Otto Preminger

Otto Ludwig Preminger (5 December 1905 – 23 April 1986) was an Austria–Hungary-American theatre and movie director.

Otto Preminger
Otto Preminger Allan Warren.jpg
Preminger in 1976, by Allan Warren
Born(1905-12-05)5 December 1905
Vyzhnytsia, Wiznitz, Austria–Hungary (present Vyzhnytsia, Ukraine)
Died23 April 1986(1986-04-23) (aged 80)
OccupationDirector, producer, actor
Years active1931–86
Spouse(s)
Marion Mill (m. 1932–1946)

Mary Gardner (m. 1951–1959)

Hope Bryce (m. 1971–1986)

Early life

Preminger was born on December 5, 1905 in Vyzhnytsia, Wiznitz, Austria–Hungary (present Vyzhnytsia, Ukraine) to Jews Markus and Josefa Preminger.[1]

Career

After moving from the theatre to Hollywood, he directed over 35 feature movies in a 50 year career. He rose to fame for his stylish movie mysteries such as Laura (1944) and Fallen Angel (1945). In the 1950s and 1960s, he directed a number of high-profile adaptations of popular novels and stage works. He was twice nominated for the Best Director Academy Award. He also had a few acting roles.

Personal life

Preminger was married to Marion Mill from 1932 until they divorced in 1946. Secondly he married Mary Gardner from 1951 until they divorced in 1959. Lastly he married Hope Bryce from 1971 until his death in 1986.

Death

Preminger died in New York City, New York on April 23, 1986, from cancer and Alzheimer's disease, he was 80 years old. He was cremated and is buried in the Azalea Room of the Velma B. Woolworth Memorial Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York.

References

  1. Frischauer, Willi (1973). Behind the Scenes of Otto Preminger: An Unauthorised Biography. London: Joseph. ISBN 978-0-7181-1170-0.

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