Loriot

Loriot, the German term for “Oriole,” served as the lifelong pen name of Vicco von Bülow, a humorist, actor, writer, and widely admired visual artist. Von Bülow entered the world in November 1923 and thereafter produced every comic creation under that pseudonym, ultimately earning recognition as one of Germany’s most cherished entertainers. Among his inventions, the animated dog Wum emerged as a particular favorite, spawning several hit songs and frequent television appearances. In 2001 the University of Wuppertal conferred an honorary doctorate upon Loriot, one of countless honors he received from reviewers, scholars, and the public. Beyond comedy he demonstrated equal facility in classical music, leading the Berlin Philharmonic at its centennial gala concert and directing multiple opera productions.