Famous Hungarian Actors

Bela Lugosi was a Hungarian-American actor known for his iconic portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film classic Dracula. He began his acting career in Hungary before moving to the United States, where he achieved fame on Broadway and in Hollywood. Lugosi became synonymous with horror films in the 1930s, often typecast in roles due to his distinctive Hungarian accent. Despite struggles with addiction and dwindling offers later in his career, he left a lasting legacy in the realm of horror cinema.

Peter Lorre was a Hungarian-American actor known for his work in both European and American cinema. He gained international fame for his role as a serial killer in the film "M" directed by Fritz Lang. After leaving Germany due to the rise of the Nazi Party, Lorre continued his career in Hollywood, appearing in numerous crime and mystery films. He often played sinister characters and was recognized for his distinctive voice and appearance. Lorre's career spanned several decades, including roles in iconic films such as "Casablanca" and "The Maltese Falcon."

S. Z. Sakall, a Hungarian-American stage and film character actor, gained recognition in the English-speaking world for his roles in classic films such as Casablanca (1942), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), In the Good Old Summertime (1949), and Lullaby of Broadway (1951). Known for his supporting roles in Hollywood musicals and comedies during the 1940s and 1950s, Sakall's talent and charisma earned him the affectionate nickname "Cuddles" from Warner Bros. studio head Jack Warner due to his rotund cuteness.

Michu Meszaros was a Hungarian and American actor, circus performer/entertainer, and stuntman known for his work with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He gained recognition for his role in the NBC sitcom ALF in 1986 and appeared in various films throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Meszaros also starred in a Pepsi commercial alongside Michael Jackson in 1992. His professional career included a diverse range of performances, showcasing his talents as an entertainer and actor until his final appearance in Death to Cupid in 2015.

Paul Lukas was a Hungarian actor known for his successful career in both theater and film. He achieved critical acclaim and recognition for his performance in the film "Watch on the Rhine" in 1943, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor and the first-ever Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. Lukas originally portrayed the same role on Broadway before bringing the character to life on the silver screen, showcasing his versatility and talent as a performer.

Laszlo Toth is a geologist known for vandalizing Michelangelo's Pietà statue in 1972. Following the incident, he was hospitalized in Italy for two years before being deported to Australia. Despite not being charged with a criminal offense, Toth gained worldwide notoriety for his actions. His professional life as a geologist has been overshadowed by this incident, which has become a defining moment in his career. Toth's legacy remains intertwined with this act of vandalism, which continues to be a point of interest for many.

Steven Geray was a Hungarian-born American film actor known for his prolific career in over 100 films and numerous television programs. He appeared in several iconic A-picture films, such as Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound and To Catch a Thief, Joseph L. Mankiewicz's All About Eve, and Howard Hawks' Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Geray found his niche in film noir, starring in over a dozen films in the genre including The Mask of Dimitrios, Gilda, The Unfaithful, In a Lonely Place, and The House on Telegraph Hill.

Bill Nagy was a Canadian-born film and television actor who established himself in Britain. He initially found success on the London stage, where he appeared in notable productions such as South Pacific in the West End. Nagy's career as an actor extended into film and television, where he showcased his talent and versatility. He gained recognition for his performances in various projects, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and respected actor in both the British and international entertainment industries.

Paul Hörbiger was an Austrian theatre and film actor known for his versatile performances and captivating presence on stage and screen. With a career spanning several decades, he became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, earning critical acclaim for his talent and dedication to his craft. Hörbiger's work showcased his ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity, establishing him as a respected and admired artist in the world of acting.

Kornél Mundruczó is a renowned Hungarian film and theatre director with a prolific career spanning from 1998 to 2020. Throughout his career, he has directed a total of 18 short and feature films, showcasing his versatility and talent in the industry. Mundruczó gained international recognition with his film "Johanna" being featured at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005. His work on "White God" was also highly acclaimed, winning the Prize Un Certain Regard at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and being showcased at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015.

Géza Röhrig is a Hungarian actor and poet, widely recognized for his standout performance in the critically acclaimed 2015 film "Son of Saul." The film, directed by László Nemes, garnered numerous prestigious awards including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Röhrig's portrayal of the lead character in this Holocaust drama showcased his exceptional talent and established him as a prominent figure in the film industry.

Amerigo Tot was a Hungarian sculptor and occasional actor known for his work in Rome, Hungary, and internationally. He studied under prominent artists in Budapest and at the Bauhaus in Germany. Tot gained recognition for his sculptures, including abstract works and public monuments. He also sculpted memorials in Rome and had exhibitions in Hungary. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Tot made small appearances in films, notably in "The Godfather Part II." He passed away in Rome in 1984 and is buried in Budapest.

Oscar Beregi Jr. was a Hungarian-born film and television actor known for his work in The Twilight Zone. Throughout his career, Beregi showcased his talent and versatility in various roles, captivating audiences with his performances. He was recognized for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning acclaim for his contributions to the entertainment industry. With a career spanning film and television, Beregi left a lasting legacy as a respected and skilled actor.

Janos Prohaska was a talented Hungarian actor and stunt performer who made a name for himself in the United States during the 1960s. Specializing in portraying animals and monsters, he became well-known for his roles as The Cookie Bear on The Andy Williams Show and as various characters on popular TV series such as The Outer Limits, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Lost in Space, Gilligan's Island, Perry Mason, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and Star Trek. Prohaska also worked as a stunt double for actors in films like It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

Sándor Éles was a Hungarian actor known for his work in theatre, television, and film. He began his career in theatre and later gained recognition for his performances on TV and in movies. Éles' talent and versatility allowed him to excel in various roles across different mediums, showcasing his acting skills to a wide audience. His contributions to the entertainment industry were notable, leaving a lasting impact on the Hungarian acting scene during his career.

Gábor Bódy was a prominent Hungarian film director, screenwriter, theoretician, and occasional actor. Renowned for his innovative approach to filmmaking and contributions to film language, he played a pivotal role in shaping Hungarian cinema. Bódy was a pioneer of experimental filmmaking, known for pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territories. His work continues to be celebrated for its bold experimentation and profound impact on the cinematic landscape. Bódy's legacy endures as one of the most significant and influential figures in Hungarian film history.

Zoltán Huszárik was an influential Hungarian film director, screenwriter, visual artist, and occasional actor known for his avant-garde and experimental approach to filmmaking. He began his career with short films that showcased his unique visual style and allegorical storytelling. His feature film "Szindbád" received critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing him as a prominent figure in Hungarian cinema. Despite facing challenges with his final feature "Csontváry," Huszárik's contributions to film and art continue to be recognized for their innovation and depth.