The Best Actors Ever - Poland
Points from my "The Best Films Ever Made"-Lists. Vol. 1 = 100%, Vol. 2 = 50%, Vol. 3 = 33%, Vol. 4 = 25%, Vol. 5 = 20 %, Vol. 6 = 17%
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- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Daniel Olbrychski is a renowned Polish movie and theatre actor, considered one of the greatest of his generation. He has appeared in about 180 movies and TV productions. His career took off with his role in Janusz Nasfeter's movie Ranny w lesie (1964). He has worked with popular Polish directors like Andrzej Wajda, Janusz Morgenstern, and Krzysztof Zanussi. He also starred in international productions, including movies by Volker Schlöndorff and Claude Lelouch.4305 points- Actor
- Director
Janusz Gajos is a renowned Polish movie, television, and theatre actor, as well as a pedagogue and photographer. He is a Professor of Theatre Arts and an Honorary Doctor of the National Film, Television and Theatre School in Lodz. Gajos has starred in numerous movies and theatrical plays, including Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colors: White (1994) and Wojciech Smarzowski's Clergy (2018).3445 points- Actor
- Composer
- Music Department
Zbigniew Zamachowski was born on 17 July 1961 in Brzeziny, Lódzkie, Poland. He is an actor and composer, known for Three Colors: White (1994), Three Colors: Blue (1993) and Three Colors: Red (1994). He has been married to Monika Richardson since 3 May 2014. He was previously married to Aleksandra Justa and Anna Komornicka-Zamachowska.3399 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Arkadiusz Jakubik is a Polish actor, director, writer, and singer. He completed his studies at the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Wroclaw. Jakubik made his acting debut at the Warsaw Operetta in 1993. He is also the vocalist of the rock and roll band "Dr Misio". He is most known for his roles in the You Are God (2012), I'm a Killer (2016), and Breaking the Limits (2017).3166 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Wojciech Pszoniak was born on 2 May 1942 in Lwów, Lwowskie, Poland [now Lviv, Ukraine]. He was an actor and director, known for Danton (1983), The Promised Land (1975) and Korczak (1990). He was married to Barbara. He died on 19 October 2020 in Warsaw, Poland.2956 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Jerzy Stuhr is a Polish actor, director, and writer. He completed his education in Polish Philology at the Jagiellonian University and then graduated from the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow. Stuhr's acting career began in the theaters in Krakow, where he performed in plays such as "Noc listopadowa" and "Biesy". His movie career includes notable roles in Camera Buff (1979), Sexmission (1984), and Persona non grata (2005). He also directed movies like Spis cudzoloznic (1994) and Love Stories (1997). In addition to his acting and directing career, Stuhr has also made significant contributions to academia. He served as the rector of the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow from 1990-1996 and 2002-2008. He was awarded the title of Professor of Theatrical Arts in 1994 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Silesia in Katowice in 2007.2932 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Zbigniew Zapasiewicz was born on 13 September 1934 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland. He was an actor and director, known for Life as a Fatal Sexually Transmitted Disease (2000), Television Theater (1953) and Camouflage (1977). He was married to Olga Sawicka, Iwona Sloczynska and Krystyna Maciejewska-Zapasiewicz. He died on 14 July 2009 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.2805 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Boguslaw Linda is a Polish actor, director, and writer. He graduated from the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow and co-founded the Warsaw Film School. Linda's acting career took off with his first major role as Gryziak in the movie Fever (1981). He gained popularity for his roles in movies such as Psy (1992) and Tato (1995).2796 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Andrzej Seweryn was born on 25 April 1946 in Heilbronn, Germany. He is an actor and director, known for Schindler's List (1993), The Last Family (2016) and Prymas. Trzy lata z tysiaca (2000). He has been married to Katarzyna Kubacka since 30 August 2015. He was previously married to Mireille Maalouf, Laurence Bourdil, Krystyna Janda and Boguslawa Blajfer.2734 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Tadeusz Lomnicki began his education in the theatre arts in 1945 when he enrolled in the Theatre Studio at the Stary Teatr in Krakow. In 1946 he spent a season at the Teatr Slaski in Katowice. He returned to Krakow in 1947, appearing on stage at both the Teatr im. Juliusza Slowackiego and the Stary Teatr. In 1949 he left for Warsaw, where he signed on with the Teatr Wspolczesny. Lomnicki would remain there until 1974, though during this period he performed occasionally at the National Theatre in Warsaw. He became a member of the Communist Party in 1951; during his initial years in Warsaw he also studied stage direction at the State Higher School of Theatre in Warsaw. He was awarded a directing degree in 1956. In 1970, he became the rector of the theatre school in Warsaw, retaining this position until 1981. In 1975, Lomnicki was elected a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. He was trusted by those in power at that time and received an opportunity to create his own theatre. His initiative lead to the creation in 1976 of the Teatr na Woli, which he headed until his resignation in 1981. At around the time he left the theatre, two days after Martial Law was declared in Poland, he handed in his Communist Party membership card. That same year he joined Warsaw's Teatr Polski, and in 1983/84 was an actor at the Teatr Studio in Warsaw. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he was not linked to any institutional theatre, instead making numerous guest appearances at a number of Warsaw theatres.
