Theodore Bikel Headshot

Theodore Bikel

Also Credited As: Theo Bikel

Date of Death: July 21, 2015 (91)

Birth Place: Vienna, AUSTRIA

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Theodore Bikel BIO

Theodore Bikel was an Austrian-American actor, singer, musician, and activist. He was born on May 2, 1924, in Vienna, Austria to Jewish parents. His family fled Austria in 1938 to escape Nazi persecution, and they settled in Palestine. Bikel grew up speaking Hebrew, English, and German, and he later learned several other languages.
Bikel began his acting career in the 1940s in Tel Aviv, performing in Hebrew and English productions. He moved to London in the early 1950s and made his West End debut in "A Streetcar Named Desire." Bikel's breakthrough role came in 1955 when he originated the role of Captain von Trapp in the original Broadway production of "The Sound of Music." He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance.
Bikel continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1960s, appearing in productions such as "The Lark," "The Rope Dancers," and "The Inspector General." He also appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions, including the original production of "The Fantasticks." In addition to his stage work, Bikel appeared in several films, including "The African Queen" and "My Fair Lady."
Bikel was also a talented musician, playing several instruments, including the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including "A Folksinger's Choice," "Theodore Bikel Sings Jewish Folk Songs," and "Theodore Bikel's Treasury of Yiddish Folk & Theatre Songs." Bikel was a passionate advocate for Jewish music and culture, and he was instrumental in the revival of Yiddish theater in the United States.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Bikel was also a committed activist. He was a vocal supporter of civil rights, and he participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches. He was also a strong advocate for peace in the Middle East and was involved in several humanitarian organizations.
Bikel continued to work in the entertainment industry well into his 80s, appearing in films such as "The Sunset Limited" and "Shifting the Blame: How Victimization Became a Criminal Defense." He also continued to perform on stage, including a one-man show about the life of Sholom Aleichem.
Bikel passed away on July 21, 2015, at the age of 91. His legacy as a multi-talented artist and passionate activist continues to inspire generations of performers and activists alike.
In conclusion, Theodore Bikel was a true Renaissance man, excelling in multiple fields of the arts and using his platform to advocate for social justice causes. His contributions to Broadway, film, and music are significant, and his dedication to preserving Jewish culture and promoting peace in the Middle East is admirable. Bikel's impact on the entertainment industry and society as a whole will not be forgotten.

Theodore Bikel Photos

Theodore Bikel STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Gabe

[Broadway]
1978

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Performer

Professor George Ritter

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Samuel Cole

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1959
Captain Georg von Trapp

[Broadway]
1957
Dr. Jacobson

[Broadway]
1955
Robert de Beaudricourt

[Broadway]
1955
Inspector Massoubre


Theodore Bikel Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Theodore BikelLaughter Through Tears

Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Theodore Bikel, The Sound of Music

Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Theodore Bikel, The Rope Dancers

Theodore Bikel Videos

Theodore Bikel News


Christine Toy Johnson's Solo Show Will Benefit The Dramatists Guild Foundation And Entertainment Community Fund


Moongate Productions presents a performance of A LITTLE MORE BLUE, written and performed by award-winning writer/actor/advocate for inclusion Christine Toy Johnson on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 3 pm at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the Japanese American National Museum.

Laguna Playhouse Presents World Premiere Transfer Production Of THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR By Paul Slade Smith


LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present the third show of its 2023-2024 season, a transfer of the world premiere production from North Coast Rep of the irresistible comedy, THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR, written by Paul Slade Smith, adapted from Play at the Castle by Ferenc Molnár, and directed by Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director David Ellenstein. 

THE CARETAKER Comes to The Edge of the Universe Theater


The Edge of the Universe Theater follows up its 2022 Capital Fringe production of Caryl Churchill’s A Number with the work of another British playwright, Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter’s THE CARETAKER.

Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC Fills the Air at North Shore Music Theatre


What did our critic think of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly, MA?

NEW YORK SINGS YIDDISH! Featuring Yiddish Concert & Theatre Stars to Take Place This Week


Join in this Wednesday, June 14 in Central Park, when National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene and Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage present New York Sings Yiddish!,  featuring an illustrious lineup of Yiddish theater and concert superstars celebrating the rich cultural legacy of Yiddish music.

National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene Brings NEW YORK SINGS YIDDISH! to Central Park


Join in this coming Wednesday, June 14 in Central Park, when National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) and Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage present New York Sings Yiddish!,  featuring an illustrious lineup of Yiddish theater and concert superstar celebrating the rich cultural legacy of Yiddish music.

