Czech movie actors born in the year 1940
Here are 5 famous actors from Czech Republic were born in 1940:
Heinz Klevenow Jr.
Heinz Klevenow Jr. (August 28, 1940 Prague-) is a Czech actor.
He was born to a German father and a Czech mother, and grew up in post-war Germany. Klevenow studied acting at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, and began his career on the stage in various theaters across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
In the late 1960s, Klevenow made his transition to film and television, and quickly became one of the most prolific and respected character actors in Europe. He has appeared in over 100 films and television shows, working with some of the biggest names in the business, including Werner Herzog, Fassbinder, and Lars von Trier.
His most notable film roles include "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (1972), "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul" (1974), and "Wings of Desire" (1987). Klevenow has also had a successful career on television, with roles in popular shows such as "Tatort" and "Derrick".
Throughout his career, Klevenow has been praised for his versatility, skill and commitment to his craft, and has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988.
Klevenow has also been noted for his humanitarian work. He is a long-time supporter of the organization Doctors Without Borders, and has traveled with them to provide aid in war-torn and impoverished areas. He has also been involved in raising awareness about the plight of refugees, and has been an outspoken advocate for their rights and well-being. Despite his success and acclaim, Klevenow has remained humble and dedicated to his art, stating in a 2013 interview that "acting is about connecting with people, telling stories, and bringing something meaningful to the world. That's always been my goal and will continue to be."
Jan Hrabeta
Jan Hrabeta (May 10, 1940 Zlín-) is a Czech actor.
He is best known for his work in Czech film and television, appearing in over 60 productions since 1960. Hrabeta began his career in theatre and eventually transitioned to film and television, where he has played a variety of roles ranging from dramatic to comedic. In addition to his acting work, Hrabeta has also worked as a dubbing actor, lending his voice to a number of foreign productions for Czech audiences. He has received several awards for his acting work, including Best Actor at the 1992 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival for his performance in the film "Larks on a String." Despite being in his 80s, Hrabeta continues to actively pursue acting opportunities and is considered one of the most respected actors in Czech cinema.
Hrabeta was born in Zlín, located in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, in 1940. He developed a passion for acting at an early age and after completing his studies, he joined various theaters, including the National Theater in Prague. He quickly gained recognition for his performances and became a prominent figure in Czech theater.
In the 1960s, Hrabeta made his debut in film and television, and soon became a popular on-screen presence. He starred in prominent Czech movies such as "The Joke" (1969), "The Garden" (1968) and "The End of a Priest" (1969).
As a dubbing actor, Hrabeta voiced many characters in foreign films and TV shows, such as the Czech dub of Fred Flintstone in "The Flintstones" and the role of Dr. Chilton in "The Silence of the Lambs."
Hrabeta's acting talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Czech Lion for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "I Served the King of England" (2005) and a Golden Prague Award for his performance in the TV series "Hospital at the End of the City" (1981).
Despite his advanced age, Hrabeta continues to be an active performer and has appeared in several recent Czech TV series and movies. He remains a highly respected figure in the Czech acting community and his contributions to Czech cinema will always be remembered.
Petr Čepek
Petr Čepek (September 16, 1940 Prague-September 20, 1994 Vrchlabí) a.k.a. Petr Cepek or P. Cepek was a Czech actor. He had two children, Kristýna Čepková and Petra Čepková.
After studying acting at the Prague Conservatory, Petr Čepek began his career on stage, performing at various theaters in Prague. He later transitioned to film and television, appearing in over 100 productions during his career. Čepek was known for his versatility, playing both comedic and dramatic roles. He was also recognized for his voice acting work, lending his voice to dubbing foreign films and television shows. In addition to his acting career, Čepek was also a talented writer, penning several plays and screenplays. He was awarded the Alfréd Radok Award for best male performance in a leading role in 1990. Čepek passed away in 1994 at the age of 54.
During his career, Petr Čepek collaborated with many important Czech directors and actors including Jiří Menzel, Jan Hřebejk, and Jiří Kodet. He appeared in several notable films such as "The Cremator" (1969), "My Sweet Little Village" (1985), and "Kolya" (1996); which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Despite his success, Čepek often faced censorship and political pressure from the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. In the 1970s, he was banned from performing on stage due to his political beliefs and was forced to take on menial jobs to support his family. Čepek's legacy continues to live on through his work in film, television, and theater, which are still celebrated in the Czech Republic today.
Vítezslav Jirsák
Vítezslav Jirsák (May 17, 1940 Prague-January 18, 1998 Prague) also known as V. Jirsák was a Czech actor.
He graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and went on to have a successful career as a stage actor. Jirsák was known for his roles in Czech films such as "The Cremator" (1969) and "The Case of the Velvet Claw" (1977). He also appeared in international films, including the German film "The Tin Drum" (1979). Additionally, Jirsak was a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many animated films and television series. He was a recipient of the prestigious Thalia Award for his contributions to Czech theater. Unfortunately, Jirsák passed away in 1998 at the age of 57.
However, his legacy and contributions to Czech theater and film still resonate throughout the country. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Jirsák was also known for his active involvement in the Czech dissident movement during the communist era. He was a signatory of Charter 77, a document that called for greater political and human rights in Czechoslovakia, and was active in protests against the authoritarian regime at the time. Jirsák's commitment to social justice and human rights is reflected in much of his work, both on and off the stage. He remains a beloved and respected figure in Czech cultural history.
Václav Mares
Václav Mares (September 1, 1940 Strážkovice-May 30, 2009 Prague) was a Czech actor.
He was best known for his roles in several popular Czech movies and TV series. Mares started his career in the film industry in the 1960s, appearing in movies such as "Prometheus of the Island" (1964), "Signál" (1965), and "The Joke" (1969). In the 1980s, he became a prominent figure in Czech TV, starring in many popular series, including "Hop a jetel" (1980) and "Nemocnice na kraji města" (1981). Mares also appeared in theater productions, becoming a member of the National Theatre in Prague in the 2000s. He was honored with several awards for his contributions to Czech culture, including the Thalia Award in 1997 and the František Filipovský Award in 2003.
Throughout his career, Václav Mares was known for his exceptional acting skills that made him a popular and respected figure in the Czech film industry. He appeared in over 60 films, making him one of the most prolific actors of his generation. In addition to being a successful actor, Mares was an accomplished athlete, proficient in gymnastics, soccer, tennis, and track and field. His love for sports saw him participate in several international meets in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mares was active in the artistic community, using his influence to support emerging talents in the Czech film industry. He was a mentor and inspiration to many young actors, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists in the country. Despite suffering from several health issues in his later years, Mares remained dedicated to his craft, continuing to act until his death in 2009.