Freydele Oysher Child star of the American Yiddish theater of the 1920s and 1930s. Date of Birth: 13.10.1913 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Family
2. Theatrical Beginnings in New York
3. Iconic Yiddish Theater Star
4. Beyond the Stage
5. Personal Life

Early Life and Family

Born in 1913 in Lipcani, Bessarabia (now Moldova), Fraydele Oysher was the daughter of cantor Zeilik Oysher. Her paternal family hailed from Khotin, while her maternal grandfather, Mechl, was a carpenter in Lipcani. Fraydele's father left for Montreal when she was young, and she was raised by her maternal grandfather until she joined her family in North America in 1921.

Theatrical Beginnings in New York

After moving to New York, Fraydele began her acting career at age 13 in Yiddish theater. She played teenage roles in various theaters, including those on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Her popularity led to the creation of several musicals written specifically for her, such as "Little Princess," "The Golden Girl," and "Fraydele's Wedding."

Iconic Yiddish Theater Star

Fraydele's most famous role was that of a girl disguised as a yeshiva student, a character later immortalized by Barbra Streisand in the film "Yentl" (1983). She also performed in more traditional Yiddish theater repertoire as she matured.

Beyond the Stage

In addition to her stage performances, Fraydele released recordings of folk songs, theatrical hits, and liturgical pieces. She was one of the first women to perform cantorial compositions in Reform synagogues, paving the way for female cantors. Her radio performances on WLTH earned her the nickname "Freydele the Cantor."

Personal Life

Fraydele Oysher's brother, Moyshe Oysher, was a renowned Yiddish film star. She married Harold Sternberg, also known as Arn, who was the son of Lipcani's cantor-bass Yosl Sternberg. Sternberg performed in Yiddish theater, Broadway shows, and the Metropolitan Opera for four decades. Their daughter, Marilyn Michaels, is a New York-based stand-up comedian and impersonator.