Remember this name: R\u00e9they Lajos. This plaque commemorates a man who dedicated his life to the Hungarian theater and cinema. R\u00e9they Lajos was born Lajos Andr\u00e1s R\u00e9thei Prikkel in Pest in 1860. He died in Budapest in 1940.
R\u00e9they Lajos first studied law and philosophy. But his heart belonged to the stage. He graduated from the Sz\u00edniakad\u00e9mia in 1884 with honors. Even as a student, his performances at the V\u00e1rsz\u00ednh\u00e1z drew attention.
His first engagement was with Mikl\u00f3s Feleky at the Buda V\u00e1rsz\u00ednh\u00e1z. For 17 years, he was a key member of Ign\u00e1c Krecs\u00e1nyi’s renowned company. From 1906, R\u00e9they Lajos worked at the Magyar Sz\u00ednh\u00e1z. He approached acting not as a job, but as a calling.
R\u00e9they was known as the quietest Hungarian actor. He brought a touching asceticism to his roles. He poured his whole heart into every performance. His acting was always meticulous. He deeply understood his characters. His portrayals were so striking that they impressed even his colleagues.
R\u00e9they Lajos was a master of makeup. He meticulously crafted his masks and wigs. He paid great attention to detail. He had a keen sense of style. He employed every technique of naturalist art. These skills made him famous.
He also appeared in many silent films. These included “N\u0151v\u00e9rek” in 1912 and “Az ez\u00fcst kecske” in 1916. He played a professor in the latter. Other roles included a Polish Jew in “Hal\u00e1lcseng\u0151” and a servant in “A szentj\u00f3bi erd\u0151 titka”. R\u00e9they also portrayed a diplomat in “A senki fia” and an apostle in “Radmirov Katalin”. He was a banker in “Hal\u00e1l\u00edt\u00e9let” and an innkeeper in “Az \u00f6rd\u00f6g”. He even played Death in “Meseorsz\u00e1g”. His last film role was as a usurer in “Egy doll\u00e1r” in 1933.
From 1921 to 1922, he performed at the Renaissance Theater. Until 1929, he returned to the Magyar Sz\u00ednh\u00e1z. In 1929, he retired. For years, he was an active counselor of the National Association of Actors.
R\u00e9they Lajos married Ilona Dinkovics in 1898. He truly lived for his art. R\u00e9they dedicated himself to every role he undertook. This plaque stands as a reminder of his talent and dedication to the Hungarian stage and screen.