Paul Muni

 Paul Muni, born Frederich Meshilem Meier Weisenfreund (September 22, 1895 – August 25, 1967)

He started his acting career in the Yiddish theatre. During the 1930s, he was considered one of the most prestigious actors at Warner Brothers studios, and was given the rare privilege of choosing which parts he wanted. His acting quality, usually playing a powerful character, such as the lead in Scarface (1932), was partly a result of his intense preparation for his parts, often immersing himself in study of the real character's traits and mannerisms. In 1935, Muni persuaded Warner Bros. to take a financial risk by producing its first historical biography, The Story of Louis Pasteur. This became Muni's first of many biographical roles. Until that film, most Warner Bros. stories originated from current events and major news stories. The sudden success of the film gave Warner's "box office gold", notes Osborne. Muni won an Oscar for his performance.He played other historical figures, including Émile Zola, a "man of conscience", in The Life of Emile Zola (1937), for which he was nominated for an Oscar. The film won Best Picture and was interpreted as indirectly attacking the repression of Nazi Germany. He also played the lead role in Juarez (1939). He made 25 films in total, and was nominated six times for an Oscar, winning once as Best Actor in The Story of Louis Pasteur.

He won the New York Film Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award. Paul Muni died of a heart disorder at age 71, and is buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.