Paul Muni was born on September 22, 1895, in Lemberg, Austro-Hungarian Empire, to Salli and Phillip Weisenfreund, both professionals with a Jewish background, who spoke Yiddish as their native language. The family, with their Yiddish heritage, had a significant impact on Paul's early life and would later influence his career choices.
Paul was educated in the public schools of New York and Cleveland, receiving a well-rounded education that would serve him well in his future endeavors. Physically, he was described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall, with black hair and eyes, and weighing 165 pounds.
Muni's early career began with the Yiddish Art Theatre in New York, where he performed for four years before moving on to other Yiddish theaters until 1926. It was during this period that he developed his craft, honing his skills as an actor and preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
In 1926, Muni made the transition to English-language roles, appearing in the play "We Americans", his first English-language production. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that would see him alternate between Broadway and Hollywood, becoming one of the most respected and distinguished actors of his time.
Over the years, Muni appeared in a wide range of productions, including "Four Walls", "This One Man", "Counsellor-at-Law", and many others. His versatility as an actor and his ability to adapt to different roles and genres made him a sought-after performer in both the theatrical and cinematic worlds.
Muni's association with 20th Century Fox began in 1928, and he would go on to work with the studio for many years, appearing in a variety of films and productions. Despite his success, Muni's health and eyesight began to decline, ultimately forcing him into retirement after his appearance in "The Last Angry Man" in 1959.
