Joseph Schmidt

Multi-lingual tenor vocalist and film actor.

b. 04/03/1904 in Dawideny, Bukowina (Austria-Hungary, now part of Ukraine)
d. 16/11/1942 in Gyrenbad/Hinwil, Kanton Zürich, Switzerland

While his short stature prevented a stage career he did become one of the most popular singers of his time thanks to broadcast radio and recordings. After the premiere of his 1933 film "Ein Lied geht um die Welt" (A song goes around the world) featuring the Hans May composition, Mr. Schmidt fled to Austria (where he continued acting and singing in films), spent time in Palestine, then went to the United States. However, an ill-timed return to an annexed Austria put an end to his career: he was eventually re-captured after escaping from to Switzerland where he died of heart failure at the age of 38.