He had dreamed of playing the part of King Lear for a long time before he finally succeeded in mounting a production and going into rehearsal. He first asked noted translator and poet Stanislaw Baranczak to produce a new translation of the play. The translation in hand, he approached a number of directors about working with him on the production. Among those who turned him down at the time was Andrzej Wajda. Ultimately, Eugeniusz Korin agreed to direct the production at Poznan's Teatr Nowy. One week before the premiere, on February 22, 1992, Tadeusz Lomnicki passed away while rehearsing.2732 points- Actor
- Director
Marek Kondrat was born on 18 October 1950 in Kraków, Malopolskie, Poland. He is an actor and director, known for Day of the Wacko (2002), Prawo ojca (1999) and Wszyscy jestesmy Chrystusami (2006). He has been married to Antonina Turnau since 19 September 2015. He was previously married to Ilona Ludgarda Gagajek.2693 points- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Andrzej Chyra is a Polish actor and director. He graduated from the Aleksander Zelwerowicz Theatre Academy in Warsaw in 1987 and later majored in Directing at the same university in 1994. He made his movie debut in 1993 with the role of Benvoll in Sequence of Feelings (1993). His performance as Gerard Nowak in The Debt (1999) brought him recognition and he was awarded the Best Actor award at the Polish Film Festival. Other notable roles include Wszyscy jestesmy Chrystusami (2006), Katyn (2007), and Wszystko, co kocham (2009). He has also been a member of the artistic team of the New Theatre in Warsaw since 2008.2218 points- Jerzy Radziwilowicz was born on 8 September 1950 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland. He is an actor, known for Man of Iron (1981), Man of Marble (1977) and No End (1985).2206 points
- Marek Walczewski was born on 9 April 1937 in Kraków, Malopolskie, Poland. He was an actor, known for The Tin Drum (1979), Stranger (2004) and Death of a President (1977). He was married to Malgorzata Niemirska. He died on 26 May 2009 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.2041 points
- Won international fame with the leading role of Maciek Chelmicki in Andrzej Wajda's Ashes and Diamonds (1958). He created a character which was imitated not only in Poland; often compared with James Dean.
Graduated from the Higher State School of Acting in Cracow; also studied journalism. From 1953 to 1960 worked with Wybrzeze Theatre, Bim-Bom Student Theatre and Teatr Rozmow (all in Gdansk). From 1961 to 1967 acted and directed in Theatre Ateneum in Warsaw, Poland.
Major leading roles: Kostek in Wajda's A Generation (1955) ("Generation"), Maciek Chelmicki in Wajda's Ashes and Diamonds (1958), Jacek in Janusz Morgenstern's A demain (1961) ("See You Tomorrow", co-scr.), Edmund in Wajda's Innocent Sorcerers (1960) ("Innocent Sorcerers"), Wiktor Rawicz in Wojciech Has's Jak byc kochana (1963) ("How to Be Loved"), Alfons Van Worden in Has's The Saragossa Manuscript (1965), trainer Janczak in Aleksander Scibor-Rylski's Jutro Meksyk (1966) ("Mexico Tomorrow"), Rodecki in Scibor-Rylski's Morderca zostawia slad (1967) ("The Killer Leaves a Trace").1996 points - Franciszek Pieczka was born on 18 January 1928 in Godów, Slaskie, Poland. He was an actor, known for The Scar (1976), Zywot Mateusza (1968) and Jancio Wodnik (1993). He was married to Henryka. He died on 23 September 2022 in Poland.1996 points
- Leon Niemczyk was born on 15 December 1923 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland. He was an actor, known for Knife in the Water (1962), Inland Empire (2006) and Das unsichtbare Visier (1973). He was married to Diana, Krystyna, Dorit, Jadwiga and Tatiana Zuanar. He died on 29 November 2006 in Lódz, Lódzkie, Poland.1931 points
- Tadeusz Janczar was born on 25 April 1926 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland. He was an actor, known for Zamach stanu (1980), Chlopi (1972) and A Generation (1955). He was married to Malgorzata Lorentowicz and Elzbieta Habich. He died on 31 October 1997 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.1639 points
- Actor
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Jan Nowicki was born on 5 November 1939 in Kowal, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland. He was an actor and writer, known for Jeszcze nie wieczór (2008), Sztos (1997) and Lawa. Opowiesc o 'Dziadach' Adama Mickiewicza (1989). He was married to Anna Kondratowicz, Malgorzata Potocka and Márta Mészáros. He died on 7 December 2022 in Krzewent k. Kowala, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland.1592 points- Actor
- Soundtrack
