Here are 10 famous actors from Poland were born in 1911:
Alessandro Fersen (December 5, 1911 Łódź-October 3, 2001 Rome) also known as Aleksander Fajrajzen or Alessandro Ferzen was a Polish actor and writer.
Fersen was a prominent figure in the Polish and Italian entertainment industry. He began his career as an actor in Poland before moving to Italy in 1946 to continue his career in the Italian film industry. Fersen is known for his work in films such as "Il dottor Antonio" (1954) and "Hercules Unchained" (1959). Later in his career, Fersen focused on writing and directing plays in Rome, where he founded the Teatro Stabile del Giallo (the "Stable Theatre of the Yellow," denoting a theater dedicated to mysteries and crime dramas). He also published a novel, "La città degli automi" (The City of Automatons), in 1964. Fersen died in Rome in 2001 at the age of 89.
Fersen's real name was Aleksander Fajrajzen, but he later changed it to the more Italian-sounding Alessandro Fersen. Before becoming an actor, Fersen studied law, but he abandoned his law career to pursue his passion for acting. In the 1930s, he toured across Poland as an actor in touring theater companies.
During World War II, Fersen was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. After the war, he moved to Italy and spent some time in an Italian refugee camp before settling in Rome, where he began his career in the Italian film industry.
Fersen was married twice and had two sons, one of whom, Stefano Fersen, is a noted stage actor in Italy. In addition to his acting and writing career, Fersen was also an accomplished painter and sculptor. His art was inspired by his travels to Africa and his interest in the mythology and culture of different countries.
Fersen's contributions to the Italian theater were also significant. He wrote and translated numerous plays that were performed not only in Rome but also in other major Italian cities. In 1974, Fersen founded the Teatro Stabile del Giallo, which became one of Rome's most popular theaters. The theater was known for its crime dramas and often featured plays based on popular mystery novels.
Fersen's fame as an actor and director in Italy also earned him recognition in his home country of Poland. In 1996, he received the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, one of Poland's highest honors, for his contributions to Polish culture and his success in promoting it internationally.
Even in his later years, Fersen remained active in the Italian theater scene. He continued to write and direct plays and also collaborated with young actors to help them improve their craft. Fersen's contributions to both the Polish and Italian entertainment industries have made him a beloved figure in both countries.
Leo Fuchs (May 15, 1911 Lviv-December 31, 1994 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Abraham Leon Springer Fuchs, The Yiddish Fred Astaire or Avrum Leib Fuchs was a Polish actor.
Leo Fuchs was born to a Jewish family in Lviv, Poland, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was passionate about acting and trained at the Municipal Theatre in Lviv before making his debut in the Yiddish theater in 1929.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Fuchs became a major star of Yiddish theater and film in Poland, appearing in over 30 productions. In 1950, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Los Angeles, where he continued his career in Yiddish theater productions.
Fuchs was also a prolific film actor, appearing in many Yiddish-language films made in the United States, including "Tevye" (1939), "Overture to Glory" (1940), and "The Light Ahead" (1939). He received critical acclaim for his performance in the 1964 Off-Broadway production of "Mirele Efros."
In addition to his career in theater and film, Fuchs was also a successful businessman and owned several kosher restaurants in Los Angeles. He was a prominent member of the Jewish community in Los Angeles and was known for his philanthropic efforts.
Leo Fuchs passed away on December 31, 1994, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest actors in Yiddish theater and film.
Despite facing many challenges due to the decline of the Yiddish theater and film industry, Fuchs remained dedicated to preserving and promoting Yiddish language and culture. He founded the Leo Fuchs Yiddish Theater in Los Angeles in 1985, which became a leading institution for Yiddish theater productions in the United States. In recognition of his contributions to the Yiddish artistic community, Fuchs was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1992. Fuchs was also an accomplished writer, publishing several books in Yiddish, including a memoir about his life in the Yiddish theater. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Yiddish actors and artists.
Fuchs' dedication to preserving Yiddish culture extended beyond his work in theater and film. He was a pioneer in the field of Yiddish language education, developing innovative teaching methods that helped keep the language alive. Fuchs also served as a mentor to younger Yiddish actors and artists, inspiring them to carry on the traditions he cherished. His contributions to Yiddish culture were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, on what would have been his 100th birthday. Today, Leo Fuchs is remembered as a cultural icon whose work helped keep the rich traditions of Yiddish language and culture alive for future generations.
