Victor Varconi
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.
Acting
TV
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
as Count d'Auberge
1955
Movie
Samson and Delilah
as Lord of Ashdod
1949
Movie
For Whom the Bell Tolls
as Primitivo
1943
Movie
The Sea Hawk
as Gen. Aguirre
1940
Movie
The King of Kings
as Pontius Pilate - Governor of Judea
1927
Movie
Unconquered
as Captain Simeon Ecuyer
1947
Movie
Reap the Wild Wind
as Lubbock
1942
Movie
Strange Cargo
as Fisherman
1940
Movie
Roberta
as Ladislaw
1935
Movie
The Atomic Submarine
as Clifford Kent
1959
Movie
Safe in Hell
as General Emmanuel Jesus Maria Gomez
1931
Movie
The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle
as Grand Duke
1939
Movie
The Black Camel
as Robert Fyfe
1931
Movie
The Plainsman
as Painted Horse
1936
Movie
The Divine Lady
as Horatio Nelson
1928
Movie
Chicago
as Amos Hart
1927
Movie
My Favorite Blonde
as Miller
1942
Movie
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
as Paul Borodoff
1939
Movie
Dancing Pirate
as Don Balthazar (Monterey Captain of the Guards)
1936
Movie
Suez
as Victor Hugo
1938
Movie
Sodom and Gomorrah
as Priester des Lyzeums - Engel des Herrn
1922
Movie
Eternal Love
as Lorenz Gruber
1929
Movie
Undercover: How to Operate Behind Enemy Lines
as Enemy Security Officer
1943
TV
Studio One
1948