Robert Wieckiewicz was born on 30 June 1967 in Nowa Ruda, Dolnoslaskie, Poland. He is an actor, known for Walesa: Man of Hope (2013), The Coldest Game (2019) and In Darkness (2011). He is married to Natalia Adaszynska.1476 points- Kazimierz Opalinski was born on 22 February 1890 in Prömsel, Galicia, Austria-Hungary [now Przemysl, Podkarpackie, Poland]. He was an actor, known for Television Theater (1953), Ludzie Wisly (1938) and Gangsterzy i filantropi (1963). He died on 6 June 1979 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.1382 points
- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Dawid Ogrodnik is a Polish actor known for his work in movies. He graduated from the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow. He gained recognition for his role in the movie You Are God (2012), inspired by the life and work of the hip-hop group "Paktofonika". He has received multiple awards for his performances, including the Polish Film Award, Eagle, for best male lead role. Other notable performances include the movies Ida (2013), The Last Family (2016), and Johnny (2022). His work is characterized by a deep commitment to his roles and a unique ability to portray a wide range of characters.1363 points- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Tomasz Kot is a Polish actor who studied at the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow. He made his theatre debut on the stage of the Dramatic Theatre in Legnica in Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz's play "Narkotyki". He gained popularity by portraying singer Ryszard Riedel in the movie Skazany na bluesa (2005) and for his role as Zbigniew Religa in the movie Bogowie (2014), for which he received the Polish Film Award for Best Actor. He also starred as Wiktor in Cold War (2018), earning him a nomination for best actor by the European Film Awards.1314 points- Actor
- Writer
Olgierd Lukaszewicz is a Polish actor known for his work in theater, television, and movies. He graduated from the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow in 1968. After graduation, he performed at The Bagatela Theatre in Krakow. He later moved to Warsaw, where he was associated with the Dramatyczny Theatre, Powszechny Theatre, and Studio Theatre in Warsaw. He also served as the President of the Polish Union of Stage Actors. In terms of his movie career, he made his debut in the movie Dancing w kwaterze Hitlera (1968). He gained popularity for role as Albert in the Sexmission (1984).1300 points- Gustaw Holoubek was born on April 21, 1923. He was a Polish actor, director, member of the Polish Sejm, and a senator. Holoubek participated in the September Campaign and was a prisoner of war during the Nazi German Occupation of Poland. His father was a Czech immigrant who settled in Poland after the First World War, and his mother was Polish. Holoubek had his first role as an actor in 1947, thus beginning his lifelong career in theatre and film in Poland and abroad. His political career began in 1976, when he was elected to the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish Parliament. He was re-elected in 1980, but resigned in 1981 when martial law was declared. In 1989, he was elected to the Senate, the upper house. That same year, he took a position as a professor at the Academy of Theatre in Warsaw. Holoubek was a recipient of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Knight's Cross, Commander's Cross with Star, Grand Cross). He was married to Magdalena Zawadzka, Danuta Kwiatkowska and Maria Wachowiak. He died on March 6, 2008 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.1295 points
- Actor
- Writer
Bogumil Kobiela was born on 31 May 1931 in Katowice, Slaskie, Poland. He was an actor and writer, known for Lalka (1968), Goodbye, See You Tomorrow (1960) and Przeprowadzka (1982). He was married to Malgorzata Nowakowska. He died on 10 July 1969 in Gdansk, Pomorskie, Poland.1252 points- Actor
- Director
- Additional Crew
Andrzej Lapicki was born on 11 November 1924 in Riga, Latvia. He was an actor and director, known for Lalka (1968), Zbrodnia lorda Artura Savile'a (1968) and Television Theater (1953). He was married to Kamila Mscichowska and Zofia Chrzaszczewska. He died on 21 July 2012 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.1090 points- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Jan Englert was born on 11 May 1943 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland. He is an actor and director, known for Lalka (1978), Kiler (1997) and Television Theater (1953). He has been married to Beata Scibakówna since 1998. They have one child. He was previously married to Barbara Soltysik.1025 points- Marcin Dorocinski (born June 22, 1973) is a Polish film, television and stage actor. He is well known for his portrayals of conflicted, troubled characters: Despero in "Pitbull" (2005), Jacek Mroz in "OFFsiders" (2008). Otter in "Manhunt" (2012) as well as his debonair leading man roles, handsome, virile, charismatic