Mischa Auer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mischa Auer
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Auer in the 1940s
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| Born |
Mikhail Semyonovich Unkovsky
17 November 1905 |
| Died | 5 March 1967 (aged 61) |
| Resting place | Prospect Hill Cemetery (Gloversville, New York), U.S. |
| Other names | Mischa Ounskowsky |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1925–1967 |
| Spouse(s) |
Norma Tillman
(m. 1931; div. 1941)Joyce Hunter
(m. 1941; div. 1950)Susanne Kalish
(m. 1950; div. 1957)Elsie Souls Lee
(m. 1965) |
| Children | 3 |
Mischa Auer (born Mikhail Semyonovich Unkovsky; November 17, 1905 – March 5, 1967) was a Russian-born American actor. He moved to Hollywood, USA, in the late 1920s. He first appeared in a film in 1928. Auer had a long career acting in many famous movies of his time.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1936. This was for his funny role in the comedy movie My Man Godfrey. This role led him to play many more silly and funny characters. Later, he also acted in television shows. He continued making films in France and Italy well into the 1960s.
Early Life and Moving to America
Mischa Auer was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. His birth name was Mikhail Semyonovich Unkovsky. Mischa is a common nickname for Mikhail. His last name, Ounskowsky, is how his Russian name was written in French.
Mischa's mother was Zoya Lvovna Unkovskaya. She was the daughter of a famous violinist named Leopold Auer. Mischa's father was Semyon Ivanovich Unkovsky, an officer in the Russian Navy. Mischa's parents separated when he was young.
After the Russian Revolution, Mischa's grandfather, Leopold Auer, moved to the United States. Mischa and his mother got separated during the Russian Civil War. Sadly, his mother passed away from a serious illness called typhus. Mischa was able to get in touch with his grandfather, Leopold Auer. His grandfather brought him to the United States in August 1920 when Mischa was a teenager.
Acting Career Highlights
Mischa Auer started acting on stage in the 1920s. He performed in a Yiddish theater in New York. Then, he moved to Hollywood. His first movie was Something Always Happens in 1928. For many years, he played small roles, often without being named in the movie credits. Some of these early films included Rasputin and the Empress and The Lives of a Bengal Lancer.
In 1936, Mischa Auer got a big role in the comedy My Man Godfrey. He played a funny character named Carlo. This role was a turning point for him. Before this, he often played serious or villain roles. After My Man Godfrey, he became known for his hilarious and often wild comedy roles. He once said, "That one role made a comic out of me."
He continued to appear in many popular comedies. He played the ballet teacher Kolenkov in the Oscar-winning movie You Can't Take It with You. He also played a prince who became a fashion designer in Vogues of 1938. You can see his funny performances in movies like One Hundred Men and a Girl, Destry Rides Again, and Hellzapoppin'. He was also part of the large cast in the mystery film And Then There Were None.
In the 1950s, Auer started acting in television shows. He appeared on programs like Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse and Studio One. In the 1960s, he made several films in France and Italy, including The Christmas That Almost Wasn't. His acting career lasted until his death in 1967.
Personal Life
Mischa Auer was married four times during his life. He had three children. His first wife was Norma Tillman, whom he married in 1931. They had a son named Anthony and a daughter named Zoia. They divorced in 1941. Later that same year, he married Joyce Hunter. His third wife was Susanne Kalish, and they had one daughter. His fourth wife was Elise Souls Lee.
Death
Mischa Auer passed away in Rome, Italy, in 1967. He died from cardiovascular disease, which affects the heart and blood vessels. He was buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Gloversville, New York, in the United States.
