Karl Heinrich Laas (a.k.a. Charles Laas;[1][2] April 9, 1892 – ?) was an Estonian actor.[3][4]
Early life
Laas was born in Tartu on April 9, 1892.[3][5][6] His father was the agriculturalist and journalist Hendrik Laas (1862–1919), who was the publisher of Põllumees, the first Estonian agricultural magazine, offered agricultural courses, and owned an experimental farm.[3] His mother was Marie Johanna Laas (née Leib, 1863–1919).[5] Laas attended the University of Tartu, Riga Polytechnical Institute, and Nikolaevsky Engineering Academy.[3]
During the First World War, Laas was an officer in the Siberian sapper regiment, and he received six Russian and French medals of honor for bravery. He was the only Estonian member of the Imperial All-Russian Aero Club. During the Estonian War of Independence, Laas served in the government and the air force.[3]
Acting career
Laas was a leading actor in Estonian films in the interwar period, appearing in seven major Estonian films.[3]
Later career
In the 1930s, Laas was the assistant manager of Ülemiste Airport and also worked as its meteorological station manager.[4][6][7] He held the rank of reserve captain.[6]
Family
Laas married Paula Cäcilie Marie Michelson (1898–1960) in 1920.[8]
Filmography
1929: Jüri Rumm as Mentus, the administrator of the manor[9]
^"Estonia Church Books and Synagogue Registers, 1835–1940", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6DQZ-CWJT : Sat Mar 09 01:51:00 UTC 2024), Entry for Karl Heinrich Laas and Paula Cäcilie Michelson, 25 Jul 1920.