Tadeusz Fijewski (July 14, 1911 Warsaw-November 12, 1978 Warsaw) also known as Tadzio Fijewski was a Polish actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and became a popular film and theater actor in Poland during the 1950s and 1960s. Fijewski played a variety of roles, from lead characters to supporting roles, but was particularly renowned for his work in comedies. He was also an accomplished stage actor, having performed in numerous plays throughout his career, including classic works by Shakespeare and Molière.
In addition to his acting work, Fijewski was a talented singer and recorded several musical albums throughout his career. He was also a skilled painter and sculptor, and his artwork was exhibited in galleries throughout Poland.
Despite his success as an actor and artist, Fijewski was known for his modest and unassuming persona, and was often described as a humble and gracious individual by those who knew him. He passed away in 1978 at the age of 67 in his hometown of Warsaw, leaving behind a legacy as one of Poland's most celebrated actors.
Fijewski was born into a family of artists, with his father being a painter and his mother a singer. He showed an early interest in acting and began performing in school plays before attending the National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw. In the early years of his acting career, Fijewski worked with the renowned Teatr Polski and Teatr WARSawy theaters in Warsaw, honing his craft and establishing himself as a talented performer.
During World War II, Fijewski was active in the Polish resistance against the German occupation and was briefly imprisoned for his involvement. After the war, he resumed his acting career and quickly became a staple of the Polish film industry, appearing in over 50 films and numerous television series throughout his career. Fijewski was known for his versatility as an actor, able to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Fijewski was also involved in the cultural scene in Poland, serving as the chairman of the Union of Polish Stage Artists and the president of the Jewish Theater in Warsaw. He was widely respected in the Polish artistic community for his contributions to the arts and his dedication to promoting cultural awareness and understanding.
Today, Fijewski is remembered as one of Poland's most beloved actors, both for his talent on stage and screen and for his character as a kind, generous, and humble individual. His legacy in the arts continues to inspire new generations of performers in Poland and beyond.
Fijewski was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to fellow actress Janina Sokolnicka, with whom he had two children. They divorced in the 1950s and Fijewski later remarried to Ewa Wiśniewska, a dancer and choreographer with whom he had one son. Fijewski's marriages were known to have been troubled and he struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. Despite his personal struggles, Fijewski remained dedicated to his craft and continued to work extensively in the arts until his death in 1978. His contributions to Polish culture and the arts industry have earned him a lasting place in the country's cultural history.
Kazimierz Rudzki (January 6, 1911 Warsaw-February 2, 1976 Warsaw) was a Polish actor and theatre director.
He graduated from the National Theatre School in Warsaw in 1936 and started working in various theatres across Poland, including the famous Warsaw’s Ateneum Theatre. Rudzki became known for his leading roles, especially in classical plays, and his talent as a director led him to bring many notable productions to the stage. During World War II, he was imprisoned by the Nazis in a concentration camp, where he continued to perform theatre productions.
After the war, Rudzki continued to work in theatre, film, and television, and became one of the most recognizable faces of the post-war Polish acting scene. He played many iconic roles in Polish cinema, including in the widely acclaimed film "Ashes and Diamonds." He was awarded numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gold Cross of Merit.
Rudzki also taught at the National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw and played a significant role in shaping the future generations of Polish actors. He died in 1976, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest actors and directors in Polish theatrical history.
Throughout his career, Rudzki directed over 80 productions and acted in over 50 films. He was known for his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters, and his intense and expressive performances captivated audiences. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Rudzki was an active member of the Polish Actors' Association and served as the organization's vice-president for several years. He also participated in the Polish People's Republic's cultural and social activities, including serving as a member of the National Council of Culture. Rudzki's impact on Polish theatre and film is still felt today, and he remains an important figure in Polish cultural history. In recognition of his contributions, the Kazimierz Rudzki Theatre in Gliwice, Poland, was named in his honor in 1977.
In addition to his work in theatre and film, Kazimierz Rudzki was also a prolific voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to numerous Polish-language dubs of foreign films. He provided the Polish dub voice for many famous actors, including Humphrey Bogart, Laurence Olivier, and Marlon Brando. Rudzki was also an accomplished translator, adapting over 30 plays for the Polish stage, including translations of works by Shakespeare and Molière. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to preserving the integrity of the original text.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kazimierz Rudzki was also a devoted family man. He was married to fellow actress Lucyna Winnicka, and the couple had two children together. Rudzki was known for his kind and generous nature, and he was deeply beloved by his colleagues and fans alike. Despite his success and recognition, he remained humble and focused on his craft throughout his life, dedicating himself to the pursuit of artistic excellence. His enduring legacy as one of the greats of Polish theatre and film is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for his art.
