Emil Steinberger, commonly known as Emil (born 6 January 1933), is a Swiss comedian, writer, director and actor. He is predominantly known as a comedian and actor in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. He has lived in New York City from 1993 to 1999, which inspired him for his book Emil via New York.

Early life and education

He was born in Luzern to Rudolf and Creszentia Steinberger. He had one sister, Hannah 'Hanny' and one brother, Rudolf 'Ruedi'. Already during his schooling years he was known as the class comedian. In 1951, he started a commercial apprenticeship, with Swiss Post. After working as a counter clerk for nine years, he completed the Lucerne School of Design (today known as Fachklasse Grafik Luzern) and became a certified graphic designer. Back then he started acting part-time in a theater society known as Cabaradiesli in Lucerne.

Career

He is well known as Emil in Switzerland and Germany for his acts on television in the 1970s and 1980s.

Partial filmography

Cinema

Television

Works

Records and CDs

as story teller:

Books

Awards

Personal life

Steinberger married his first wife, Maya Rudin, in 1966 and divorced in 1989. He has one son from this marriage, Philipp (b. 1967), as well as one illegitimate son Martin (b. 1981), which was conceived while still being married to his first wife. Since 28 May 1999, he is married to German-born Nicole 'Niccel' Steinberger (b. 1965), a native of Wermelskirchen, whom he met in New York City. They currently reside in Basel.