Mikhail Semyonovich Unkovsky (1905-67) was one of the most instantly recognizable character actors of the 1930s and 40s. Specializing in crazy Russians, he brought added value to well over 120 films in a career lasting almost forty years.
The orphaned Auer was brought to America by his grandfather following the October Revolution and subsequent war. He began his acting career in Yiddish theatre before travelling to Hollywood in 1928 to play a supporting role in Something Always Happens at Paramount.
After a few years playing small, uncredited roles, Auer played Carlo in My Man Godfrey (1936), and was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Subsequent pictures included You Can’t Take It With You (1938), Destry Rides Again (1939), as the unlikely cause of the memorable fight between Marlene Dietrich and Una Merkel, Helzapoppin’ (1941), And Then There Were None (1945) and Confidential Report (1955).
From the mid-fifties, Auer also worked regularly in Europe (he spoke six languages), predominantly in Italy and France.His last Hollywood picture was Drop Dead Darling (1966).
Mischa Auer appeared in two MGM musicals. He played, of all things, a Sikh police officer in Student Tour, and a few years later was the feuding playwright in Sweethearts.
