Star character actor, renowned for portraying larger-than-life historical figures. Invariably in heavy make-up, he generally appeared older than his actual age. Initially trained as a goldsmith, Balser forged a theatrical career in the 1920's, at the end of the decade joining the ensemble of the Vienna Burgtheater as actor/director. On stage, he played chiefly heroic roles in classical plays. On screen from 1935, he was critically acclaimed as Professor Sauerbruch, Beethoven, Emperor Franz Ferdinand and (in his best performance) as
Rembrandt (1942). Concentrated largely on theatrical work during the 1960's.
