Henry Vogel


Henry Vogel was an American actor and bass-baritone singer who originated several roles on the Broadway stage during the first two decades of the Twentieth Century.

Early life

Henry Vogel was born Heinrich Vogelhut in Mindszent, Hungary. Ignoring his parents' wishes that he enter the clergy, he left Hungary for America in 1882.

Career

After his arrival in America, he obtained US citizenship and attended the Balatka Academy of Musical Art, founded by Hans Balatka in Chicago during the late 1880s. There, he performed in several of its productions before moving to New York City. In 1890 he appeared in an English-language version of Jacques Offenbach's The Brigands starring Lillian Russell, and in 1903, he landed a role in the Broadway production of Nancy Brown. Other productions followed, including Paris by Night, Miss Dolly Dollars, and Victor Herbert’s The Wizard of the Nile.
It was announced in the press in 1907 that Byron Ongley had written a vaudeville skit for him, Vogel, the Boy Detective, and His Shadow, Nearly – the shadow to be played by a midget.
Back on the Broadway stage in 1909, he played Herr Pappelmeister to Walker Whiteside’s David Quixano in the original 1909 production of Israel Zangwill’s play, The Melting Pot. His turn as Pappelmeister received acclaim, and the production itself was favorably reviewed by then US president Theodore Roosevelt.

Vogel went on to prominent roles in several other Broadway plays and operettas, including The Firefly, Marie-Odile, and Arms and the Girl. Health issues caused him to move to California to pursue work in films, including The Spanish Dancer as Olivares, but continued ill health forced his retirement and return to New York.

Family

Henry Vogel was the son of David Vogelhut and Eleanora "Leni" Vogelhut and was Jewish.

Death

Henry Vogel died in New York City two days after his 62nd birthday, following a heart attack.

Selected plays