Waltraut Haas, the beloved Austrian actress known for her iconic roles in post-war cinema, passed away in Vienna on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the age of 97. Her family released a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for her long life and the joy she brought to countless people, noting that she remained in relatively good physical condition until her final days.
Born on June 9, 1927, in Vienna, Haas became a household name in Austria, captivating audiences with her performances in films such as Der Hofrat Geiger, Mariandl, Im weißen Rössl, and Hallo Dienstmann. Her family shared their sorrow, stating, “Despite all the endless sadness, we are grateful that she had such a long life, could bring joy to so many people, and was in relatively good physical condition until the end.” The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and her farewell will take place in the closest family circle.
Johanna Mikl-Leitner, the governor of Lower Austria, paid tribute to Haas, calling her not only an icon of Austrian film but also a person full of joie de vivre, warmth, and humility. “Generations of Austrians admired her for her acting skills and her lovable and unique charisma—whether as 'Mariandl' or later as the Grande Dame of the theater,” she remarked.
Haas's journey to stardom was not without challenges. Initially, at her mother’s insistence, she attended a household school before pursuing her passion for acting. She graduated from the Conservatory of Dramatic Arts in Vienna and took private acting lessons from Julia Janssen, a prominent actress at the Burgtheater. Her career began on the theater stage, with performances at the Linz State Theater, the Bürgertheater, the Raimund Theater, and notable venues in Germany, including the Titania-Palast Berlin and the Deutsches Theater Munich.
The turning point in her career came when she was discovered by director Willi Forst, who cast her as Mariandl in Der Hofrat Geiger. This role endeared her to the public and led to numerous subsequent roles as the charming Viennese girl. Throughout her career, she collaborated with legendary figures such as Paul Hörbiger, Curd Jürgens, Johannes Heesters, and Hans Moser, who played a pivotal role in her life. Haas fondly recalled Moser’s guidance, stating, “He told me to always stay humble and never become arrogant. I believe I never did.”
Haas’s filmography includes numerous beloved works, with standout performances in films such as Mariandls Heimkehr, Kleiner Schwindel am Wolfgangsee, and Keine Angst Liebling, ich paß schon auf, which were often directed by her husband, Erwin Strahl. Additionally, she recorded several albums, including songs from Im Weißen Rössl and various Viennese songs.
As the landscape of cinema shifted, Haas found herself returning to the stage, particularly as the genre of Heimatfilm evolved into lighter fare. She continued to shine on stage, often under the direction of her late husband, who passed away in 2011. In 2018, Haas published her memoirs titled Jetzt sag ich’s, where she reflected on her experiences, including encounters with Hollywood stars like Errol Flynn, and honored her husband’s memory.
Haas's contributions to the arts earned her numerous accolades, including the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, awarded around 2003, and the Golden Decoration of Honour of Vienna in 2010. Her last film role was in the 2017 comedy Das kleine Vergnügen, and she was last seen on screen in the 2020 television film Das Glück ist ein Vogerl, where she portrayed a comatose patient.
As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, reflecting on the profound impact she had on Austrian culture and cinema. Haas was not only celebrated for her talent but also cherished for her warmth and kindness. “Waltraut Haas was the Mariandl and the innkeeper of the nation—and will forever remain so,” her family stated in their announcement.
In a world where the charm of the cinema often feels elusive, Waltraut Haas represented a time when films brought comfort and joy to audiences. Her legacy will undoubtedly endure, as her films continue to resonate with new generations. Radio NÖ will honor her memory with a special broadcast on the evening of her passing, featuring a program titled "Radio NÖ Spezial in memoriam Waltraut Haas" at 20:04.
Haas’s life was a testament to resilience, talent, and the ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. As fans reflect on her contributions, it is clear that the gap left by her passing is immense, but her spirit will continue to shine through her work and the memories she created.
