Polish movie actors born in the year 1940
Here are 17 famous actors from Poland were born in 1940:
Andrzej Żuławski
Andrzej Żuławski (November 22, 1940 Lviv-) a.k.a. Andrzej Zulawski is a Polish film director, screenwriter and actor. He has three children, Vincent Żuławski, Xawery Żuławski and Ignacy Żuławski.
He was initially interested in literature, but later pursued a career in filmmaking. His films are known for their intense, surreal and often disturbing imagery, and explore themes such as love, obsession, and the human condition. Some of his most well-known works include "Possession," "On the Silver Globe," and "Cosmos." In addition to filmmaking, Żuławski has also written several novels and plays. He passed away on February 17, 2016 in Warsaw, Poland at the age of 75.
Żuławski was born in Lviv, which was then part of Poland and is now in Ukraine. He grew up in post-war Poland and studied cinema in France, where he was influenced by the French New Wave. He began his career as an assistant to renowned French filmmaker Andrzej Wajda, and made his feature film debut in 1971 with "The Third Part of the Night." Żuławski's films were often controversial and were sometimes banned by the Polish government during the communist era. Despite this censorship, he continued to make films that pushed boundaries and challenged audiences. He was known for his collaborations with French actress Isabelle Adjani, with whom he made two films, including "Possession," which won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981. In addition to his film work, Żuławski taught at several universities and was a member of the jury at several international film festivals. He remained active in filmmaking until his death in 2016.
Władysław Komar
Władysław Komar (April 11, 1940 Kaunas-August 17, 1998 Ostromice) also known as Wladyslaw Komar was a Polish actor.
In addition to his career in acting, Władysław Komar was also a renowned athlete, specializing in the shot put. He won numerous medals in international competitions, including a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. After retiring from athletics, he pursued a career in acting and appeared in several films and television shows. He was also a social and political activist, supporting anti-communist movements in Poland during the 1980s. Despite his success, he battled with alcoholism and died at the age of 58. Today, he is remembered as a national hero in Poland for both his sporting achievements and his contributions to Polish culture and society.
Born to a Polish family in Kaunas, Lithuania, Komar grew up in Gdańsk, Poland, where he discovered his talent for sports at a young age. He began training as a shot putter and quickly rose to international fame, winning his first major competition at the age of 21. Over the course of his career, he set several world records and won numerous titles, including the European championship in 1971.
Komar remained active in sports even after he retired from competitive athletics, serving as a coach and commentator. However, he also began to explore his passion for acting and enrolled in drama school. He made his acting debut in the 1980 film "The Cruise" and went on to appear in several other notable movies and TV shows.
In addition to his athletic and artistic achievements, Komar was actively involved in political and social causes. He was a strong supporter of the Solidarity movement, which aimed to bring an end to communist rule in Poland, and participated in several protests and demonstrations. He was also an advocate for educational and cultural programs that promoted Polish history and traditions.
Despite his many successes, Komar struggled with alcoholism and depression in his later years. He passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of Poland's greatest athletes and cultural figures. Today, a statue of Komar stands in his hometown of Gdańsk, honoring his contributions to Polish sport and culture.
Klaus Lemke
Klaus Lemke (October 13, 1940 Gorzów Wielkopolski-) is a Polish film director, screenwriter, actor, film producer, film editor and television director.
Lemke is considered one of the pioneers of German independent cinema and has released over 40 films. He is known for his unconventional and often controversial filmmaking style, frequently focusing on social taboos and marginalized communities. Lemke's films have won several awards at film festivals around the world, including the Berlin International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. In addition to his work in film, he has directed numerous television shows and written several books on filmmaking.
Born to a Polish mother and a German father, Lemke was raised in Berlin after his family fled Poland during World War II. After completing his education, he began working as a film critic before transitioning into filmmaking in the 1960s. Lemke's early work, such as his 1968 film "48 Stunden bis Acapulco," was focused on the social upheavals of the time, with a particular emphasis on the struggles of working-class youth.
In the 1970s, Lemke's films became more experimental and subversive, reflecting the countercultural movements of the era. His 1972 film "Rocker" depicted the chaotic lives of a group of motorcycle gang members, while his 1974 film "Neonstadt" explored the gritty underworld of Berlin's sex industry.
Throughout his career, Lemke has been a vocal advocate for independent filmmaking and decentralization of the film industry. He has frequently clashed with German authorities over censorship and government censorship, and has been arrested on several occasions for his controversial works.
