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Theodore Bikel

85quotes

Theodore Bikel


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Theodore Meir Bikel was a renowned Austrian-born Israeli-American actor, singer, musician, and activist.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born: May 9, 1924, in Vienna, Austria
 Died: May 21, 2015, in Los Angeles, California

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Bikel held multiple nationalities, including Austrian, Israeli, and American. He was a multifaceted artist who excelled as an actor, singer, musician, composer, director, and activist.

Early Life and Background


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Theodore Bikel's love for music was evident from his early childhood in Vienna. His mother, Lina Meir, was a cantor's daughter, and his father, Avraham Moyal, was a cantor and a Hebrew teacher. The family moved to Palestine (now Israel) when Bikel was just 13 years old. He began studying music at the age of nine and eventually attended the Jerusalem Conservatory.

Early Career

During World War II, Bikel's family fled to Turkey, where he joined the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization that later became part of the Israeli Defense Forces. In 1948, Bikel moved to the United States, settling in New York City. He started his career as a folk singer and actor on Broadway.

Major Accomplishments


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Bikel's numerous accomplishments include:

A Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in The Inspector General (1960)
 A Grammy nomination for Best Male Folk Vocal Performance for Folk Songs of the Sephardic Jews (1959)
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
 A National Medal of Arts award from President Bill Clinton

Notable Works or Actions


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Some of Bikel's most notable works include:

The Music Man: He originated the role of Marcellus in this classic musical, which ran for over 1,500 performances on Broadway.
 Fiddler on the Roof: Bikel played the iconic role of Tevye, a Jewish milkman who struggles to maintain his family's traditions amidst the changing world around them. This production earned him a Tony nomination and remains one of his most celebrated roles.
* The FBI: In 1958, Bikel was cast as an Israeli agent in this popular television series.

Impact and Legacy


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Bikel's impact on the entertainment industry extends far beyond his numerous awards and nominations. He was a pioneer for folk music and introduced many traditional songs to American audiences. His involvement with various social justice causes, including civil rights and Jewish advocacy groups, has left a lasting legacy. Bikel's commitment to cultural exchange programs helped foster greater understanding between people from different backgrounds.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Theodore Bikel is widely quoted or remembered for his contributions to the world of entertainment, music, and activism. His dedication to preserving traditional folk songs has left a lasting impact on American culture. As a devoted advocate for social justice causes, he inspired generations to become involved in their communities.

Bikel's legacy as an artist and activist continues to inspire people around the world today.

Quotes by Theodore Bikel

I do not know who there is among us that can claim to know God’s purpose and God’s intent.
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I do not know who there is among us that can claim to know God’s purpose and God’s intent.
TB
I’m exceedingly proud of being an actor, but I never recommend it to anyone.
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I’m exceedingly proud of being an actor, but I never recommend it to anyone.
TB
You always draw on your experiences with live audiences to know how to do comedy on films. You’re working for a laugh that may or may not come six months later, but you’re working in a vacuum at the time you are doing it.
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You always draw on your experiences with live audiences to know how to do comedy on films. You’re working for a laugh that may or may not come six months later, but you’re working in a vacuum at the time you are doing it.
TB
If I have one vanity wish, it would be to direct. It’s the only thing I haven’t done yet that I would like to.
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If I have one vanity wish, it would be to direct. It’s the only thing I haven’t done yet that I would like to.
TB
Accents. I’m very good with accents. I’m exceedingly good.
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Accents. I’m very good with accents. I’m exceedingly good.
TB
In my mind the city of Ariel is a thorn in Israel’s side and a serious obstacle to peace.
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In my mind the city of Ariel is a thorn in Israel’s side and a serious obstacle to peace.
TB
I do prefer the stage. It’s really the granddaddy of them all.
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I do prefer the stage. It’s really the granddaddy of them all.
TB
I glory in the fact that a human being has multiple talents and exercises them all with a degree of integrity and artistic proficiency. That’s what I do.
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I glory in the fact that a human being has multiple talents and exercises them all with a degree of integrity and artistic proficiency. That’s what I do.
TB
The play is always fresh to me. It’s not the audience’s fault that I’ve said the words before.
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The play is always fresh to me. It’s not the audience’s fault that I’ve said the words before.
TB
On the stage you’re there, it’s live. There’s a beginning, a middle, an end. When something is funny you hear it right away.
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On the stage you’re there, it’s live. There’s a beginning, a middle, an end. When something is funny you hear it right away.
TB
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