Karel Fiala | |
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 Show Jana Krause, FTV Prima 2014 | |
| Born | (1925-08-03)3 August 1925 |
| Died | 3 October 2020(2020-10-03) (aged 95) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, opera singer |
Karel Fiala (3 August 1925 – 3 October 2020) was a Czechoperatictenor and film actor. He was known for his work in operettas and musicals, but received worldwide attention for his portrayal of Mozart'sDon Giovanni in the filmAmadeus.
Fiala was born on 3 August 1925 inHrušov (Ostrava),Czechoslovakia, and initially worked as achimney sweeper[1] before entering thePrague Conservatory in 1947. After earning his degree in 1952 he pursued further studies at theAcademy of Performing Arts in Prague for three years, graduating in 1955.[2]
While still a student, Fiala began performing in operas at theNational Theatre inPrague in 1949. He was committed to that theatre through 1954 after which he joined the roster of principal artists at theHudební divadlo Karlín where he performed roles for several decades. He was particularly successful in portraying parts in operettas and musicals, including such roles as Count Danilo in Lehar'sThe Merry Widow, Freddy inMy Fair Lady, and Jim Kenyon inRose-Marie.[3]
Fiala is chiefly remembered for his numerous appearances in films of Czech operas, operettas, and musicals. His first film was in 1956 where he portrayed the title role inDalibor, a movie version of Smetana'sopera of the same name. A major success for him was the title part in the 1964 musical filmLemonade Joe.[1] He notably appeared as Mozart'sDon Giovanni in the 1984Academy Award winning filmAmadeus.[1] Fiala also appeared as a non-singing actor in a handful of Czech films during his career, mostly in smaller roles. His last film wasTichý společník in 1989.[3]
In 1988 Fiala was awarded theMedal of Merit by the government of Czechoslovakia. In 2013, he was awarded the Czech Thalia Prize for achievements in acting.[1] He was married three times and had four sons.[3]
On 3 October 2020, Fiala died after a long illness inVršovice,Prague, aged 95.[4][1]
Fiala was an active supporter of theCommunist Party of Czechoslovakia until 1968 when he resigned his membership in protest at theWarsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia.[3]
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