Theodore Bikel

Theodore Bikel was an Austrian-American actor, singer, musician, and activist. He was born on May 2, 1924, in Vienna, Austria to Jewish parents. His family fled Austria in 1938 to escape Nazi persecution, and they settled in Palestine. Bikel grew up speaking Hebrew, English, and German, and he later learned several other languages.

Bikel began his acting career in the 1940s in Tel Aviv, performing in Hebrew and English productions. He moved to London in the early 1950s and made his West End debut in "A Streetcar Named Desire." Bikel's breakthrough role came in 1955 when he originated the role of Captain von Trapp in the original Broadway production of "The Sound of Music." He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance.
Bikel continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1960s, appearing in productions such as "The Lark," "The Rope Dancers," and "The Inspector General." He also appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions, including the original production of "The Fantasticks." In addition to his stage work, Bikel appeared in several films, including "The African Queen" and "My Fair Lady."
Bikel was also a talented musician, playing several instruments, including the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including "A Folksinger's Choice," "Theodore Bikel Sings Jewish Folk Songs," and "Theodore Bikel's Treasury of Yiddish Folk & Theatre Songs." Bikel was a passionate advocate for Jewish music and culture, and he was instrumental in the revival of Yiddish theater in the United States.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Bikel was also a committed activist. He was a vocal supporter of civil rights, and he participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches. He was also a strong advocate for peace in the Middle East and was involved in several humanitarian organizations.
Bikel continued to work in the entertainment industry well into his 80s, appearing in films such as "The Sunset Limited" and "Shifting the Blame: How Victimization Became a Criminal Defense." He also continued to perform on stage, including a one-man show about the life of Sholom Aleichem.
Bikel passed away on July 21, 2015, at the age of 91. His legacy as a multi-talented artist and passionate activist continues to inspire generations of performers and activists alike.
In conclusion, Theodore Bikel was a true Renaissance man, excelling in multiple fields of the arts and using his platform to advocate for social justice causes. His contributions to Broadway, film, and music are significant, and his dedication to preserving Jewish culture and promoting peace in the Middle East is admirable. Bikel's impact on the entertainment industry and society as a whole will not be forgotten.