Despite his often confrontational approach, Lemke's films have been praised for their raw, unvarnished depiction of marginalized communities and their struggles. He continues to work as a filmmaker today, and remains one of Germany's most important and influential directors.
Jerzy Lapinski
Jerzy Lapinski (November 2, 1940 Lublin-) also known as Jerzy Łapiński or Jerzy Gaździński is a Polish actor.
He started his acting career in the early 1960s and has since appeared in numerous films, television series, and theatrical productions. Lapinski is best known for his roles in the films "Man of Marble" (1977) and "Man of Iron" (1981), both directed by Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda. He has also appeared in international productions, such as the German film "The Tin Drum" (1979) and the British TV series "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (1984). In addition to acting, Lapinski has also worked as a theatre director, writer, and translator. He has been honored with several awards, including the Order of Polonia Restituta for his contributions to Polish culture.
Lapinski was born in Lublin, Poland and grew up during World War II. He studied acting at the State Higher School of Theatre in Krakow and made his on-screen debut in the 1962 film "Violence". Despite his success as an actor, Lapinski has always been interested in other aspects of theatre, including directing and translating plays. He has translated several Shakespearean plays into Polish, including "Hamlet" and "Macbeth". Lapinski has also written several plays himself, including "Memory of Water" and "Pensjonat" (Boarding House). In addition to his work in the arts, Lapinski has been involved in activism and politics. During the Solidarity movement in the 1980s, he was a member of the opposition movement and was eventually expelled from the Communist Party. Today, Lapinski is recognized as one of Poland's most talented and respected actors and continues to work in the film and theatre industries.
Krzysztof Kumor
Krzysztof Kumor (April 16, 1940 Garbatka-Letnisko-) is a Polish actor. He has one child, Agnieszka Kumor.
Kumor is best known for his roles in Polish films of the 1970s and 1980s. He began his acting career in the 1960s and soon became a prominent figure in the Polish film industry. Some of his most well-known films include "The Promised Land," "The Scar," and "Man of Iron." Kumor has also appeared in numerous stage productions, including the theatrical adaptation of "The Promised Land." In addition to his acting work, he has also served as a member of the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament. Throughout his career, Kumor has been praised for his versatility and range as an actor, and has been recognized with several awards and honors for his contributions to Polish cinema.
Krzysztof Kumor was born in Garbatka-Letnisko, Poland, in 1940. He attended the Aleksander Zelwerowicz State Theatre Academy in Warsaw, where he began his training as an actor. Kumor quickly established himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation, and his work in the 1960s and 1970s helped to define the golden age of Polish cinema.
Over the course of his career, Kumor has acted in dozens of films, ranging from historical dramas to contemporary comedies. He is known for his ability to play complex and nuanced characters, and he has worked with some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in Poland, including Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kieslowski, and Agnieszka Holland.
Kumor's performances in films like "The Promised Land", "The Scar", and "Man of Iron" have earned him critical acclaim both in Poland and abroad. He has also appeared in numerous stage productions, including collaborations with the National Theatre and the Grand Theatre in Warsaw.
In addition to his work in the arts, Kumor has also been involved in politics. He served as a member of the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament, from 1991 to 1993. Throughout his career, Kumor has been recognized with several awards and honors for his contributions to Polish cinema, including the Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2003. Despite his success, Kumor remains humble about his achievements, and continues to work tirelessly to promote the arts in Poland and beyond.
Wojciech Duryasz
Wojciech Duryasz (April 23, 1940 Ivano-Frankivsk-) otherwise known as Wojciech Duriasz or Duryasz is a Polish actor.
Duryasz graduated from the State Theatre School in Kraków in 1962 and made his theatrical debut in the same year as Tybalt in a production of Romeo and Juliet. He went on to have a successful career in film, television and theatre, with notable roles in films such as The Knights of the Teutonic Order and The Promised Land. Duryasz also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films and series into Polish. In addition to his acting work, Duryasz was a lecturer at the Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to Polish theatre and film, including the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis.
Duryasz's talent and hard work have earned him recognition and respect from his peers in the film and theatre industry. Some of his most memorable stage performances include his portrayal of Hamlet in Shakespeare's play, and he received critical acclaim for his roles in productions of The Inspector General and The Seagull. He also performed in productions of classic Polish plays, such as Balladyna and Konrad Wallenrod. In addition to his acting and teaching careers, Duryasz was involved in promoting the rights of actors in Poland, and was one of the founders of the Association of Polish Stage Actors. Despite retiring from acting and teaching, Duryasz remains an influential figure in Polish theatre and culture.