Mark Nadler Will Highlight Jewish Composers at Congregation Brith Shalom


On Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 3pm, Congregation Brith Shalom of Houston, TX will present a singular performance featuring Broadway legend Mark Nadler (Drama Desk and Broadway World Award nominee cabaret artist) and Hazzan David Krohn (Brith Shalom).

Marcia Milgrom Dodge, John Tartaglia, Lili-Anne Brown & More Join The Muny's 2023 Season


The Muny announced has announced the directors, choreographers and music director/conductors for The Muny’s 2023 Premier Season. See details about The Muny's season, and see how to purchase tickets.

Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Paramount Theatre


What did our critic think of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL?

THE SOUND OF MUSIC to Open at Paramount Theatre in November


The Sound of Music, one of the most beloved musicals of all time, has enchanted audiences for more than 50 years. This holiday season, Chicago audiences can experience this unforgettable Rodgers and Hammerstein classic for the first time, or all over again, at downtown Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. Previews start November 9, 2022.

Cotuit Center For The Arts & Scamps Comedy Productions Present: Summer Comedy With Jim Ruberti & Friends


For four nights in Summer 2022, Barnstable's own Jim Ruberti brings top headlining Boston comedians to Cape Cod, including Dave Rattigan (June 25), Christine Hurley (July 2), Mark Riley (July 9), and Paul Nardizzi (July 16).

A NIGHT AT THE TONYS Announced At Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, July 23


The Gulf Coast Symphony presents A Night at the Tonys. Enjoy music from your favorite Tony Award-winning musicals of today and yesterday!

Photos: First Look at The Marriott Theatre's THE SOUND OF MUSIC


The Marriott Theatre, located at 10 Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, is presenting THE SOUND OF MUSIC, now in previews, officially opening April 20 at 7:30 p.m., and closing June 5, 2022.

The Marriott Theatre to Present THE SOUND OF MUSIC


The Marriott Theatre, located at 10 Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, will welcome spring with THE SOUND OF MUSIC, previewing Wednesday, April 13, opening April 20 at 7:30 p.m., and closing June 5, 2022.

Theatre Tulsa Continues 99th Season With THE SOUND OF MUSIC


Theatre Tulsa is planning the launch of its third Broadway Series musical, “The Sound of Music,” which opens Jan. 14.

Theatre Tulsa Continues 99th Season With THE SOUND OF MUSIC


Theatre Tulsa is planning the launch of its third Broadway Series musical, “The Sound of Music,” which opens Jan. 14.

Alliance For Jewish Theatre Announces 2021 Virtual Conference


From Sunday, October 24th through Tuesday, October 26th, the Alliance For Jewish Theatre held its annual conference completely online. It was the second consecutive year that AJT's annual conference has gone virtual.

BWW Interview: Robert Yacko - Singing With Kritzerland & Many, Many Others


Kritzerland celebrates their eleventh anniversary of producing monthly shows with KRITZERLAND’s 115th September 12, 2021 at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s. Had the chance to talk to Robert Yacko, a Kritzerland staple on his long relationship with Kritzerland, as well as on fun stuff on his resume.

September Comedy With Jim Ruberti Comes to Cotuit Center For The Arts


Barnstable's own Jim Ruberti brings top Boston comedians for a final summer night of laughter on Cape Cod! September Comedy with Jim Ruberti & Friends features Boston A-listers Mark Riley and Janet McNamara on Wednesday, September 1 at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Presented by Cotuit Center for the Arts and Scamps Comedy Productions, showtime is 7:30 p.m. in the Outdoor Theater. Tickets are $25. Material is suitable for those 18 and up.

Jim Brochu Presents WATCHING FROM THE WINGS AND MORE TALES OF THE THEATRE


Award-winning actor/playwright Jim Brochu has traveled the world presenting enthralling programs about the legendary, the famous, and the near famous of show business. On August 9, he will be gracing the Guild Hall Zoom with his latest program based on his insightful and funny new memoir, Watching From the Wings.

Theodore Bikel FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Theodore Bikel been in?

Theodore Bikel has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Theodore Bikel been in?

Theodore Bikel has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Theodore Bikel been nominated for?

Theodore Bikel has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Outstanding Solo Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for his work in "Laughter Through Tears". He also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for his role in "The Sound of Music". Additionally, Bikel was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for his performance in "The Rope Dancers".

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