Celebrity Graveland

December 05, 1905 – April 23, 1986

Otto Preminger was an Austrian-born film and theatre director who was as know for his successful projects as he was for his hot-tempered demeanor.

Born in what is modern-day Ukraine (formerly of the Austria-Hungarian empire) was raised in a Jewish family. When World War I broke out and the Russian army invaded his hometown, the Premingers moved to Graz, and then later to Vienna, where young Otto gained an interest in the theatre. He worked his way up to directing and was eventually offered a chance to direct a film…which he reluctantly accepted.

Several German-speaking theatrical and film credits followed and when he was 29, Otto met Jospeh Schenck and Darryl Zanuck, who were looking for talent for their new studio in Hollywood: Twentieth Century Fox.

Preminger made the move and he and Zanuck had a tumultuous working relationship which eventually led to Otto being fired. He relocated to New York to focus on Broadway productions including hits like Outward Bound and Margin for Error. Ironically, Fox purchased the film rights to Margin and it was back to California for Otto…but this time, while Zanuck was temporarily absent from the studio. Preminger made the most of this situation and when Zanuck returned (animosity still in tact), the two begrudgingly carried on working together.

In 1944, Preminger directed Laura, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. It became a huge hit and is considered one of the finest film noirs of all time. From there, Preminger never had an issue with Zanuck. He would go on to direct many more films including Anatomy of a Murder, The Cardinal, Carmen Jones and the then taboo-breaking Frank Sinatra film, The Man With the Golden Arm.

Overall, Preminger directed 38 feature films (nominated 3 times for a Best Picture Oscar) and 7 Broadway productions. He was married 3 times and was romantically linked to his Carmen Jones star, Dorothy Dandridge and infamous burlesque superstar, Gypsy Rose Lee. He had a close friendship with actress Tallulah Bankhead, whose uncle helped Preminger gain permanent U.S. emigration status.

Preminger remained in the U.S. for the rest of his life. He died of lung cancer in New York at the age of 80.

Burial

Woodlawn Cemetery – Bronx NY

Specific Location

Chapel Community Mausoleum, Azalea Room; Enter the Chapel B building behind and to the right of the Woolworth Chapel and go to the Azalea Room to the far left. Otto’s niche is located on the far wall (with the stained glass of red flowers) on the left side, two spaces up from the floor.

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