and charming: Bronek in "Reverse" (2009) or Kostek in "The perfect guy for my girlfriend" (2009). Dorocinski is also renowned for his association with independent movies. He is widely regarded as one the most talented and respected Polish actors. Dorocinski gained critical acclaim in the early 2000s, culminating in his Zbyszek Cybulski's Award for Best Young Polish Actor (2005), Polish Eagles nomination for Best Actor (2008) followed by Golden Lions Award as best supporting actor for "Reverse"(2009) and best actor in a leading role for "Rose" (2011). Dorocinski gained worldwide acclaim for his role in TV series "Into deep water (52 MonteCarlo Television Festival nominee for Best Actor) and won Best Actor award at Porto Film Festival for "Rose" (2012)
Dorocinski was born in Milanowek near Warsaw. His father is a smith and his mother is a housewife, he has three brothers. Dorocinski grew up dreaming of becoming a professional football player. Unfortunately his dreams were shuttered when he suffered a severe leg injury. Due to the sustained injury, Dorocinski was not able to pursue his football career. He attended the vocational school in Grodzisk Mazowiecki where his history teacher realized he had strong acting abilities and encouraged him to become an actor. In 1993 he enrolled to The Aleksander Zelwerowicz State Theatre Academy. He graduated from the Academy in 1997 and won a position at the Dramatic Theatre in Warsaw. His most important theatre credits include: "Taming of the Shrew" (1995) directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski, "Platonov" (2002) directed by Pawel Miskiewicz or "Wrong side up" (2005) directed by Agnieszka Glinska.
Dorocinski made his film debut in Andrzej Zulawski's "The Shaman" (1995). Afterwards he played some minor roles in TV and films. His first major role was Arek Bilski in "Krugerandy" (1999) but the real breakthrough came in 2005, when he played a homicide detective, Slawomir Desperski in a film and cult television series "Pitbull". After "Pibull" he rose to stardom and appeared most notably in "We are all Christs" (2006), "Luiza's Garden" (2008), "OFFsiders" (2008), "Reverse" (2009), "Rose" (2011), Polish version of "In treatment" (2011), "Manhunt" (2012) and Bartosz Konopka's (Academy Award Nominee) "Fear of Falling" (2011). He has also made his international debut in Per Fly's film "The woman that dreamed about a man" released in 2010. In 2012 Dorocinski won part in BBC production "Spies of Warsaw" starring David Tennant. Dorocinski also starred in "Run", new miniseries from British Channel 4. Recently he finished shooting films " "Love" , "7 days" and "Angel" slated for release in 2013 and 2014.
Dorocinski keeps low profile, focusing on his family: wife and three children. He is an avid u2 and Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, enjoys triathlon, car and motor racing and walking his dog.944 points - Wladyslaw Kowalski was a Polish actor and pedagogue. He graduated from the Aleksander Zelwerowicz Theatre Academy in Warsaw in 1959. His debut role was Chuch in the play "Hat Full of Rain" by Michael V. Gazzo, directed by Andrzej Wajda, at the Wybrzeze Theatre in Gdansk. He then performed on the stages of Warsaw theaters: Ateneum (1960-1974) and Powszechny (1974-2005). From 2005, he was an actor of the Gustaw Holoubek Dramatyczny Theatre in Warsaw. In the 80s, he was an academic teacher at the Aleksander Zelwerowicz Theatre Academy in Warsaw. He is known for his roles in the movies Kartka z podrózy (1984), The Double Life of Véronique (1991), and Avalon (2001).760 points
- Roman Wilhelmi was born on 6 June 1936 in Poznan, Wielkopolskie, Poland. He was an actor, known for The Moth (1980), Hotel Pacific (1975) and The Story of Sin (1975). He died on 3 November 1991 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.631 points
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Maciej Stuhr is a Polish actor, comedian, and occasional film director. He majored in psychology at Jagiellonian University before moving on to study acting at the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow. He made his debut as an actor in The Decalogue (1989). His performance as Aleks in the movie Fluke (1999) gained him popularity. Some of his most notable roles include movies like Boys Don't Cry (2000), Poranek kojota (2001), and 33 Scenes from Life (2008). He also starred in TV shows such as Glina (2004), Without Secrets (2011), and The Teacher (2016). He also continues to perform at the New Theatre in Warsaw.591 points- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Jakub Gierszal was born on 20 March 1988 in Kraków, Malopolskie, Poland. He is an actor and producer, known for Suicide Room (2011), Spoor (2017) and Breaking the Limits (2017).449 points- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Director