Maciej Rayzacher
Maciej Rayzacher (January 10, 1940 Warsaw-) also known as Jerzy Rayzacher is a Polish actor.
He is best known for his roles in classic Polish films such as "The Promised Land" and "The Manuscript Found in Saragossa". Rayzacher began his acting career in the theater before transitioning to film and television. He has appeared in over 70 films and numerous television series throughout his career. In addition to acting, Rayzacher has also worked as a voice actor in Polish dubbed versions of international films. He has received several awards and nominations for his work in the entertainment industry, including the Best Actor award at the Gdynia Film Festival in 1982. Outside of acting, Rayzacher is also known for his activism and involvement in various social causes.
He is a vocal advocate for the rights of disabled people and has served as the chairman of the Polish Association of the Disabled. Rayzacher has also been involved in the fight against poverty and homelessness, and has supported organizations such as the Polish Humanitarian Action and the Caritas Polska. In 2012, he was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his contributions to Polish culture and society. Despite his long and successful career, Rayzacher remains modest, once stating in an interview that he is "just an ordinary, working actor".
Pawel Nowisz
Pawel Nowisz (January 15, 1940 Warsaw-) is a Polish actor.
He graduated from the National Higher School of Theatre in Warsaw in 1962. Nowisz was a member of the National Theatre in Warsaw for many years, where he played numerous roles. He also appeared in many TV series and films, such as "Zmiennicy" and "Czterdziestolatek". In addition to acting, Nowisz also worked as a theater director, and directed several productions at the Powszechny Theatre in Łódź. Nowisz has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Polish theater and film.
He was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2001 as well as the Gloria Artis Gold Medal for Cultural Merit in 2008. His career has spanned several decades, and he is considered one of the most respected actors in Poland. Despite being in his 80s, he continues to act and has appeared in recent productions such as "A Sort of Family" and "Dark, Almost Night". Nowisz is known for his versatile acting skills, and has played a wide range of characters throughout his career, from comedic to dramatic roles. He is also remembered for his charismatic stage presence and his dedication to the craft of acting.
Andrzej Grąziewicz
Andrzej Grąziewicz (June 27, 1940 Warsaw-) also known as Andrzej Graziewicz is a Polish actor.
He graduated in 1962 from the National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw, and began his career in the same year at the Współczesny Theatre in Warsaw. He performed on stage at various theaters in Warsaw, including the Dramatic Theater, the Ateneum Theater, the Polish Theater, and others.
He is best known for his roles in films such as "Naked Among Wolves" (1963), "Sektor IV" (1967), and "The Marriage of Figaro" (1975). He also acted in numerous television series, including "The Four Tank-Men and a Dog" (1966-1970), "The Border" (1998-2004), and "Time of Honor" (2008-2013).
Grąziewicz was awarded the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2012 for his contribution to Polish culture. He continues to act in films, television series and theater plays, and is considered one of the most respected actors in Poland.
Aside from his successful acting career, Andrzej Grąziewicz is also known for his work as a voice actor. He has dubbed foreign films and TV shows into Polish, and is often the voice of the characters played by famous actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Jack Nicholson. In addition, he has lent his voice to several animated films, including the Polish dubs of "The Lion King" and "Toy Story". Grąziewicz has also been involved in teaching drama, serving as a professor of acting at the National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw. He has coached many successful actors, including Daniel Olbrychski and Janusz Gajos. Despite his success, Grąziewicz remains humble and dedicated to his craft, always seeking to improve his skills as an actor and mentor.
Andrzej Kotkowski
Andrzej Kotkowski (February 17, 1940 Lviv-) is a Polish actor, film director and screenwriter.
Andrzej Kotkowski was born in Lviv, which was then a part of Poland (currently Ukraine). He studied at the National Film School in Łódź and graduated in 1969. Kotkowski began his career as a film director and screenwriter in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during the Polish New Wave movement in cinema. Some of his notable films include "The Jacket" (1974), "To Kill This Love" (1972), and "The Man in the White Suit" (1986).
In addition to directing and writing, Kotkowski is also a respected actor. He has appeared in numerous films, including "Mother Joan of the Angels" (1961) and "In Desert and Wilderness" (2001). Kotkowski has also acted in theater productions, most notably in the play "The Shoemaker's Holiday."
