Alexander Pereira is a cultural manager from Austria. He led there s Opernhaus Zürich as director from 1991 to 2012, then he took over the directorship of the Salzburg Festival from 2012 to 2014. Between October 2014 and December 2019 he was at the head of the Milan Scala, and since the season 2020/2021 he has been leading the Opera di Firenze.
Alf Poier, born Alfred Poier on February 22, 1967, in Judenburg, Styria, Austria, is an Austrian artist and stand-up comedian. He attended elementary school in Sankt Peter ob Judenburg and graduated from the commercial academy in Judenburg in 1987. Before embarking on his artistic career, Poier held various jobs between 1987 and 1995, including night watchman, waitress, office worker, student, and journalist. Poier began performing cabaret in Graz in 1995, initially placing second at the Kleinkunstvogel cabaret competition. His career gained momentum with the release of his first program, 'Himmel, Arsch & Gartenzwerg,' in August 1995. He continued to perform extensively in Austria and Germany following this debut. He also won the German Comedy Awards (Best Newcomer) in 2000 and the Österreichischer Kabarettpreis in 2002. Poier’s work is characterized by a unique blend of cabaret, images, and objects, creating what he calls a Gesamtkunstwerk. He participated in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Weil der Mensch zählt' in 2003, placing sixth and incorporating references to different animals in a parody of the contest. He attempted to represent Austria again in 2005. He has released several albums, including Himmel, Arsch & Gartenzwerg (1996), Zen (2001), Alf singt die schönsten Lieder mit Band (2003), Lustige Lieder der Traurigkeit und Not (2005) and This Isn’t It (2010). He also released several DVDs, such as Mitsubischi (2008), Zen (2007), Kill Eulenspiegel (2007) and Satsang (2009). A song he wrote, 'Good Old Europe Is Dying,' caused controversy due to its lyrics. He opened his private museum, 'Botschaft für Bewusstsein, Scheißdreck und Kunst,' in Eggendorf (Tullnerfeld) in September 2008. After a 26-year career, Poier retired on July 31, 2021, primarily due to health issues, including chronic nausea and gastritis.
Alfred Dorfer hails from Austria and works as a comedian, writer and actor. He ranks among the country’s most recognized cabaret performers and comic figures, a status bolstered by his involvement in many Austrian movies. Following early achievements with the ensemble Schlabarett, he gained broader fame as both screenwriter and lead of the film Indien. Currently, Dorfer is considered one of the leading satirists and authors in the German‑language sphere.
Bettina Soriat is an Austrian who She works as a singer, dancer, comedian and choreographer. In 1997 she represented Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin.
Gernot Kulis is an Austrian comedian, born on August 11, 1976, in Sankt Paul im Lavanttal, Carinthia. His education began at St. Paul Abbey School until he was 14 years old. Subsequently, he attended HIB Liebenau boarding school in Graz. Early in his career, Kulis gained experience in radio broadcasting at Antenne Steiermark. Kulis’s professional comedy journey includes a significant period as a comedy author for Ö3 radio, spanning from December 1999 to June 2017. He is known for the 'Ö3 Callboy' segment, which involved prank calls released on CDs. His comedic talents extend to various formats; he performs stand-up comedy and is a member of the Comedy Hirten cabaret group since 2004, alongside Rolf Lehmann, Herbert Haider, Peter Moizi, and Christian Schwab. The Comedy Hirten often parodies celebrities like Armin Assinger, Hans Krankl, and Ivica Vastić, as well as politicians such as Karl Nehammer ('Karl Schmähhammer') and Rudi Anschober ('Rudi Warnschober'). He also performs as 'Heini' in 'Die Zwoa Lofntola,' a comedic duo with Christian Schwab. Notable works include the comedy segment 'Professor Kaiser,' which debuted in 2002, and the hit song 'Was is' mit du?' released with Lukas Rupp. Kulis’s live programs have been