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.
Christian Hölbling, born on June 21, 1972, in Bruck an der Mur (Steiermark), is a multifaceted Austrian entertainer. He is recognized as a cabaret artist, comedian, singer, and author. After graduating from the Handelsakademie Bruck/Mur in 1991, he pursued diverse creative avenues including early cabaret experience at the school, civilian service in a home for the disabled, work as a journalist for a daily newspaper, founding a cultural magazine, and program planning at the Kunsthaus Mürzzuschlag. He also attended seminars focused on clowning, comedy, pantomime, object theater, and voice training. Since 1991, he has been working as a solo cabaret artist. Hölbling’s career is marked by numerous awards and varied projects. In 1992, he received the Nachwuchspreis Grazer Kleinkunstvogel for his first show, 'G’schichterln für’s Herzerl'. From 1998 to 2020, he was involved with Rote Nasen Clowndoctors as Dr. He developed the character of Helfried, a sadistic studies counselor, starting in 2000, which has become central to his work and received numerous awards including the Tollwood-Künstlerpreis (2000), the Trophée Perrier Comedy Award (2000), and the Wiener Kabarett Förderpreis (2001). He directed the Internationale Humorfestival Velden from 2009 to 2018 and, since 2016, has regularly hosted the talk show 'Helfrieds Strenge Kammer' in his Helfried persona. Hölbling continues to create and perform. He publishes a monthly column called 'Gedankenspiele' in Kleine Zeitung since 2016, and released the album 'Lieder nahe am Wasser' in 2019. His book 'Ins Astloch gemurmelt' appeared in 2020, followed by the cabaret program 'Deppendiplom' in 2021. Currently, he lives in Kärnten since 2001, and co-hosts 'Late Night im Hafen' with Maria Weichesmüller since 2024. A 25th-anniversary program for the Helfried character, 'Helfried - Unverändert NEU!', is scheduled for 2025 with Maria Weichesmüller, and his new solo program, "Der Wechselseitige," explores themes of origin, identity, language, political myths, and personal depths. A review in Kleine Zeitung (March 6, 2026) called his performance 'absolutely recommended'.
Daniel Keberle, born on June 1, 1972, in Vienna, is an Austrian actor, comedian, dubbing actor, and voice-over artist. He holds Austrian nationality and possesses European Union working permits. His early career involved working as an extra starting in the 1980s, followed by roles such as a driver for 'The Three Musketeers' production in 1993. Keberle’s training included attending the Franz Schubert Conservatory for Music and Performing Arts from 1993 to 1996, where he earned a diploma in acting. He has performed at numerous theaters throughout Austria and Germany, including the Volkstheater and Theater der Jugend in Vienna, Landestheater Coburg, Schauspielhaus Wien, Salzburger Landestheater, Landestheater Niederösterreich, Kabarett Simpl, Schauspiel Frankfurt, and the Salzburg Festival. He was a member of the Theaterensemble Theater zum Fürchten from the 1990s, performing at the Scala Wien starting in 1995. His theatrical roles include playing 'Laertes' in 'Hamlet' at Schauspiel Frankfurt and Valentin in Goethe's 'Faust' at the Expo Hannover 2000. Daniel Keberle has appeared in a wide range of film and television productions, including 'Ein fast perfekter Seitensprung' (1996), 'Die Knickerbocker-Bande' (1997), 'Eine Familie zum Küssen' (1997), 'Tatort: Nichts mehr im Griff' (2001), and 'Bauernprinzessin' (2004) and its sequels. He has also had guest roles in series like 'Medicopter 117 – Jedes Leben zählt', 'Julia – Eine ungewöhnliche Frau,' 'Schlosshotel Orth,' and 'Kommissar Rex.' Notably, the film 'Alles wird gut' (2016), in which he appeared, received an Academy Award nomination for 'Live Action Short'. He continues to work as an actor, comedian, and voice-over artist, with recent appearances in productions like ACHZIG PLUS (2023) and KOPFTUCHMAFIA (2023).
Ernst Waldbrunn, born Ernst Karl Anton Waldbrunn on August 14, 1907, in Krumau, Bohemia (now Český Krumlov, Czech Republic), was an Austrian actor and cabaret artist. His father, Karl Waldbrunn, held a position as a government official from Vienna, while his mother, Rosa Lederer, came from Mies and was the daughter of a Jewish coal and tobacco merchant. He spent his childhood in Brüx, where his father served as a district administrator. Waldbrunn's formal education included studying law at his father's insistence, culminating in a doctorate in law from Prague. He began his theatrical career in 1928 in Teplitz-Schönau, directing and performing there. However, his early career on German stages was curtailed by the rise of the Nazi regime. During his engagement at the Theater Gleiwitz, he faced a difficult situation, being compelled to perform for Auschwitz concentration camp guards due to his classification as a ‘Jewish mixed breed’. In September 1944, he was deported to the Gleiwitz subcamp of Auschwitz but managed to escape in October, finding refuge in Vienna. Following World War II, Waldbrunn found renewed success, performing at the Simpl Cabaret alongside Karl Farkas from 1945. He gained considerable fame through double conférencen written by Hugo Wiener, a format invented earlier by Karl Farkas and Fritz Grünbaum in 1922. He was a member of the Theater in der Josefstadt from 1946 until his death in 1977. Waldbrunn appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including ‘Aufschneider’ and ‘Blue Moon’. In 1965, he co-authored the play Die Flucht with Lida Winiewicz, achieving significant recognition for his performance in the lead role. His characteristic stutter became a beloved trademark of his comedic style. He collaborated with various artists including Fritz Imhoff, Mimi Shorp, Rosl Dorena, Sepp Löwinger, and Elfriede Ott. He also contributed to radio broadcasting and screenwriting, and from 1955 appeared on television in programs like 'Bilanzen' and 'Simpl' revues. A recording of his performances with Karl Farkas, 'Karl Farkas & Ernst Waldbrunn - Doppelconférencen', is part of a ‘Best of Kabarett Edition’. Ernst Waldbrunn died on December 22, 1977, in Vienna. He was married to Elfriede Ott from 1950 to 1964. Shortly before his death, in late September 1977, he suffered a stroke. He is now commemorated with an honorary grave at the Vienna Central Cemetery, solidifying his place in Austrian entertainment history.
