Here are 2 famous actors from Czech Republic died in 1966:
Bedrich Vrbský (May 4, 1890 Prague-February 23, 1966 Prague) also known as Bedrich Vrbka was a Czech actor, film director and playwright.
He began his career as a stage actor, performing in numerous theater productions before transitioning to film. He appeared in more than 60 films during his career, including "The Comedians" (1925) and "The Loves of Robert Burns" (1930). Vrbský also directed several films, including "Ikarie XB 1" (1963), which is considered one of the most important Czech science fiction films of all time. In addition to his work in film, Vrbský was also a prolific playwright, authoring numerous plays and adaptations for the stage. He was awarded the National Prize for his contributions to Czech theater in 1949. Bedrich Vrbský remains an influential figure in Czech cinema and theater history.
Vrbský studied at the Prague Conservatory and began acting in theaters in 1910. He quickly made a name for himself and gained critical acclaim for his work. By the mid-1920s, he had transitioned to film acting, and in the early 1930s, he began directing films. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Vrbský was also a member of various cultural organizations, including the Czechoslovak-Soviet Friendship Organization and the Writers' Union. During World War II, he was briefly arrested by the Gestapo for his anti-fascist views. After the war, he continued to act and direct in film and theater, and his work often reflected his social and political beliefs. He passed away in Prague in 1966 but his legacy lives on through his many contributions to Czech arts and culture.
Vrbský's directing work was not limited to feature films as he also directed documentaries and short films. He was a key figure in the Czechoslovak New Wave cinema movement, which emerged in the 1960s and was known for its innovative and experimental approach to filmmaking. Vrbský was also a mentor to many of the young filmmakers who emerged during this period. In addition to his career in the arts, Vrbský was a committed socialist and worked to promote Marxist values through his work. He was also a strong advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament during the Cold War. Today, Vrbský is remembered as a versatile and pioneering artist who made significant contributions to Czech cinema and theater.
Alois Dvorský (October 24, 1883 Hořice na Šumavě-October 10, 1966 Prague) also known as Alois Vanícek or A. Dvorsky was a Czech actor.
He started his career at the age of 19 and performed in various theatrical plays in prestigious theaters across Prague. Dvorský was known for his exceptional portrayal of comical characters and his ability to uniquely interpret complex roles. He was awarded the title of National Artist in the year 1953 and was widely regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his era. Apart from his contributions in the field of acting, he was also a successful playwright and screenwriter. Some of his notable works include the play "Anděl Unavených", which was later adapted into a film, and the popular radio comedy series "Byl jednou jeden král". His legacy lives on through the Alois Dvorský Award, which is presented annually to recognize outstanding performance in the Czech theater industry.
In addition to his achievements in acting, playwriting and screenwriting, Alois Dvorský was also a committed supporter of Czech culture and politics. He was a member of the Czechoslovak Communist Party and was actively involved in advocating for workers' rights and the protection of the Czech language. Despite facing censorship and persecution under the communist regime in the 1950s, Dvorský remained committed to promoting the importance of theater as a medium for social critique and political commentary. His contributions to Czech culture were recognized posthumously in 2013 when he was awarded the Thalie Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honors in Czech theater. Dvorský's influence continues to be felt in the Czech Republic and beyond, as his work inspired a new generation of actors and artists to challenge convention and pursue their artistic passions with courage and conviction.
In addition to his talents as an actor, playwright, and screenwriter, Alois Dvorský was also a gifted director. He directed numerous plays at various theaters throughout Prague, including the National Theatre and the Vinohrady Theatre. Dvorský was known for his innovative and experimental approach to directing, which often incorporated elements of avant-garde and expressionist theater. He was also an advocate for the use of technology in theater, and was one of the first directors in Czechoslovakia to incorporate film projections and other visual effects into his productions.
Throughout his career, Dvorský remained dedicated to promoting the importance of theater as a medium for social change and political critique. He was a vocal critic of the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II and continued to speak out against oppression and injustice throughout his life. In the 1950s, he was targeted by the communist regime for his outspoken views and was briefly imprisoned. Despite the obstacles he faced, Dvorský remained committed to his artistic and political ideals, and continued to create and collaborate with other artists until his death in 1966.