well-received; 'Kulisionen' premiered on March 17, 2011, and was described by The Falter as professionally staged like a rock concert. His second program, 'Herkulis,' debuted in October 2017, focusing on solutions to life's challenges, and was praised by the Wiener Zeitung and Kleine Zeitung for its high point density and rapid pace. He currently tours with programs titled 'Herkulis,' 'Kulisionen,' 'Hold the Line,' and 'Ich kann nicht anders,' which premieres in February 2025. Kulis also hosts a weekly satirical comedy review called 'Comedy-Wochenrückblick' on Ö3, and presents a comedy evening called "I Can’t Help It," scheduled for December 2026 at Danubium in Tulln an der Donau. He is described as one of Austria's most well-known comedians, known for humorous anecdotes, sharp observations about life and family, strong punchlines, and daring stories, often incorporating elements like helpful neighbors, his own children, and explorations of his family history including stories about his father, Papa Kulis. He describes himself as an 'anti-hero,' and his comedy is often characterized as 'no-political-correctness.' Kulis’s success is reflected in the recognition he has received; he earned a platinum award from oeticket in December 2015 for selling 200,000 tickets. He is described as a 'rule-breaker hero,' a 'punchline-what-it-takes hero,' and a ‘comedy-believer hero,’ often presented as a ‘mouthpiece.’ He is married and has two children.
At the turn of the century Heinrich Eisenbach stood as one of the leading cabaretists and grotesque comedians of Vienna in the spotlight and formed there At the heart of the cabaret ensemble Budapester Orpheum.
Josef Armin was a comedian with Hungarian-Austrian roots who He also worked as a couplet singer, stage writer and director as well as a writer. He belonged to de n authors of the Budapest Orpheum in Vienna.
Liane Augustin, born Liane Augustin on November 18, 1927, in Berlin, Germany, was a German-Austrian singer and actress. Her family relocated to Vienna in 1944 due to the impact of bombing raids in Berlin and her father’s career change; her father, Karl Augustin, was a Viennese actor, and her mother was a concert singer from Frankfurt am Main. Inspired by Ilse Werner as a teenager, she received singing lessons and later studied music. Early in her career, around 1946, she performed at an American soldiers' club, and by 1949, she secured a recording contract with Odeon, later transitioning to Elite Special/Austroton. Augustin achieved significant success as a nightclub singer in Vienna’s Boheme Bar after World War II. She frequently performed with the Boheme Bar Trio, consisting of Michael Danzinger (piano), Laszlo Gatti (guitar), and Willi Fantel (bass). Her voice was described as possessing a unique guttural quality, blending playful, vulnerable, lascivious, and sentimental notes. From 1951, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) prominently featured her, providing her with radio shows that extended her fame beyond Vienna. She made numerous recordings, primarily for the Vanguard label, and her first LP was released in the USA by Vanguard Records in 1952. She appeared in several Austrian films beginning in 1953, including Die Fiakermilli , Lavender , The Red Prince , And Who Is Kissing Me? , Liebe, die den Kopf verliert , and Licht auf der Piazza . Augustin’s career included representing Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958 with the song "Die ganze Welt braucht Liebe," which earned her 8 points and a 5th place finish out of ten participants. She also starred as Polly Peachum in a 1956 recording of The Threepenny Opera , an accomplishment that garnered the Grand Prix du Disque. She performed internationally, including a successful engagement at New York's Town Hall in 1961. She collaborated extensively with Robert Stolz, recording numerous titles with the Vienna Radio Orchestra. She participated in the German Schlagerfestspiele in 1964, though she did not advance to the final round. Liane Augustin died on April 30, 1978, in Vienna.