Milo Sperber (March 20, 1911 Poland-December 22, 1992 London Borough of Camden) was a Polish actor and lawyer.
He was born in Poland in 1911 and later moved to Austria where he studied law. After practicing law for a few years, he decided to pursue his passion for acting and moved to London in 1946. Milo Sperber appeared in a number of British films and TV shows during the 1950s and 60s, including The Third Man, The Avengers, and The Saint. He was also a well-known stage actor and performed in productions of Shakespeare and Ibsen. In addition to his acting career, Sperber was also a respected criminal lawyer and worked as a magistrate in London. He passed away in 1992 in the London Borough of Camden at the age of 81.
During his lifetime, Milo Sperber was considered a versatile and talented actor with a distinctive voice and stage presence. His portrayal of Harry Lime's thug in the 1949 film, The Third Man, earned him critical acclaim and cemented his status as a character actor. Sperber was also known for his appearances in several British TV series, including The Avengers and The Saint, where he played a diverse range of characters.
Aside from his acting career, Sperber maintained his interest in law and justice throughout his life. He continued to work as a criminal lawyer and magistrate even while pursuing his acting career. His legal expertise and experience proved to be useful when he was cast in courtroom dramas or crime-related films and TV shows.
Despite a successful career on both stage and screen, Sperber remained a private person and rarely gave interviews. He was said to be a dedicated family man and lived a simple life outside of his work. Today, he is remembered as one of the most talented actors of his time, whose acting style and presence continue to inspire aspiring actors around the world.
Throughout his career as an actor and lawyer, Milo Sperber became known for his integrity and professionalism. He was highly respected in both the entertainment industry and legal field, and his passion for justice and fairness was evident in everything he did. He was also a philanthropist and supported several humanitarian causes, including organizations that provided aid to refugees and immigrants.
Sperber's legacy lives on through his contributions to the arts and the legal system, and he continues to be recognized as a multi-talented performer who left a lasting impact on the industry. His dedication, hard work, and passion for both acting and law serve as an inspiration for generations of actors and lawyers who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Antoni Majak (January 16, 1911 Warsaw-December 25, 1994 Warsaw) was a Polish actor.
Majak began his career in theater in the 1930s and appeared in several productions in theaters across Poland. He made his film debut in 1935 and went on to star in over 40 films throughout his career. Some of the most notable films he appeared in include "Biały Murzyn" (1936), "Złota Maska" (1939), and "Tajemnica dzikiego szybu" (1956).
Majak was also a respected voice actor and dubbed over 400 foreign films into Polish. He was known for providing the voice of Scrooge McDuck in the Polish version of Disney's "DuckTales" TV series.
In addition to his acting work, Majak was also a prolific writer, publishing several books of poems and short stories. He was awarded the Order of Polonia Restituta in recognition of his contributions to Polish culture.
Majak passed away at the age of 83 in Warsaw, where he had spent his entire life.
Throughout his career, Antoni Majak was recognized for his exceptional acting and received numerous awards and accolades. In 1952, he was awarded the Best Actor Award at the Polish Film Festival for his role in the film "Próba ognia". He went on to receive the award again in 1961 for his role in "Holidays with Ghosts".
Majak's career was interrupted during World War II when he was imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp. After the war, he returned to acting and remained a prominent figure in the Polish entertainment industry.
Majak was also active in politics and served as a member of the Polish parliament from 1957 to 1961. He was a supporter of the Workers' Party of Poland, which was the ruling political party at the time.
Majak's legacy continues to be celebrated in Poland, and he is remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Antoni Majak was born in a family of actors, and his father was also a prominent theater actor. Majak's interest in acting was piqued at a young age, and he began taking drama classes in high school. After completing his education, he joined a traveling theater group and honed his craft on stage. He also studied philosophy and literature at the University of Warsaw, which further informed his artistic sensibilities.
During his time in Auschwitz, Majak continued to perform plays for his fellow prisoners, which provided a much-needed respite from the horrors of the concentration camp. After the war, he returned to acting and quickly re-established himself as one of Poland's top actors. His nuanced performances and ability to convey a wide range of emotions set him apart from his peers and earned him critical acclaim.
