Person Biography:
Paul Sima was a renowned character actor, born to a baking family, who initially aspired to become a writer before pursuing a career in drama at the Vienna Conservatory. His first theatrical engagement in 1919 took him to the Deutsche Theater in Prague, where he later divided his time between Vienna and Berlin. In 1927, he came under the guidance of Max Reinhardt, who recognized his unique comic talent and cast him in satirical or comedic roles.
Sima's screen career began in 1921, but he didn't gain significant momentum until the advent of sound. He started to average several films per year, often starring in successful pictures like Die Fledermaus (1931),So ein Flegel (1934),Liebe, Tod und Teufel (1934),Glückskinder (1936),Gasparone (1937),Frau im Strom (1939),and Jenny und der Herr im Frack (1941). His signature character was the gruff, curmudgeonly type, sometimes villainous, sometimes scheming, and often providing comedic relief.
After World War II, Sima continued to act, alternating between comedies and romantic melodramas. However, a heart attack in 1967 forced him into retirement, and he retreated to his horse-breeding stud near Vienna.
During the Nazi era, Sima's stance towards the regime was complex. He publicly supported Austria's annexation by Germany and even joined the NSDAP, allegedly to continue performing. Nevertheless, he was also associated with a resistance cell during the 1940s. This enigmatic ambiguity might have contributed to his receiving the prestigious Filmband in Gold award just before his death in June 1969.
