Victor Varconi
Actor
Biography
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Victor Varconi (born Mihály Várkonyi, 31 March 1891 – 6 June 1976) was a highly successful silent film actor in Hungary. Born in Kisvárda, Austria-Hungary, Varconi was the first Hungarian actor to make a film in the United States. His normal speaking accent sounded almost exactly like that of Transylvanian Bela Lugosi.
He worked under contract to Cecil B. DeMille, and played Pontius Pilate in DeMille's 1927 production of The King of Kings.
Because of his accent, Varconi's popularity waned with the advent of sound films and he was cast in smaller parts, often playing Hispanic characters. He worked on the New York City stage and wrote for radio.
He died from a heart attack in Santa Barbara, California on 6 June 1976 at the age of 85. He was interred at the Calvary Cemetery, East Los Angeles, California, US.
Filmography
For Whom the Bell Tolls
as Primitivo 1943
The Sea Hawk
as Gen. Aguirre 1940
The King of Kings
as Pontius Pilate - Governor of Judea 1927
Unconquered
as Captain Simeon Ecuyer 1947
Reap the Wild Wind
as Lubbock 1942
Strange Cargo
as Fisherman 1940
Roberta
as Ladislaw 1935
The Atomic Submarine
as Clifford Kent 1959
Safe in Hell
as General Emmanuel Jesus Maria Gomez 1931
The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle
as Grand Duke 1939
The Black Camel
as Robert Fyfe 1931
The Plainsman
as Painted Horse 1936
The Divine Lady
as Horatio Nelson 1928
My Favorite Blonde
as Miller 1942
Chicago
as Amos Hart 1927
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
as Paul Borodoff 1939