Aside from his contributions to the arts, Majak was also an advocate for social justice and spoke out against discrimination and oppression. He was particularly vocal about the need to address the lingering effects of the war and the Holocaust, and he used his platform as an actor and politician to effect positive change.
Today, Antoni Majak is remembered as a national treasure and an inspiration to generations of Polish actors and artists. His contributions to Polish culture are legion, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations to pursue their passions with dedication and commitment.
Andrzej Szalawski (December 4, 1911 Warsaw-October 11, 1986 Warsaw) a.k.a. Andrzej Plucinski was a Polish actor.
He made his stage debut at the age of 18 and went on to become one of Poland's most popular actors. He also appeared in over 50 films including "Eroica", "Ashes and Diamonds", and "Black Cross". Szalawski was known for his versatility as an actor, able to play both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. He received multiple awards for his performances, including the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Golden Cross of Merit. Aside from his career in acting, he was also known for his skills as a painter and graphic designer.
Szalawski's acting career began in the 1930s, where he initially appeared in small roles on the stage. But his talent quickly caught the attention of directors and producers, and he soon began to land leading roles. He became particularly renowned for his portrayal of iconic literary characters such as Inspector Byrski in "The Wedding" and Napoleon in "Dibuk". Szalawski also worked extensively in radio and television, both as an actor and presenter.
In addition to acting, Szalawski was a skilled painter and graphic designer. His passion for painting began in his youth, and he continued to create art throughout his life, exhibiting his work in numerous galleries throughout Poland. He also created posters and graphics for theatrical productions, films, and cultural events, which gave him great artistic satisfaction.
Despite his success and fame, Szalawski remained a humble and approachable person, beloved by his colleagues and audiences alike. He continued to act until the very end of his life, passing away at the age of 74. Today, he is remembered as one of Poland's greatest cultural icons and a versatile and beloved actor, artist, and designer.
Szalawski's career spanned over five decades, and his talent was appreciated beyond Poland's borders. He made appearances in international productions such as "The Saragossa Manuscript" and "The Boys from Brazil". He was also a respected voice actor, lending his voice to numerous Polish-language dubs of foreign films.
Szalawski was an active participant in the social and cultural life of Poland, speaking out on issues such as freedom of expression and the need for artistic expression in society. He was a member of the Union of Polish Stage Artists and the Association of Polish Artists and Designers, and his contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous awards and honors.
After his death in 1986, the Andrzej Szalawski Foundation was established to promote the development of Polish theater and support young artists. The legacy of this remarkable artist lives on through his extensive body of work and the continued appreciation of his contributions to Polish culture.
Artur Mlodnicki (August 28, 1911 Lviv-July 16, 1972 Wrocław) otherwise known as A. Mlodnicki was a Polish actor. He had one child, Iwa Mlodnicka.
Mlodnicki began his acting career in the 1930s, initially performing in theaters throughout Lviv. He then began to work in film, appearing in several productions before World War II. During the war, he was interned in a German concentration camp, but was eventually released and returned to acting in the late 1940s.
Mlodnicki went on to have a successful career in Polish theatre and film throughout the 1950s and 1960s, often playing character roles in dramas and comedies. Some of his most notable film roles include "Eryk" in "The Last Day of Summer" (1958) and "Dr. Zasada" in "Black Hunting" (1964).
In addition to his work on screen and stage, Mlodnicki was also a member of the Polish Writers' Union and served as a juror for several international film festivals. He passed away in 1972 at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy as one of Poland's most prominent actors of the post-war era.
Mlodnicki was born in Lviv, which was then part of Austria-Hungary, and completed his education there before pursuing his passion for acting. During his years of internment at the Helmstedt concentration camp, he continued to create new works of theater and help fellow prisoners until his release. When he returned to Poland, he became a respected personality in the country's cultural and artistic circles, with a range of roles in various genres.
Throughout his career, Mlodnicki was also active behind the scenes. He directed several stage plays and worked as a theater instructor. Additionally, he wrote several plays throughout his life, most of which remained unpublished until after his death. Mlodnicki was known for his deep and nuanced performances, often portraying conflicted or morally ambiguous characters with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.
In 1972, Mlodnicki died of a heart attack in Wrocław, where he had lived for many years. Despite his relatively short career, he left an indelible mark on Polish theater and film, and is remembered as an actor who was both talented and dedicated to his craft.
