• 1997: The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár
• 1999: Eine Nacht in Venedig by Johann Strauss II
• 2002: Die Csárdásfürstin by Emmerich Kálmán
• 2005: The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Helmuth Lohner's Theatre Roles

Helmuth Lohner performed in many theatre plays. Some of his notable roles include:

• 1978: Das weite Land by Arthur Schnitzler, directed by Otto Schenk
• 1987: Der einsame Weg by Arthur Schnitzler, directed by Thomas Langhoff
• 1991–1993: Ein Jedermann (at the Salzburg festival)
• 1999: Figaro lässt sich scheiden by Ödön von Horváth, directed by Luc Bondy

Helmuth Lohner's Film Appearances

Helmuth Lohner appeared in many films throughout his career. Here is a selection of his movie roles:

Awards and Honors for Helmuth Lohner

Helmuth Lohner received many awards for his work. These honors recognized his talent and contributions to theatre and film:

• 1980 Kainz Medal
• 1988 Nestroy Ring
• 1991 Gold Honorary Medal of Vienna
• 1992 Kammerschauspieler (a special title for distinguished actors)
• 2001 Nestroy nomination for Best Actor
• 2003 Honorary Member of the Theater in der Josefstadt
• 2003 Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, 1st class
• 2006 Gold Medal for services to the City of Vienna