Paula Wessely

Paula Wessely was an Austrian actress known for her roles in Episode, Masquerade in Vienna, and Maria Theresia. Born on January 20, 1907, she had a prominent career in film and theater until her retirement in 1987.

Personal and Family Life

Paula Wessely was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, and later married fellow actor Attila Hörbiger. The couple had three children, including actresses Christiane Hörbiger and Maresa Hörbiger. Wessely was admired by many, including Laurence Olivier, who regarded her as one of the greatest actresses of the twentieth century.

Career

Wessely’s acting career spanned several decades, making her a renowned figure at the Burgtheater in Vienna from 1953 until 1987. Despite her success, she faced criticism for participating in Nazi propaganda films during World War II, which led to controversy regarding her legacy.

Death and Legacy

Paula Wessely passed away on May 11, 2000, in Vienna, Austria, due to natural causes. Her contributions to acting left a significant impact on the Austrian cinema, influencing many actresses and maintaining her status in theatrical history.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Maskerade 1934-09-27 Leopoldine Dur
Anders als du und ich (§ 175) 1957-08-29 Christa Teichmann
Die Wirtin zur Goldenen Krone 1955-12-20 Fürstin Pia Maria
Der Engel mit der Posaune 1948-08-19 Henriette Alt, geb. Stein
Maria Theresia 1951-12-18 Maria Theresia
Das Licht der Liebe 1954-07-31 Käthe Zeller
Ich und meine Frau 1953-08-03 Sophie Naglmüller
Maria Ilona 1939-12-14 Maria Ilona von Wolkersdorf
Die ganz großen Torheiten 1937-04-29 Therese Brandl
Späte Liebe 1943-02-16 Sophie von Angerspang
Das Herz muß schweigen 1944-12-19 Maximiliane Frey
Vagabunden 1949-10-17 Dr. Elisabeth Kamma
Der Bauer als Millionär 1961-11-24 Die Zufriedenheit
Die unvollkommene Ehe 1959-09-03 Frau Dr. Winifred Lert
Episode 1935-10-31 Valerie Gärtner
Die kluge Marianne 1943-06-10
Ein Leben lang 1940-10-11 Agnes Seethaler
Heimkehr 1941-10-10 Maria Thomas
Spiegel des Lebens 1938-06-07 Johanna ‘Hanna’ Karfreit
Weg in die Vergangenheit 1954-12-20 Gabriele Gärtner
Cordula 1950-09-27 Cordula
Noch minderjährig 1957-05-31 Luise Gottschalk
So endete eine Liebe 1934-10-17 Grand Duchess Marie Louise
Eine Frau ohne Bedeutung 1964-09-17 Mrs. Arbuthnot
Nichts als Erinnerung 1974-01-06 Militza
Der Unbestechliche 1984-01-08
Das weite Land 1960-06-06 Genia Hofreiter
Jedermann 1961-12-21 Glaube
Maria Stuart 1957-01-06 Königin Maria Stuart von Schottland
Fast ein Poet 1968-05-30 Nora Melody
Die Julika 1936-10-25 Julika
Port Royal 1965-05-14 Schwester Angelika vom hl. Johannes
Überfahrt 1963-01-13 Mrs. Midget
Leckerbissen 1948-06-05 Self – film scenes (archive footage)
Der große Zauberer – Max Reinhardt 1973-10-30 Self
Glücksachen 1977-01-01
Anatol 1961-12-15 Gabriele
Von Reinhardt bis Karajan – 50 Jahre Salzburger Festspiele 1970-08-16 Hero (archive footage)
Eine Stadt als Bühne – 100 Jahre Salzburger Festspiele 2020-08-02 self
Bambi-Verleihung