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.