Alfred Sandor

Alfred Sandor (November 5, 1918 – September 22, 1983), born Alfred Sandwina in Budapest, Hungary, was a character actor and singer who built a career across American and Australian stage, film, and television. He was also known professionally as Al Sandwina, Al Sander, and Al Sandor.

Sandor's early life was shaped by an unconventional upbringing. He spent his formative years traveling with the circus, where his mother, Katie Sandwina, worked as a strongwoman. He developed experience as a ringmaster before pursuing a brief boxing career in New York City. During World War II, he served as a spy behind enemy lines, returning to the United States afterward to establish himself as a professional actor.

His Broadway career spanned from 1955 to 1969 and included appearances in Zelda, Luther, My Mother, My Father and Me, On an Open Roof, and the comedy Third Best Sport, among other productions. His stage work also encompassed Neil Simon's The Odd Couple and a production of Gypsy opposite Ethel Merman.

On American television, Sandor appeared on The Phil Silvers Show and Our Five Daughters, as well as in a 1968 episode of Dark Shadows, in which he played Sheriff George Patterson.

Sandor later relocated to Australia, where he became a citizen. His Australian stage work included a touring production of Plaza Suite and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which featured Lorraine Bayly and Mona Richardson. He appeared in the Australian film Nickel Queen and took on television roles in Number 96, Division 4, Boney, and The Evil Touch. He became best known in Australia for playing Dr. Raymond Shaw, a character described as a "dandy" surgeon, in the long-running soap opera The Young Doctors. An original cast member of the serial, Sandor remained in the role for six years, departing approximately twenty episodes before the programme concluded due to declining health. His film work also included The Return of Captain Invincible.

Sandor died of lung cancer in Sydney, Australia on September 22, 1983, at the age of 64.