Vera Borek, Esteemed Viennese Theater Actress, Dies at 85

Austrian actress Vera Borek, a celebrated figure in Viennese theater for decades, died on Saturday in Vienna at the age of 85. Known for her distinctive portrayals, Borek was a long-standing member of the Vienna Volkstheater ensemble from 1976 to 2005.

Her career included numerous notable roles on stage, such as Jenny in "The Threepenny Opera," Ada in "Zur schönen Aussicht," and Valerie in "Tales from the Vienna Woods." She also appeared in contemporary plays by authors like Werner Schwab and Elfriede Jelinek. Even after her retirement, Borek continued to grace the Volkstheater stage, taking on roles like Claire Zachanassian in "The Visit of the Old Lady" in 2007.

Borek, who was married to the renowned actor and artist Helmut Qualtinger from 1982 until his death in 1986, also had a significant presence on television and in film. She appeared in popular series like "Tatort," "Kommissar Rex," and "Der Bulle von Tölz," as well as films such as "Vino Santo" and "Geschichten aus dem Wiener Wald."

Born in Breslau in 1940, Borek moved to Vienna as a child. She studied acting in Hannover and had engagements in Germany before returning to Vienna to build her career. In 2017, a radio play jury honored her as "Actress of the Year."

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We were connected by a great love. He was incorruptible and truthful and also unique as a person.