Liesl Löwinger, born Elisabeth Meinhard on January 11, 1918, in Graz, Styria, was an Austrian folk actress and comedian. She died in Vienna on October 15, 1980, following a pulmonary infarction, which was described as a 'heavy blow' for the community of Altlengbach. Löwinger’s journey into performance began with extensive training; she studied at the Graz Conservatory and received instruction in piano, accordion, speech coaching, literature studies, acting with Dorothea Neff, dance with Willy Fränzl, and singing with Professor Rittersheim. She married folk actor Paul Löwinger in 1938, which led to her involvement with the family-owned theater stage directed by him. Known as a 'drastic comedian,' she frequently portrayed down-to-earth women with a strong rural character, embodying characters like Mirzl, Zenzi, Kathi, Leni, and Mitzi. She appeared in numerous films between 1950 and 1970, including 'Der keusche Adam' (1950), 'Lachendes Wien' (1957), and 'Das Liab am Almsee' (1966). The Löwinger Bühne became central to her work. She gained theater experience at the Löwinger Bühne, and television recordings of its productions are considered cult classics. She performed in numerous folk plays alongside Paul Löwinger and her aunt Gretl. She retired from public life in 1970 to focus on her family, which included three children: Sissy, Guggi, and Paul Jr. Following her father’s death in 1988, Sissy Löwinger took over the management of the Löwinger stage, which has been touring Austria since 1997. She also contributed significantly to the Löwinger Bühne’s programming, directing, writing under a pseudonym, and organizing tours through Germany and the USA. Culture Minister Claudia Schmied praised Liesl Löwinger as a 'full-blooded actress' who charmed audiences with humor, while Niederösterreich’s Governor Erwin Pröll highlighted her contribution to bringing joy through her acting.
Richard Waldemar, born Kramer on May 3, 1869, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, was a famous actor and comedian. He died on December 27, 1946, also in Vienna. Initially, he worked for the railway before pursuing a stage career, attending a theater school to prepare for it. Waldemar began his performance career in 1890 in Troppau and subsequently had engagements in Wiesbaden and Munich. From 1893, he became a fixture in Vienna’s theatrical scene, performing at various venues including the Theater in der Josefstadt, Ronacher, and Carl- and Raimundtheater. He initially focused on serious roles, but later became known as a comedian. His performances extended beyond Vienna, with guest appearances both domestically and internationally. He appeared in numerous silent films starting around 1908, including "Der Stiefelputzer" (1908) and "Ein Walzertraum" (1908), and continued to appear in films throughout his career, reaching a peak in the 1930s. He also starred in sound films such as "Lumpenkavaliere" (1932) and "Hotel Sacher" (1939). Waldemar's comedic talent was evident not only on stage and screen, but also in his recordings. “Cabaret Songs on the Military Situation,” a seven-verse couplet, was recorded in 1915 under commission from the k. k. Österreichischen Militär-, Witwen- und Waisenfonds. These satirical verses vilified the enemy and affirmed troop certainty of victory, with one verse imitating an infantryman writing to his love in Viennese dialect and another featuring the Russian Tsar writing to Hindenburg. He also appeared in the 1926 comedy and romance film The Prince and the Dancer ( Der Balletterzherzog ), directed by Max Neufeld, which faced negative reviews and censorship. Throughout his career, he recorded music on gramophone records. In 1939, he received the Ehrenring der Stadt Wien (Honor Ring of the City of Vienna). He was also included in the ‘Gottbegnadeten-Liste’ (List of Blessed Ones) in 1944, a list used by the Nazi regime to protect artists. Following his death, several places were named after him, including the Richard-Waldemar-Hof and the Richard Waldemar Park, which features a bust of him; he is buried at the Hietzinger Friedhof in a grave dedicated to him.
Stephen John Fry , holder of the title “Sir”, is a British-Austrian author, screenwriter, actor, director, journalist, poet, comedian and television presenter.
Alois “Zipflo” Weinrich was an Austrian footballer and also a de r outstanding jazz violinists of his time. He was also a comedian and actor.
