Eli Mintz, a renowned actor in his own right, was born into a family of thespians, being the brother of the illustrious Ludwig Satz, a prominent figure in the world of Yiddish theater. Mintz's early start in the entertainment industry began in his childhood, when he made his debut in the Yiddish classic "The Dybbuk" in old Austria-Hungary.
After leaving his homeland in 1927, Mintz embarked on a journey to the United States, where he initially worked a variety of jobs, including waiting tables, pressing clothes, and selling garments, before finally finding his footing in the Yiddish theater scene in New York.
In a bold move to establish his own identity, Mintz changed his name from Eduard (Edward) Satz to Eli Mintz, a decision that ultimately allowed him to make a name for himself in the competitive world of Yiddish theater.