Who Is Theodore Bikel? Age, Biography and Wiki
Theodore Bikel was an esteemed Austrian-American actor and folk musician, born on May 2, 1924. He gained fame for his varied roles in film, television, and theater, as well as his influential contributions to folk music. Although he passed away in 2015, his impact on the entertainment industry continues to resonate. By 2025, Bikel would have celebrated his 101st birthday, marking over a century of artistic influence and cultural enrichment.
| Occupation | Political Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1924 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Vienna, Austria |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Austria |
| Date of death | 21 July, 2015 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Theodore Bikel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Theodore Bikel stood at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and maintained a weight of around 180 lbs (82 kg). His presence was as commanding on stage as it was on screen, embodying a range of characters throughout his career. While these figures are representative of Bikel during his active years, they contribute to his legacy as a versatile performer.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of family, Theodore Bikel was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress and singer Dorothea Butz, with whom he had two children. After their divorce, he married his second wife, Aileen Bikel, in 1990, a union that lasted until his passing. Although much focus on his private life revolved around his marriages and family, the deep connections Bikel created through his music and performances also showcased his enduring relationships with friends and colleagues in the industry.
As an active Zionist, his father named him after Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism. Following the German annexation of Austria in 1938, Bikel's family fled to Palestine, where his father's contacts helped the family obtain British passports. Bikel studied at the Mikve Yisrael agricultural school and joined Kibbutz Kfar HaMaccabi.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Theodore Bikel's estimated net worth was around $10 million. His income was derived from a multifaceted career including acting, music, and production roles. Bikel also contributed to various charitable causes, further reflecting his commitment to social impact alongside his professional endeavors.
Career, Business and Investments
The career of Theodore Bikel was marked by remarkable versatility. Bikel's notable roles included Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, for which he received critical acclaim. Additionally, he appeared in films such as The African Queen and My Fair Lady. His career in folk music saw him advocate for social change and cultural awareness through songs from various traditions. Moreover, Bikel's investments in theater and music schools perpetuated his love for the arts, as he worked to inspire new generations of performers.
Bikel started acting while in his teens. He performed with Habimah Theatre in 1943, and was one of the founding members of the Cameri Theatre, which became a leading Israeli theatre company. He described his acting experience there as similar to, if not better than, the method acting techniques taught at the Actors Studio in New York.
"The Habimah people were much closer to the Method, indeed, than Lee Strasberg was, because they were direct disciples of Stanislavski."
Social Network
Even after his passing, Theodore Bikel remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. His official social media accounts, which celebrate his legacy, continue to engage fans and followers through posts highlighting his achievements and contributions to arts and culture. These platforms serve as a testament to his lasting influence and the love his audience holds for his work.
He made his Broadway debut in 1955 in Tonight in Samarkand, and in 1958 was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for The Rope Dancers. In 1959, he created the role of Austria-Hungary Empire naval Captain von Trapp in the original stage musical production of The Sound of Music, which earned him a second "Tony" nomination.
Bikel did not like his role because his ability to sing was underused; neither did he like performing the same role of the captain repeatedly.
When the famous longtime musical composers Rodgers and Hammerstein realized Bikel was an accomplished folksinger, they wrote the song "Edelweiss" (purporting within the story to be an Austrian folk song) specifically for him to sing and accompany himself on the guitar.
Education
Theodore Bikel's educational journey began in Vienna, where he studied acting. He later moved to Palestine, where he served in the Jewish paramilitary organization Haganah during World War II. Following the conflict, Bikel pursued higher education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His training and experiences shaped him into a multifaceted artist, known for his commitment to his craft and the messages he conveyed through his performances.