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.
Born in Austria, Herbert “Happi” Prikopa worked as a television presenter, conductor, tenor in the opera, actor, composer, writer, pianist and cabaretist.
Joe Furtner, born in Vienna in 1893, was a German actor and comedian. He considered Berlin his second home, living and working there for many years while maintaining his Viennese charm. He began performing at the Kabarett der Komiker as early as 1939, appearing in programs through 1942 and again in 1947. In 1947, he performed with Helmut-Zacharias-Quartett and 'Erinnern Sie sich? - Eine Melodienfolge' by Rudolf Nelson at the Neue Scala/Kabarett der Komiker, with Hanns Geert conferring and playing piano. He was also depicted in a 1940 magazine/journal as part of the Kabarett der Komiker ensemble. Furtner’s career encompassed stage, film, and radio. He appeared in several film roles and frequently performed in theaters including the Hebbel-Theater, Schauspielhaus Hansa, Berliner Theater an der Nürnberger Straße, and Renaissance-Theater. He was a Spielleiter at the Kabarett der Komiker, led by Willi Schaeffers, and a performer there for many years. Radio work provided numerous opportunities, particularly when a Viennese character was needed. He acted as Herr Huber in the 1953/54 radio series 'Die Arche Noack', portraying roles such as Pilkington in 'Da werden Tiere zu Hyänen' (1949) and Bellicek in 'Der kleine Grenzverkehr' (1953), and Prof. Düring in 'Der Kammersänger' (1959). He also appeared in the television variety show 'Wir senden Frohsinn - wir spenden Freude' in 1943, performing a segment called 'Wenn's dem Esel zu wohl wird' by Jo Hanns Rösler, which included various characters. A broadcast on October 8, 1943, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM took place at the Kuppelsaal des Reichssportfeldes. Furtner is best known for his role as Professor Quatschnie in the radio program 'Die Insulaner' from 1948 to 1961, a character he frequently referred to by the nickname “Professor Quatschnie.” He often portrayed kind-hearted characters in stage productions and films. A quirk of his performances involved playfully refusing to pay for beer after offering people paprika peppers. Joe Furtner married Johanne Sophie Krüger in 1943. He signed a Philips photograph, and was part of the ensemble featured in a 1940 publication from Berlin P. W. Brocker.
Marion Petric was a versatile Austrian artist who worked as a comedian, voice impersonator, singer, voice actor, presenter, cabaretist and actress.
Philipp “Phil” Laude is a German-Austrian comedian, former web video producer, actor and singer. He became known as a member of the comedy trio Y‐Titty.
Roman Felix Szeliga works as a physician, is a moderator, leads seminars, writes books and gives lectures on the topic of humor as a keynote speaker; He also inspires as an amateur magician. He presents his performances primarily in Austria, supplemented by assignments in Germany and the Switzerland.
Victor Oliver von Samek, known professionally as Vic Oliver, was born in Vienna on July 8, 1898, to Baron Viktor von Samek. Coming from a Jewish family, he demonstrated considerable athletic ability early in life, winning the Austrian junior tennis championship in 1914. Having begun his education at Vienna University with the intention of studying medicine, he later dedicated himself to music, displaying remarkable talent as a violin prodigy and receiving instruction from Mahler. During World War I, he served in the Austrian cavalry as an adjutant. After the war concluded, he held short-term positions in both banking and textile manufacturing; subsequently, he pursued musical endeavors, which included playing drums within a jazz ensemble in Rouen and Le Havre. Oliver’s career took a transatlantic turn in 1922 when he traveled to the United States. His stage appearances encompassed vaudeville productions, and in 1923, he became a member of the jazz group 'The Nine Nights of Jazz'. A partnership with violinist Margaret Crangle commenced in 1924, creating a double act. A pivotal moment occurred in 1928 when he accidentally fell from a piano stool, eliciting laughter and revealing his comedic talent. This discovery led to an engagement at the Palace Theatre in New York in 1929, marking the beginning of his rise as a comedian. He quickly gained popularity in Britain after performing at the London Palladium in 1931, known for his deferential humor, sometimes risqué cabaret style, and deliberately poor violin playing. Throughout the 1930s and 40s, Oliver became a mainstay of British entertainment. He topped the bill at the London Palladium by 1935 and shared a record for appearances at the Holborn Empire with Max Miller. He starred in revues like 'Follow the Sun' in 1934, where he met Sarah Churchill. He married her on Christmas Day 1936 in New York; they later divorced in 1945. During World War II, he appeared in several popular revues and hosted the BBC radio show 'Hi, Gang!' and was the first guest on 'Desert Island Discs' in 1942. He also founded the Vic Oliver Concert Orchestra in 1944, specializing in light classical music. He continued to appear in variety shows and pantomimes, and starred in films such as 'Rhythm in the Air' (1936) and 'Meet Mr. Penny' (1938), and the TV series 'Hotel Imperial' (1958-1960). He became a naturalized British subject in 1948 and remarried Natalie Frances Conder in 1946, having one daughter. Oliver's professional life ended prematurely when he suffered a collapse and passed away during a concert in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 15, 1964, at the age of 66.
Albania
1
Armenia
1
Argentina
24
Austria
28
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
Uzbekistan
1
Vietnam
1
South Africa
2
