Gaal, Franciska (1904–1972)

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Gaal, Franciska (1904–1972)

Austro-Hungarian actress and singer. Name variations: Franziska Gaal, Franceska Gaal. Born Fanny Zilveritch, Feb 1, 1904, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary (now Hungary); died Aug 13, 1972, in NYC.

Central European cabaret and stage star, appeared in Hungarian, Austrian and German films between the wars, including Fräulein Paprika, Gruss und Kuss Veronika, Skandal in Budapest, Spring Parade and Katharina; arrived in Hollywood (1938) to appear in Cecil B. De Mille's The Buccaneer, followed by Paris Honeymoon and The Girl Downstairs; returned to Budapest (1940) to visit ailing mother and was trapped there during WWII; made Broadway debut (1927) and replaced Eva Gabor in The Happy Time (1951).