Actors - Walter Slezak

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	Actors - Walter Slezak

Walter Slezak (May 3, 1902 - April 21, 1983) was an Austrian actor and son of famed opera star Leo Slezak. He was born in Vienna, Austria. He was a medical student and later a bank teller before becoming an actor.

A hulking figure at 6'6", Slezak usually played a villain or thug. Slezak's first role was in the Berlin film Sodom and Gomorra (1922). He worked steadily and appeared in over 100 films including Once Upon a Honeymoon (1942), Lifeboat
, (1944) The Princess and the Pirate (1944), The Spanish Main
(1945), Sinbad the Sailor (1947), Born to Kill (1947), and Treasure Island
(1972). He began his movie career as a thin leading man in many silent films, but because he became heavier as he got older he decided to play character roles when he moved to Hollywood sound films. His autobiography, "What Time's the Next Swan?" was published in 1962. He also appeared on television, twice appearing as "The Clock King" on Batman in 1966. Later in life, apparently despondent over his continuing illnesses, he committed suicide at age 80. He was survived by three children, including daughter Erika, who has risen to fame on the soap opera, One Life to Live, a soap that Walter Slezak appeared on in 1976.

Awards

He won a Tony Award in 1955 for his role in the Broadway production of "Fanny".

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