Hörbiger, Attila

(1896–1987)

   One of Austria’s greatest actors, Hörbiger belonged to one of Vienna’s great thespian dynasties. He was the brother and occasional stage partner of the equally accomplished Paul Hörbiger (1894–1981). The latter, however, specialized more in comic roles and often played with another Viennese master of that art, Hans Moser. Attila Hörbiger married the popular actress Paula Wessely (1907–2000) in 1935. He was the father of Elisabeth Orth and Christiane and Maresa Hörbiger, who have followed careers in film, in the theater, and in television. Attila Hörbiger made his debut in 1919 and spent several years in provincial engagements before joining Vienna’s Theater in the Josefstadt in 1928. He was a member of the company until 1950, when he joined the ensemble of the Burgtheater. He also played at the Vienna Volkstheater (People’s Theater) and in Berlin. As an actor, Hörbiger was enormously versatile, at home in comedy as well as more serious works. He played both leading and minor roles, devoting scrupulous attention to both the vocal and physical inflections that gave his performances a unique intensity. One of his most notable parts was that of Everyman (Germ.: Jedermann) in the 1935–1938 Salzburg Festival productions of the Hugo von Hofmannsthal drama.