LeoGlossary: Erich von Stroheim (Actor)

Born: September 22, 1885 – Died: May 12, 1957

Erich von Stroheim, born Erich Oswald Stroheim in 1885 in Vienna, Austria, hailed from a Jewish family with roots in Prague and Gleiwitz, Germany (now Gliwice, Poland). His journey from working in his father's hat factory to emigrating to America in 1909 eventually led him to Hollywood in 1914, where he started as a bit player in D.W. Griffith's company. During World War I, he portrayed memorable monocled German officers. Although he later ventured into writing and directing, his meticulous attention to detail sometimes led to budget overruns. Despite facing challenges, he left an indelible mark on both the silent and talkie eras of cinema, making his name synonymous with the phrase "The Man You Love to Hate."

Early Life and Career

Erich von Stroheim's upbringing and early life were marked by his family's Jewish heritage and his birth in Vienna, Austria, in 1885. He initially worked in his father's hat factory, but the allure of America beckoned, and in 1909, he embarked on a journey across the Atlantic. It was in the United States that his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry began.

Von Stroheim's entry into Hollywood in 1914 marked the start of his career in the film world. He landed his first professional role as a bit player in D.W. Griffith's company. It was during World War I that he gained recognition for his portrayal of sadistic monocled German officers, which became his early claim to fame.

However, it was his meticulous attention to detail as a director and his ambitious projects that both defined and challenged his career. His first major directorial effort, "Foolish Wives," became known for its extravagant budget, reportedly reaching $1 million, a significant sum in those times. Despite its success, the final edit was taken over by others, resulting in the removal of a third of his footage.

Erich von Stroheim's iconic role came in the film "Greed," which he directed. This epic, originally 42 reels with a 7-hour runtime, was eventually cut down to 10 reels but left a profound impact on audiences. His work was so extensive that "The wedding March" had to be released as two separate films in Europe due to its length.

In his personal life, von Stroheim was married to Valerie Germonprez from 1920 until his death in 1957. They had one child together. Apart from his acting and directing talents, he was also known for his attention to detail in film production, including his trademark use of ambulances in his films.

While not without controversies and clashes in Hollywood, Erich von Stroheim is remembered as an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and his unique approach to filmmaking have left an indelible mark on Hollywood history, earning him a place among the legends of cinema. His reputation as "The Man You Love to Hate" speaks to the enduring impact of his performances and contributions to the world of film.

Filmography

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