Kotkowski has received several awards for his work in film, including the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival for his film "The Jacket." He was also awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, one of the highest honors in Poland, for his contributions to the country's culture.
Kotkowski is known for his focus on social issues in his films, particularly related to the experiences and emotions of everyday people. His work often explores themes of love, morality, and the human condition. In addition to his film work, Kotkowski is also a professor of film studies at the National Film School in Łódź. His contributions to Polish cinema have had a significant impact, and he is widely regarded as one of the country's most important filmmakers.
Andrzej Mrozewski
Andrzej Mrozewski (January 3, 1940 Kraków-) is a Polish actor.
He graduated from the Ludwik Solski Academy for the Dramatic Arts in Kraków in 1962. Mrozewski is best known for his roles in Polish films including "Kanal," "Ashes and Diamonds," and "Innocent Sorcerers," among others. He has also appeared on stage in numerous productions, including works by Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Ibsen. In addition to his acting career, Mrozewski has worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into Polish. He has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to Polish film and theater, including the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gloria Artis medal. Mrozewski continues to act and perform to this day.
Mrozewski's career started in the 1960s, during the Polish Film School movement, where he gained recognition for his roles in the films "Kanal," "Ashes and Diamonds," and "Knife in the Water." He also worked with some of the most prominent Polish directors at the time, such as Andrzej Wajda, Jerzy Kawalerowicz, and Roman Polanski. Mrozewski's performances were marked by his ability to portray complex characters and deliver nuanced performances that captured the essence of his roles.
Apart from his film and theater work, Mrozewski also worked as a professor at the Ludwik Solski Academy for the Dramatic Arts in Kraków, where he taught acting for many years. He was also involved in the Polish Actors' Guild, where he served as a board member and president.
Throughout his career, Mrozewski has been recognized with many awards and honours for his contributions to Polish culture, including the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta, awarded by the President of Poland, and the Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis. He is regarded as one of the most accomplished actors in Polish history and continues to inspire future generations of performers through his work.
Andrzej Mrozek
Andrzej Mrozek (June 8, 1940 Ternopil-) otherwise known as A. Mrozek is a Polish actor.
He graduated from the National Film School in Łódź in 1964. Mrozek has appeared in many films and TV series, including "Man of Marble" (1977), "Czterdziestolatek" (1974), and "The Promised Land" (1975). He has also acted in numerous theatre productions and received critical acclaim for his performances in Shakespearean plays. In addition to his acting career, Mrozek has directed several theatre productions and written plays. He is considered one of Poland's finest actors and has been awarded many prestigious awards for his contributions to Polish cinema and theatre.
Throughout his career, Andrzej Mrozek has been associated with the legendary Polish director Andrzej Wajda. He has worked with Wajda on many films, including "Man of Marble," which was a landmark film in Polish cinema. Mrozek's performance in the film as Birkut, a disillusioned worker, was praised by critics the world over. He also acted in Wajda's famous film "Man of Iron," a sequel to "Man of Marble."
Apart from acting, Mrozek has also lent his voice to various dubbing projects. He has dubbed foreign films and animated characters, including Mickey Mouse and Goofy. Despite his many accomplishments, Mrozek remains humble and is known to be a kind and approachable person.
Zdzisław Wardejn
Zdzisław Wardejn (April 21, 1940 Warsaw-) is a Polish actor. He has two children, and .
Zdzisław Wardejn began his acting career in the 1960s and has since appeared in over 100 films and television series. He is best known for his roles in the films "The Promised Land," "The Cyberiads," and "Krótki film o miłości." He is also a popular theater actor, having performed in a number of productions in Poland.
Outside of his acting career, Wardejn is known for his activism on behalf of the Polish film industry. He has served on the boards of several film organizations and has worked to increase funding and support for the industry. In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous awards, including the Polish Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2013.
Wardejn is also an accomplished writer and has published several books, including a memoir about his experiences as an actor. He is a beloved figure in Poland and is considered one of the country's greatest living actors.
Additionally, Wardejn studied acting at the Aleksander Zelwerowicz State Theatre Academy in Warsaw. He made his debut in theater in 1961 and has performed on stages throughout Poland. Wardejn is often praised for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and emotion. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in productions such as "The Seagull," "King Lear," and "Uncle Vanya."
In the 1980s, during a turbulent period of political upheaval in Poland, Wardejn played an active role in the Solidarity movement, which sought to bring about democratic change in the country. He participated in protests and supported the movement's leaders, including Lech Wałęsa.
