Herbert Fux

Herbert Fux (March 25, 1927 – March 13, 2007) was a prominent Austrian actor and politician, celebrated for his extensive contributions to film and television, with over 140 credits spanning from 1960 until his passing in 2007.

Born in Hallein, Fux relocated to Salzburg at the age of five, where his stepfather was involved with the Landestheater. After successfully completing his matura exams during the turbulent times of World War II in 1944, he pursued his passion for the arts at the Salzburg Mozarteum University and began his journey as a theater performer.

Fux carved out a significant niche in cinema beginning in the 1960s, often portraying memorable villains in a variety of genres, including B movies, crime dramas, Spaghetti Westerns, and even Bavarian sex comedies. His prolific career included around 120 films and 300 television roles, showcasing his talent in distinctive and eccentric characters. He collaborated with esteemed directors like Michael Anderson, Volker Schlöndorff, Ingmar Bergman, and Werner Herzog, sharing the screen with notable actors such as Klaus Kinski and Vincent Price.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Fux was politically active. In 1977, he co-founded a citizens' initiative aimed at preserving Salzburg's historic architecture, subsequently serving on the city council. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Austrian United Greens party in 1982, which later merged into the Green Alternative. Fux was an elected member of the Austrian National Council from 1986 to 1988 and returned to parliament in 1989, eventually becoming the chairman of the culture committee in Salzburg. Fux's life came to a close at the age of 79, in Zürich, Switzerland, with the assistance of Dignitas.