Death of the Qualtinger widow: the last witness of the cabaret giant

Vera Borek, 85, died last week, marking the passing of the final surviving witness to the life of Helmut Qualtinger, one of Austria's most celebrated comedians. Known for his sharp wit and satirical works, Qualtinger left behind a legacy that continues to influence Austrian culture. Borek, who had been married to Qualtinger for 17 years, became a central figure in his personal and professional world during the height of his career in the 1950s and 1960s. Qualtinger met Borek in the early 1950s while working at the Hamburg Thalia Theatre. At the time, he was already well-known for his comedic talents, having written songs such as Der Papa wird’s schon richten and A Krügerl, a Glaserl. These songs, which often reflected his own struggles with alcoholism, became some of his most enduring hits. Despite his growing fame, Qualtinger remained humble and approachable, even as he navigated the complexities of his personal life. Borek recalled how she first encountered Qualtinger. She was 29, and he was 41, both were in their early careers. Their meeting took place in the canteen of the Thalia Theatre, where they began a conversation that would lead to a lifelong partnership. Qualtinger, known for his boldness, invited her to call him, a gesture that Borek found both surprising and charming. Though she initially hesitated, she eventually did, and the two began a relationship that would shape much of Qualtinger's later work. Qualtinger's marriage to Borek lasted until his death in 1973. During this period, he continued to produce groundbreaking material, including the satirical play Der Herr Karl, co-written with Carl Merz. This work, which critiqued political opportunism, solidified his reputation as a master of satire. Beyond his stage performances, Qualtinger was also known for his clever pranks, such as calling the Minister of Education and requesting the banning of the letter “U,” or dressing up as an Eskimo poet to give interviews. One particularly dangerous prank occurred during a book presentation. Qualtinger, in a fit of mischief, threw a heavy silver candlestick through an open window into the publisher’s offices located on the first floor. Fortunately, no one was injured, though the incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of his humor. Borek, who had become close to Qualtinger over the years, witnessed many such moments, often finding them both amusing and concerning. In 2018, Borek was once again drawn into Qualtinger’s world when she received around 50 letters from his first wife, Leomare Qualtinger. These letters, spanning the years 1964 to 1973, offered insight into the complex dynamics of Qualtinger’s relationships and the challenges he faced. While Borek was not always portrayed positively in these writings, she understood the difficulties of being part of such a high-profile and often chaotic life. As the last living link to Qualtinger’s early days, Borek’s passing leaves a void in the cultural memory of Austria. Her stories and experiences provide a unique perspective on the man behind the comedy, offering a glimpse into the private life of a public icon. Her legacy will continue to be remembered through the works she supported and the lives she touched throughout her long and storied journey.