Erich von Stroheim (1885–1957) Director

Erich von Stroheim was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary in 1885 and immigrated to the United States in 1909. He is regarded as a visionary director of the silent film era. Specifically, the 1924 silent Greed today is considered one of the greatest films ever made. Stroheim was banned from Hollywood for life after clashing with studios over several issues, including workers’ rights. He subsequently continued his career as a respected character actor in France, where he passed away in 1957.