Otto Preminger

Date of Birth: December 5, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: April 23, 1986

Biography

Otto Ludwig Preminger was an influential Austrian-American film director, producer, and actor. Born on December 5, 1905, in Wiznitz, Austria-Hungary (now Vyzhnytsia, Ukraine), Preminger rose to prominence in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. He began his career in the theater but soon transitioned to film, where he became known for tackling controversial subjects and pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in American cinema. Preminger’s career took off with the film “Laura” (1944), a noir classic that established him as a major directing talent. He continued to challenge societal norms with films like “The Moon Is Blue” (1953), which defied the Production Code with its frank discussion of sex, and “Anatomy of a Murder” (1959), which dealt with rape and featured explicit courtroom scenes. His work often featured complex characters and sophisticated storytelling, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success. Preminger was also known for his dictatorial style on set, which earned him the nickname “Otto the Ogre.” Despite this, many actors delivered some of their best performances under his direction. His career spanned several decades, and he remained active in the film industry until his health began to decline in the late 1970s. Otto Preminger passed away on April 23, 1986, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking films that continue to be studied and appreciated.

5 Interesting Facts about Otto Preminger

1. Otto Preminger was one of the first directors to earn the ire of the Hollywood Production Code by refusing to make script changes for his film “The Moon Is Blue.”

2. He directed “Exodus” (1960), a film about the founding of the state of Israel, which was one of the first Hollywood films to be shot on location in Israel.

3. Preminger was also an accomplished actor, appearing in movies such as “Stalag 17” (1953) and as Mr. Freeze in the “Batman” TV series.

4. He was a pioneer in fighting racial discrimination in Hollywood by casting Dorothy Dandridge in “Carmen Jones” (1954), making her the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

5. Otto Preminger became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1936.