Peter Simonischek, acclaimed Austrian actor, dies at 76

Peter Simonischek (born 6 August 1946 in Graz) was a leading Austrian stage and screen actor. After growing up in Markt Hartmannsdorf and studying at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, he performed at theatres across Europe, joining the Berlin Schaubühne ensemble in 1979 where he stayed for two decades. Notable stage work included his celebrated turn as a Parisian lout in Klaus Michael Grüber’s revival of Labiche’s "Die Affäre Rue de Lourcine" and a record‑breaking run as "Jedermann" at the Salzburg Festival from 2002 to 2009. He also appeared in the internationally praised film "Toni Erdmann" (2016). In 1999 he returned to Austria to join the Burgtheater, later becoming an honorary member in 2019. Simonischek died in May 2023 at the age of 76, just months before what would have been his 80th birthday.