Piotr Fronczewski graduated from PWST (Public Upper School of Theatre) in Warsaw and made himself one of the most popular and skilled actors in Poland. Born in Lodz in 1946, he started very early in Teatr Narodowy where he worked as an extra for one season. His career didn't take off fast but he gained some experience. He moved to Teatr Wspolczesny in 1969 and worked in plays by Jean Cau and Carlo Gozzi to name a few. This stage veteran also worked in theatres Dramatyczny (where he spent 10 years, 1973 - 1983), Studio and others. First screen appearance was in the movie Wolne miasto (1958) when Piotr was only 12 years old. Another roles followed. He charmed the audience in The Promised Land (1975) in his episodic role, then sang in musical Hello, Fred the Beard (1978) (where he teamed up with Gabriela Kownacka for the first time), played Professor Ambrozy in Pan Kleks w kosmosie (1988) and lately became the head of the family in comedy series Rodzina zastepcza (1999). His filmography includes all genres that are known as his roles are different every time. He continues his work as a stage actor. People consider him one of the most talented Polish actors of all time.442 points- Actor
- Soundtrack
Marian Dziedziel was born on 5 August 1947 in Golkowice, Slaskie, Poland. He is an actor, known for Wesele (2004), These Daughters of Mine (2015) and The Mole (2011).406 points- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Mateusz Kosciukiewicz was born on May 1, 1986 in Nowy Tomysl, Wielkopolskie, Poland. He is an actor and writer, known for Wszystko, co kocham (2009), Matka Teresa od kotów (2010), W imie... (2013) and Twarz (2018) - movie that won the Silver Bear at the International Film Festival in Berlin. He has been married to Malgorzata Szumowska since 2011. They have one daughter named Alina. The family has an English bulldog named Borys.383 points- Actor
- Producer
Piotr Adamczyk is a popular Polish film, television and stage actor. He garnered international acclaim for his portrayal of Pope John Paul II in the film "Karol, A Man Who Became Pope" which was seen by no less than eight hundred million people worldwide.
Known for his versatility, Adamczyk has consistently surprised audiences with his ability to embody vastly different characters ranging from anguished saints to ruthless oppressors, from melancholy composers to love sick fools.
Having honed his craft on theatre stages at home and abroad, Adamczyk broke into film with great momentum. His portrayal of Stawrogin in Dostoyevsky's "The Possessed" established him as a leading man and led him to the role that would propel him to Polish stardom: Frederic Chopin in "Chopin, Desire of Love".
His renown would only grow following his tour de force performance as Pope John Paul II in the two part Italian production - "Karol the Man Who Became Pope" and "The Pope - the Man". The films vast and international viewership would extend his popularity beyond Poland to Italy, Latin America and many other countries. Adamczyk also managed to build on his popularity abroad by performing at the Sala Uno Theatre in Rome (entirely in Italian), by playing in Liliana Cavani's movie "Einstein" and in the Portuguese mega production "Second Life".
Adamczyk has appeared in around 100 theatre, television and film productions. His nuanced portrayal of the Gestapo officer Lars Rainer in the hugely popular Polish television series "Days of Glory" won him acclaim and accolades, while his comedic performances on the hit show "Przepis na Zycie" (A Recipe for Life) endeared him to an ever widening fan base. In addition to having won numerous awards at international film festivals in Italy, China and Ukraine, Adamczyk was honored with the prestigious Gloria Artis medal for outstanding contributions to Polish culture.
Adamczyk has also had over 800 radio roles and is an accomplished voice actor. He has contributed his talents to such characters as Melman the Giraffe in "Madagascar", Zigzag McQueen in "Cars" and Syndrome in "The Incredibles", to name but a few. One of his latest roles was that of Maximilian Kolbe in the Mexican American 3D animated motion capture film "Max and Me".
Upcoming releases in 2016, starring Adamczyk, include the European production "Framed", "Max and Me", "Slaba Plec" (The Weaker Sex) and a sequel to one of Poland's biggest box office hits of the last decade: "Letter to Santa 2".184 points- Actor
- Soundtrack
Krzysztof Kowalewski was born on 20 March 1937 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland. He was an actor, known for Nigdy w zyciu! (2003), Ja wam pokaze! (2007) and With Fire and Sword (1999). He was married to Agnieszka Suchora and Vivian Rodriguez. He died on 6 February 2021 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.184 points