Bella Mysell
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April 5, 1902
Bella Mysell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bella Meisel April 5, 1902 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 17, 1991 (aged 88) Chevy Chase, Maryland, U.S. |
| Burial place | Mount Hebron Cemetery, New York City |
| Occupations | Actress, Lyricist |
| Known for | Contributions to Yiddish theatre |
| Notable work | "My Son and I", "Mendl in Japan", "Papirossen", "Those Were the Days" |
| Spouses | |
Bella Mysell (born Bella Meisel; April 5, 1902 - January 17, 1991[1]) was an influential American figure on the Yiddish stage, known for her work as an actress and lyricist.[2]
Bella Mysell was born on April 5, 1902, in New York. Her foray into the arts was significantly shaped by her father, Hyman Meisel, an established actor.[3] She attended a public school, learned Yiddish in a cheder and studied singing, playing the piano, mandolin and guitar. Her early exposure to music and performance arts, including her proficiency in various instruments and vocals, laid the foundation for her eventual ascent into the theater world. At thirteen years of age, she performed together with her father. Mysell used to sing solo and with accompaniment.[4]
Career
Mysell's professional career was marked by her engagement as a prima donna at the National Theatre in New York in 1926. Her debut in Lash-Sandler's operetta Mendl in Japan was just the beginning of a vibrant period that saw her performing in various esteemed theaters. During the 1930–31 season, she acted at the Prospect Theatre, and in 1932-33 she performed at the Hopkinson Theatre.[2][4] Mysell was a member of The Hebrew Actors' Union.[5]
Notable works
- Mendl in Japan (1926) - An operetta written by Lash-Sandler.[4]
- Papirossen (1936) - A short movie directed by Henry Lynn with actors Herman Yablokoff, Bella Mysell, and Sidney Lumet.[6]
- My Son and I (1960) - A musical play in English and Yiddish with book by Herman Yablokoff, music by Sholom Secunda and lyrics by Bella Mysell.[7]
- Those Were the Days (1990) - A musical by Bella Mysell.[8]
