Hans Jaray, a multifaceted artist, embarked on a remarkable journey as a writer, singer, film, and stage actor. Following the completion of his education, he pursued his passion for the arts by enrolling in the prestigious Academy for Music and Art in Vienna. His impressive stage debut took place in 1923 at the renowned Wiener Volkstheater, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with the institution.
For eight years, from 1930 to 1938, Jaray honed his craft at the Theater in der Josefstadt, solidifying his reputation as a talented performer. During this period, he penned his first play, "Boulevard-Komödien," showcasing his versatility as a writer. His cinematic debut occurred in 1926 with the release of "Schwiegersöhne," followed by "The Love of Jeanne Ney" in 1927.
In 1933, Jaray landed the role of a lifetime as Franz Schubert in the film "Leise flehen meine Lieder" (also known as "Unfinished Symphony," "Lover Divine," or "La Symphonie inachevée"). However, due to the increasingly hostile environment in Germany, Jaray made the difficult decision to return to Austria and eventually emigrate to the United States in 1938.
Upon his arrival in New York, Jaray quickly established himself on Broadway, followed by his Hollywood debut in the films "Lydia" (1941) and "Carnegie Hall" (1947). After World War II, Jaray returned to Vienna, where he resumed his work in stage, cinema, and as a professor at the Reinhardt-Seminar.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jaray remained prolific, appearing in films such as "Frühlingsstimmen" (1952) and "Fedora" (1978),directed by Billy Wilder, alongside Hildegard Knef, Henry Fonda, and Michael York. Additionally, he wrote numerous stage plays and books, cementing his status as a highly respected and accomplished artist.
