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Paul Muni

Birth Name:
Meshilem Meier Weisenfrund
Birth Place:
Lviv, Ukraine
Profession
Actor, Soundtrack
Paul Muni

Fast Facts

  • Received an Oscar nomination for both his first and last screen appearances, "The Valiant" from 1929 and "The Last Angry Man" in 1959
  • Born to an acting family, he developed an affinity for makeup and often began playing characters much older while still in his teens
  • Quote: "I don-t want to be a star․ If you have to label me anything, I'm an actor - I guess․ A journeyman actor․ I think 'star' is what you call actors who can't act․"
  • After making his Broadway debut in 1926, he was signed to Fox Studios three years later and subsequently landed his first Oscar nomination with "The Valiant"
  • Despite only appearing in 25 films over the course of his career, he would become well-known for his biographical films, many roles for which he would complete rigorous preparations for prior to filming
  • Forced to remove his left eye via surgery in 1955, but would return to the stage only months later

Awards

  • 1930Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role:Nominated
  • 1930Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (January):Winner
  • 1932Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (May):Winner
  • 1932Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (December):Winner
  • 1933Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (December):Winner
  • 1934Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role:Nominated
  • 1935Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (June):Winner
  • 1936Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role:Nominated
  • 1936Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (February):Winner
  • 1936Volpi Cup - Best Actor:Winner
  • 1937Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role:Winner
  • 1937NYFCC Award - Best Actor:Winner
  • 1937Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (September):Winner
  • 1937Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (March):Winner
  • 1938Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role:Nominated
  • 1939Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (July):Winner
  • 1940Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (February):Winner
  • 1941Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (March):Winner
  • 1943Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (March):Winner
  • 1959NYFCC Award - Best Actor:Nominated
  • 1959Primetime Emmy - Best Single Performance by an Actor:Nominated
  • 1960Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role:Nominated
  • 1960Best ActorWinner
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