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.
Alfred Dorfer hails from Austria and works as a comedian, writer and actor. He ranks among the country’s most recognized cabaret performers and comic figures, a status bolstered by his involvement in many Austrian movies. Following early achievements with the ensemble Schlabarett, he gained broader fame as both screenwriter and lead of the film Indien. Currently, Dorfer is considered one of the leading satirists and authors in the German‑language sphere.
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'.
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.
Josef Armin was a comedian with Hungarian-Austrian roots who He also worked as a couplet singer, stage writer and director as well as a writer. He belonged to de n authors of the Budapest Orpheum in Vienna.
Liesl Löwinger, born Elisabeth Meinhard on January 11, 1918, in Graz, Styria, was an Austrian folk actress and comedian. She died in Vienna on October 15, 1980, following a pulmonary infarction, which was described as a 'heavy blow' for the community of Altlengbach. Löwinger’s journey into performance began with extensive training; she studied at the Graz Conservatory and received instruction in piano, accordion, speech coaching, literature studies, acting with Dorothea Neff, dance with Willy Fränzl, and singing with Professor Rittersheim. She married folk actor Paul Löwinger in 1938, which led to her involvement with the family-owned theater stage directed by him. Known as a 'drastic comedian,' she frequently portrayed down-to-earth women with a strong rural character, embodying characters like Mirzl, Zenzi, Kathi, Leni, and Mitzi. She appeared in numerous films between 1950 and 1970, including 'Der keusche Adam' (1950), 'Lachendes Wien' (1957), and 'Das Liab am Almsee' (1966). The Löwinger Bühne became central to her work. She gained theater experience at the Löwinger Bühne, and television recordings of its productions are considered cult classics. She performed in numerous folk plays alongside Paul Löwinger and her aunt Gretl. She retired from public life in 1970 to focus on her family, which included three children: Sissy, Guggi, and Paul Jr. Following her father’s death in 1988, Sissy Löwinger took over the management of the Löwinger stage, which has been touring Austria since 1997. She also contributed significantly to the Löwinger Bühne’s programming, directing, writing under a pseudonym, and organizing tours through Germany and the USA. Culture Minister Claudia Schmied praised Liesl Löwinger as a 'full-blooded actress' who charmed audiences with humor, while Niederösterreich’s Governor Erwin Pröll highlighted her contribution to bringing joy through her acting.
Marion Petric was a versatile Austrian artist who worked as a comedian, voice impersonator, singer, voice actor, presenter, cabaretist and actress.
Stephen John Fry , holder of the title “Sir”, is a British-Austrian author, screenwriter, actor, director, journalist, poet, comedian and television presenter.
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.
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