Austrian showbiz star Peter Alexander dies at 84

Peter Alexander, an Austrian actor, singer and entertainer who was revered both at home and in neighboring Germany, has died, his spokeswoman said Sunday. He was 84.

The star who symbolized the return of laughter, lightheartedness and the economic upswing after World War II passed away Saturday, Erika Swatosch confirmed to The Associated Press. She did not provide more details.

Since the 1950s, Alexander appeared in some 50 film comedies and recorded more than 120 records. He was also a regular on TV for decades. Known as “Peter the Great” by his fans, his name was synonymous with Austrian charm and wit.

In recent years, Alexander - born in the Austrian capital on June 30, 1926, as Peter Alexander Ferdinand Maximilian Neumayer - led a reclusive lifestyle but still remained a person of public interest.

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann lauded Alexander as a “great Austrian.”

“As an artist, Peter Alexander made generations of people happy - both at home and abroad,” Faymann said in a statement.

Culture Minister Claudia Schmied, meanwhile, said Alexander was a pioneer of German language TV entertainment.

“Austria is losing a great actor, singer and entertainer,” Schmied said.