S. Z. Sakall in Color.

Overview Born February 2, 1883 · Budapest, Austria-Hungary Died February 12, 1955 · Los Angeles, California, USA (heart attack) Birth name Gerö Jenö Nickname Cuddles Mini Bio Hungarian-born S.Z. Sakall was a veteran of German, Hungarian, and British films when he left Europe because of the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement. In Hollywood from shortly after the outbreak of World War II, Sakall began appearing in comedies and musicals, often playing a lovable if somewhat excitable and/or befuddled uncle, businessman or neighborhood eccentric. Memorable as the waiter in Casablanca (1942) and as a somewhat lecherous Broadway producer in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). He retired from films in 1954 and died of a heart attack in Hollywood in 1955. Family Spouses Elisabeth Anna "Boszi" Kardos(August 1, 1920 - February 12, 1955) (his death) Giza Grossner (1916 - 1918) (her death) Trademarks Often plays men who are easily excited or befuddled but lovable. Often cast as a sympathetic friend or employee of the main character. Trivia Because of his befuddled amiability on-screen, his trademark jowls, and comical exasperation, he was nicknamed "Cuddles" and was often billed that way. He did not like "American" food, so when he was working on a movie, he had his wife cook food from the old country and bring him lunch or dinner. All three of his sisters perished in Nazi concentration camps. The initials preceding his name are from the Hungarian for Szoke Szakall, meaning 'blonde beard', so called because he wore one as a young actor to look older. He originally turned down his waiter's role in Casablanca (1942), the part that initially made him famous.