Peter Alexander | Austrian entertainer, 84

Peter Alexander, 84, an Austrian actor, singer, and entertainer revered at home and in neighboring Germany, has died, his spokeswoman said Sunday.

The star, who symbolized the return of laughter and lightheartedness along with the economic upswing in his country after World War II, died Saturday, Erika Swatosch confirmed. She did not provide details.

Since the 1950s, Mr. Alexander had appeared in about 50 film comedies and recorded more than 120 records. He was also a regular on TV for decades.

In recent years, Mr. Alexander - born in the Austrian capital on June 30, 1926, as Peter Alexander Ferdinand Maximilian Neumayer - had led a reclusive lifestyle but retained great public interest.

Austrian politicians expressed dismay at news of his death. In a statement, Chancellor Werner Faymann called him a "great Austrian" who "made generations of people happy." - AP