Géza Hofi

Geza "Hofi" Hoffman was born in July 2nd 1936. In 1960 József Szendrõ signed him for the Csokonai Theatre. From 1963 he made parodies all around the country in different theaters. He became well-known in 1968 with his parody in the Hungarian Radio. In 1969 he signed to the 'Mikroszkop Szinpad' (Microscope Theatre) and he was a member there until 1982. From 1983 he joined the Madach Theatre's theatrical company. There he played the 'Hofelia' one-man show of his, which was on several hundred times. His cabaret the 'Élelem Bére' started in 1987 and was on more than 'Hofelia'. Both cabarets were written, composed and played by Geza Hofi. His outstanding success was due to his closeness with the audience, the ability to react fast and the political humor. His first album came out in 1971 and most of his albums made it to gold. In 1996 when he was celebrating his 60th birthday he received the 'Magyar Koztarsasagi Erdemrend Tisztikeresztjet' (an award from the Republic of Hungary itself). In 1988 for his work he received the Kossuth Award (on of the biggest Hungarian Awards for artists). He received Jaszai Mari (famous Hungarian actress) Award (an award for actors/actresses) in 1970 and in 1973. And several more awards during his lifetime. In 2002 he received the Pro Cultura Urbis Award for the decades of his unstoppable work, his unforgettable characters he formed during his life, mixing his exceptional character and the unique Hungarian humor successfully. He died in his bed. On his funeral ceremony thousands were present to say goodbye to him the last time. He was "our best-loved comedian, specialising in caustic satire directed against politicians" /Gusztav Kosztolanyi/.