Victor Varconi

Victor Varconi (born Mihály Várkonyi; March 31, 1891 – June 6, 1976) was a Hungarian actor who initially found success in his native country, as well as in Germany and Austria, in silent films, before relocating to the United States, where he continued to appear in films throughout the sound era. He also appeared in British and Italian films.

The native form of this personal name is Várkonyi Mihály. This article uses Western name order when mentioning individuals.
Victor Varconi
Varconi in 1934
Born
Mihály Várkonyi

(1891-03-31)March 31, 1891
Kisvárda, Austria-Hungary
DiedJune 6, 1976(1976-06-06) (aged 85)
Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
Other namesMichael Varkonyi
OccupationActor
Years active1913–1959
Spouses
Anna Aranyosy
​
​
(m. 1919; died 1949)​
  • Lilliane Varconi

Biography

Born in Kisvárda, Austria-Hungary, Varconi was the first known Hungarian actor to make a film in the United States. He was educated at a commercial school in Hungary, after which he worked for an insurance company as a solicitor. After he developed an interest in acting, he attended the Actor Art High School in Budapest, from which he progressed to acting with the National Theatre in Budapest. While there, he performed in works that included Shakespearean plays and Molnar's Liliom and The Wolf. He went on to act with a Hungarian film company and in U.F.A. films in Berlin.[1]

He worked under contract to Cecil B. DeMille, and played Pontius Pilate in DeMille's 1927 production of The King of Kings. That same year, he played Amos Hart, husband of murderess Roxie Hart, in the first film version of Chicago.

Varconi in Roberta (1935)

Owing in part to his Hungarian accent, Varconi's popularity reportedly waned with the advent of sound films and he was cast in smaller parts, often playing Hispanic characters. He worked on the New York City stage and wrote for radio.

Death

He died from a heart attack in Santa Barbara, California on June 6, 1976, at the age of 85, survived by his second wife, Lilliane.[2] He was interred at the Calvary Cemetery, East Los Angeles, California.

Selected filmography

References
  1. "Victor Varoni in Pathe's 'Chicago'". The Yonkers Herald. Yonkers, New York. 28 January 1928. p. 5. Retrieved 1 March 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "Várkonyi Mihály Életrajz". www.szineszkonyvtar.hu. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
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