Otto Schenk: Austrian acting legend dies

Otto Schenk (1930-2025) is dead. The actor, director and cabaret artist died at the age of 94 in his home on Irrsee, and the Austrian Radio reports. Schenk’s son Konstantin confirmed this.

Schenk was born in Vienna in June 1930. In his long career he was responsible for numerous productions at international theaters and opera houses and was also seen as an actor on numerous stages. The great Schenk’s stops included the Burgtheater in Vienna, the Scala in Milan and the New York Metropolitan Opera. Schenk, who was adored by the audience, was also active in the film – even in an unusual role. In the Austrian version of the popular animated film “Oben” he lent his voice to the character Carl Fredricksen.

The ORF writes about an “Austrian cultural institution”, the “Standard” describes him as “Austria’s main and state comedian”. In 2023, Schenk was awarded the Austrian Music Theater Prize for his life’s work. For this, the theater maker was also awarded the Platinum Romy in 2016. In 1976 he was honored with, among other things, the Cross of Honor for Science and Art and in 1994 with the Great Golden Medal of Honor for services to the Republic of Austria. “Austria is losing one of its biggest audience favorites,” explains Culture Minister Werner Kogler in a statement. “With Otto Schenk, someone who truly deserves the title of theater legend is leaving the stage. He has inspired generations of people, whether in the theater, in film and television or as an opera director. I salute a truly great man.”