John Wengraf | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Wengraf on theOne Step Beyond, episode "The Explorer" (1960) | |
| Born | (1897-04-23)23 April 1897 |
| Died | 4 May 1974(1974-05-04) (aged 77) Santa Barbara,California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1922–1966 |
John Wengraf (23 April 1897 – 4 May 1974) was an Austrian actor.[1]
Wengraf was born inVienna,Austria-Hungary.
Wengraf became a matinee idol in the 1930s, and was director of the Vienna State Theatre.[2] He emigrated to Britain in 1939 as theNazis began their rise to power in Austria.[3] While in London, he was involved with more than 100 plays as either director or actor.[2]
Wengraf appeared unbilled in a couple of films, as well as in some of the firstBBC live-television shows ever presented. In 1941 he appeared onBroadway withHelen Hayes inCandle in the Wind and decided to stay in the US.[4] His other Broadway credits includedThe Traitor (1949) andThe French Touch (1945).[5] The following year he settled in theLos Angeles area.
He found himself invariably playing the very characters he detested.[3] Some of his more nefarious nasties surfaced in such films as theHumphrey Bogart classicSahara (1943), as well asThe Boy from Stalingrad (1943),U-Boat Prisoner (1944) andTill We Meet Again (1944).[6]
In post-war years, he portrayed ethnic professionals (scientists, doctors, professors, foreign royalty). His films includedTomorrow Is Forever (1946); he portrayed Count Von Papen in5 Fingers (1952); and Ronchin in the Ethel Merman musicalCall Me Madam (1953).[7] In the 1950s and 1960s he transferred his talents to TV, appearing on a number of dramatic showcases and on such popular programs asThe Untouchables (1959),Hawaiian Eye (1959),The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964) andThe Time Tunnel (1966). His last few films included minor roles in the war-themedJudgment at Nuremberg (1961),Hitler (1962) andShip of Fools (1965) as well asThe Prize (1963).[8]
Wengraf retired in 1966, and died inSanta Barbara,California, at the age of 77 on 4 May 1974.[3]
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