Mlodnicki's legacy as an actor and cultural figure in Poland has been honored in various ways. In 1962, he was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, one of Poland's highest civilian decorations. In 2003, a commemorative plaque was unveiled on the building in Wrocław where Mlodnicki lived and worked for many years. Today, his work continues to be studied and celebrated by scholars, actors, and audiences alike. Mlodnicki's commitment to artistic expression and humanistic values has made him an enduring figure in the history of Polish theater and film.
Zygmunt Zintel (April 2, 1911 Warsaw-September 30, 1990 Łódź) also known as Z. Zintel was a Polish actor.
Zygmunt Zintel's career in acting spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in over 40 films and numerous theater productions. He began his acting career in the 1930s, performing in plays in Warsaw and in films. Some of his notable film credits include "Krakowiacy i Górale" (1938), "Conflagration" (1950), and "The Ashes" (1965). Zintel was also a popular actor in Polish television, appearing in several popular series during the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to his acting work, Zintel was also a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into Polish. He was honored with several awards for his contributions to the film and theater industry in Poland.
Zintel was born to a family of Polish-German ancestry. He grew up in Warsaw and attended the Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied painting and drawing. He continued to pursue his passion for art while also acting in various plays and films.
During World War II, Zintel was detained in a concentration camp by the Germans due to his Polish heritage. He was eventually released and continued his acting career after the war.
Zintel was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a range of roles from comedic to serious. His performances were praised for his ability to capture the essence of the character he played.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Zintel was also a respected acting teacher. He taught at the State Theater School in Łódź and helped mentor several prominent actors in Poland.
Zygmunt Zintel passed away in 1990 at the age of 79. He is remembered for his contributions to the arts in Poland and his dedication to the craft of acting.
Despite facing challenges in his personal life due to the political turmoil in Poland, Zintel was able to establish himself as a prominent figure in the country's cultural heritage. He was also known for his philanthropy, supporting various charitable organizations throughout his life. Zintel's legacy continues to influence and inspire aspiring actors in Poland and across the world. In 2011, on what would have been his 100th birthday, the Polish Postal Service issued a postage stamp featuring his portrait as a tribute to his contributions to the arts.
Edward Raczkowski (February 11, 1911 Lviv-October 26, 1990 Kraków) was a Polish actor.
He began his acting career in 1930 in the theater and later worked for the National Theatre in Warsaw. Raczkowski appeared in numerous films, including "Niewolnica zmysłów" (1947) and "Zakazane piosenki" (1947). He also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into Polish. In addition to his work in film and theater, Raczkowski was a respected acting teacher, and his students included notable Polish actors such as Jerzy Radziwiłowicz and Hanna Skarżanka. He was honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis. Raczkowski passed away in Kraków in 1990, leaving behind a legacy as one of Poland's most beloved actors and acting teachers.
Raczkowski was born and raised in Lviv, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He studied acting in Lviv and later in Warsaw, where he honed his skills as a performer. Despite facing many challenges during World War II, Raczkowski continued to work in theater and film. He became known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters, from dramatic roles to comedic ones.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Raczkowski was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Polish United Workers' Party, which ruled Poland during the communist era. However, he remained independent in his views and often clashed with the government over artistic freedom.
After his death, Raczkowski was remembered as a pioneering figure in Polish acting, who helped shape the country's cultural landscape. His students continued to pass on his legacy, both as actors and as teachers in their own right. Today, Raczkowski is remembered as one of Poland's greatest actors, whose work continues to inspire generations of performers.
His influence as an acting teacher was far-reaching, as he also taught at the Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw. Many of his students went on to become successful actors, directors, and playwrights themselves. Raczkowski was known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire his students, helping them reach their full potential.
In addition to his work in the arts and politics, Raczkowski was also an avid athlete. He was a skilled fencer and played soccer for the Slavia soccer team in Lviv. His athleticism often came in handy for his roles on stage and in film, where he was able to perform his own stunts.
Throughout his career, Raczkowski remained committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Poland. He was involved in many initiatives to promote Polish culture and tourism, including serving as the director of the Polish Cultural and Tourist Center in Brussels. His contributions to the arts and culture of Poland were recognized with numerous awards and accolades.
Despite facing many challenges throughout his life, including the devastation wrought by World War II and the restrictions placed on artists during the communist era, Raczkowski remained dedicated to his craft and his country. He is remembered as a trailblazer in Polish acting and an inspiration to future generations of artists.