Albania
1
Armenia
1
Argentina
24
Australia
22
Azerbaijan
1
Belgium
13
Bulgaria
31
Benin
2
Bolivia
1
Brazil
12
Canada
48
Switzerland
17
Chile
8
Cameroon
1
China
7
Colombia
2
Czech Republic
7
Germany
188
Denmark
17
Dominican Republic
1
Algeria
2
Estonia
5
Egypt
4
Spain
74
Finland
15
France
211
United Kingdom
148
Ghana
3
Greece
18
Guatemala
1
Hungary
7
Indonesia
8
Ireland
20
Israel
9
India
11
Iraq
3
Iran
6
Italy
136
Jamaica
1
Japan
35
Kenya
3
Korea, South
20
Kazakhstan
1
Lebanon
5
Latvia
1
Morocco
17
Myanmar
1
Malta
1
Malawi
2
Mexico
28
Malaysia
7
Nigeria
19
Nicaragua
2
Netherlands
2
Norway
12
Nepal
3
New Zealand
9
Peru
2
Philippines
35
Pakistan
7
Poland
8
Portugal
7
Qatar
1
Romania
1
Serbia
3
Russia
9
Saudi Arabia
4
Sweden
101
Slovenia
4
Slovakia
2
Thailand
2
Tunisia
4
Turkey
5
Taiwan
1
Ukraine
1
Uganda
7
United States
213
Uruguay
1
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1
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1
South Africa
2
Austria has a distinctive comedy tradition shaped by theatre, cabaret, television and live performance. Austrian comedians work across many forms of entertainment, from traditional Kabarett and satire to modern stand-up, sketch comedy and television.
GiggleTime's directory brings together Austrian comedians, stand-up performers, cabaret artists, comedy actors and other personalities connected to comedy and entertainment in Austria. Browse the profiles above to discover performers from different generations and learn more about their careers.
Kabarett is one of the defining forms of Austrian comedy. The tradition combines humour with commentary on society, politics, culture and everyday life, often using storytelling, characters, irony and satire.
Vienna has long been an important centre for Austrian cabaret and theatre, with performers appearing in dedicated Kabarett venues as well as theatres and other cultural spaces. The tradition continues today alongside newer forms of stand-up and comedy performance.
Austrian Kabarett can range from highly topical satire to observational humour and character-based performances, giving the country's comedy scene a broad range of styles.
Modern stand-up comedy has become increasingly visible in Austria, with comedians performing in clubs, theatres, bars, festivals and other live venues.
Vienna is a major hub for comedy, but performers can also be found in cities such as Graz, Salzburg, Linz and Innsbruck. The Austrian comedy circuit includes both established performers and newer comedians developing their material through live shows.
Some comedians focus on everyday observations and personal stories, while others combine stand-up with improvisation, satire, characters or theatrical performance.
Television has introduced generations of Austrian comedians to audiences throughout the country and across the German-speaking world. Comedy series, sketch programmes, talk shows and entertainment formats have provided platforms for performers from a variety of backgrounds.
Austrian comedians and actors also work in film and theatre, with many performers moving between stage and screen during their careers. This overlap between acting and comedy is an important part of the Austrian entertainment industry.
Because Austrian performers often work in German-language media, their audiences can also extend beyond Austria to Germany, Switzerland and other German-speaking communities.
Vienna has a particularly strong connection with Austrian comedy, theatre and cabaret, but the country's comedy scene extends well beyond the capital.
Regional theatres, cultural venues and comedy events provide opportunities for performers throughout Austria. Different cities and regions contribute their own audiences and influences, while German-language media allows Austrian comedians to reach a much wider market.
Digital platforms have added another route for emerging performers. Podcasts, YouTube, social media and streaming services allow Austrian comedians to publish sketches, comedy clips and other content directly for audiences.
Looking for Austrian comedians, Austrian stand-up comedians or comedy performers from Austria? Explore the GiggleTime directory above to discover performers from different areas of Austrian comedy and entertainment.
Use the search feature to find a particular comedian or browse the profiles to discover new names. Individual profiles may include biographical information, career details, performances, photographs and other interesting facts.
Whether you're interested in Austrian stand-up comedy, Kabarett, Austrian comedy actors, television comedians or famous comedians from Austria, GiggleTime makes it easier to explore the people behind Austrian comedy.
The directory continues to grow as new Austrian comedians and comedy personalities are added.
