Hofi, Géza (1936-2002)

Hofi, Géza

ACTOR. COMEDIAN (HUNGARY)

BORN 2 Jul 1936, Budapest - DIED 10 Apr 2002, Budapest
BIRTH NAME Hoffmann, Géza
GRAVE LOCATION Budapest: Farkasrét cemetery (25-2-37)

After Géza Hofi wasn't admitted to the Academy of Theatrical Arts he started working in a porcelain factory. But he also studied at the theatrical school led by Kálmán Rózsahegyi. There he met József Sas and István Sztankay who both became friends. In 1960 he obtained a contract in Debrecen. He worked as an actor but he also parodised the performances. He was so good at this that he was allowed to return to Budapest to perform under the name of Hofi.

In 1968 his parody on the song-contest on the Hungarian radio made him famous. between 1969 and 1982 he worked at the Mikroszkóp Theatre and in 1983 he switched to the Madách Kamara. His performances were very successful and the authorities allowed them to make jokes about them and the system, although he was under close surveillance. In the early 1990s he had a heart attack and he suffered from eye problems. But he carried on with his performances until February 2002. In 1998 he received the Kossuth Prize. He died in his sleep in April 2002.

Images

The grave of Géza Hofi at the Farkasrét cemetery, Budapest.
Picture by Androom (06 Aug 2018)