Oscar Quitak

Oscar Morris Quitak (10 March 1926 – 31 December 2023) was a British actor born in London, England, whose career spanned stage, television, and film across several decades.

Quitak's stage career included work at the Old Vic and the National Theatre. He originated a role in the musical Pickwick in the West End in 1963, and reprised that role — credited as Mr. Pickwick — when the production transferred to Broadway in 1965. That Broadway appearance represents his sole credit on the New York stage.

His television work was extensive, encompassing a wide range of British productions. Among his credits were Z-Cars, Man in a Suitcase, Doomwatch, Ace of Wands, Colditz, The Changes, The New Avengers, Open All Hours, and Lovejoy. He played Josef Mengele in Kessler and appeared in Chessgame, Howards' Way, Saracen, and Telltale. His credits also included A Very British Coup and Yes, Prime Minister.

Quitak's film career began in the late 1940s. Early screen appearances included The Guinea Pig (1948), Cairo Road (1950), and The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958). Later film work included Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985) and Code Name: Emerald (1985).

Quitak was married for 62 years to actress Andrée Melly, who died on 31 January 2020. The couple had two children and resided in Ibiza. Quitak died there on 31 December 2023, at the age of 97.