S.Z. Sakall

S.Z. Sakall, a Hungarian-born actor, was a seasoned veteran of German, Hungarian, and British films prior to leaving Europe in response to the rising influence of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement. As a result, he relocated to Hollywood shortly after the outbreak of World War II, where he began to make a name for himself in comedies and musicals, often portraying a lovable, yet somewhat excitable and/or befuddled uncle, businessman, or neighborhood eccentric. One of his most iconic roles was that of the endearing waiter in the 1942 classic film "Casablanca", while he also made a lasting impression as a somewhat lecherous Broadway producer in the 1942 film "Yankee Doodle Dandy". Sakall's film career came to a close in 1954, and he ultimately passed away in Hollywood in 1955 due to complications from a heart attack.