Paul Muni

Biography

Paul Muni (September 22, 1895 - August 25, 1967) was a prominent actor during Hollywood's Golden Age, recognized for his versatility and talent. Born Meshilem Meier Weisenfreund in Lemberg, Austria (now Lviv, Ukraine), he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1902. Muni made his stage debut at twelve and joined the Yiddish Art Theater, where he quickly gained recognition. He transitioned to Broadway, performing in English for the first time in 1924. Muni's film career began with Fox in 1929, earning his first Academy Award nomination for The Valiant. He gained acclaim for roles in Scarface and I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, winning the Oscar for The Story of Louis Pasteur in 1939. Muni continued acting in film and on stage until his retirement in 1959. He passed away in Montecito, California.