Wardejn continues to act in films and theater productions today, and has been recognized for his contributions to Polish culture with numerous honors and awards. He was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2001, and was granted the title of Honorary Citizen of Warsaw in 2010. Despite his many accomplishments, Wardejn remains humble and grounded, and is admired by colleagues and fans alike for his talent, dedication, and generosity.
Mieczyslaw Banasik
Mieczyslaw Banasik (April 19, 1940 Wieluń-) is a Polish actor.
He graduated from the National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw in 1965 and soon after made his acting debut on stage. He has appeared in numerous theater productions throughout his career, including performances at the National Theatre in Warsaw, the Wspolczesny Theatre, and the Dramatyczny Theatre. Banasik also has an extensive filmography, having appeared in over 60 films and television series. Some of his most notable roles include appearances in "Man of Iron" (1981), "The Decalogue" (1989), and "Wielki tydzien" (1995). In addition to his acting, Banasik has also worked as a voice actor, dubbing films and TV shows into Polish.
He has lent his voice to many popular TV shows and movies, including "The Simpsons," "Star Trek," and "The Exorcist." Banasik has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to Polish acting, including the Best Actor award at the Kalisz Theatre Meetings festival in 1981. He has also been awarded the Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. Despite his success, Banasik has remained humble and committed to his craft, continuing to work in film, television, and theater. He is considered one of Poland's finest and most respected actors.
Ryszard Nawrocki
Ryszard Nawrocki (March 7, 1940 Toruń-April 25, 2011 Żyrardów) was a Polish actor and voice actor.
He graduated from the State Theatre School in Warsaw in 1962 and began his acting career in the same year at the Ateneum Theatre in Warsaw. Nawrocki appeared in numerous films and television series throughout his career, earning critical acclaim for his performances. He was also a prominent voice actor, lending his voice to many animated films and TV shows, including the Polish dub of Disney's "The Lion King" and the title character in the Polish version of "The Adventures of Paddington Bear." Nawrocki was recognized as one of Poland's most respected actors and was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his contributions to Polish culture.
In addition to his successful career in acting, Ryszard Nawrocki was also a theatre director and playwright. He founded his own theatre company, the Nawrocki-Jarocki Theatre, in 1970, where he worked as an actor, director, and playwright. He wrote several plays, including "The Year of Grass," which was performed at the Theatre of Nations in Moscow. Nawrocki was also a renowned teacher of acting, teaching at the State Theatre School in Warsaw and the Ludwik Solski Academy for the Dramatic Arts in Krakow. He was known for his passionate and dedicated approach to teaching and inspired many of his students to pursue successful careers in acting. Nawrocki passed away in 2011, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence actors and theatre practitioners in Poland and around the world.
Aleksander Iwaniec
Aleksander Iwaniec (March 16, 1940 Warsaw-March 9, 1974 Seroki-Wieś) was a Polish actor.
He started his career in theater, but later transitioned to film and television. Iwaniec gained popularity in the 1960s for his roles in films such as "The Cruise" and "Ewa chce spać". He was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a wide range of characters. Iwaniec's life was tragically cut short at the age of 33 when he died in a car accident, leaving behind his wife and two children. Despite his short career, he left a lasting impact on Polish cinema and remains a beloved figure in the country's cultural history.
Iwaniec was born in Warsaw in 1940 and grew up in a family of artists. His father was a painter and his mother was a singer. He graduated from the Ludwik Solski Academy for the Dramatic Arts in Krakow in 1961 and soon after began his career in theater. He performed on stage at the National Theatre in Warsaw as well as at theaters in Krakow and Wroclaw.
In addition to his work in theater, Iwaniec also appeared in numerous films and television shows. One of his most memorable performances was in the film "Eroica," directed by Andrzej Munk, which premiered in 1958. He also appeared in the films "Zmiennicy" (1969) and "Trzecia część nocy" (1971).
Despite his success as an actor, Iwaniec was known for his humility and dedication to his craft. He was described by his colleagues as a hardworking and deeply committed performer. His untimely death was a shock to the Polish film community, and many mourned the loss of such a promising talent.
In his memory, the Aleksander Iwaniec Award was established by the Polish Film Institute to recognize exceptional young actors. The award has been given annually since 1977 and is considered one of the most prestigious honors for young actors in Poland.
Jerzy Dąbkowski
Jerzy Dąbkowski (February 22, 1940-) is a Polish actor.
He started his acting career in 1963, appearing in the movie "Nieznany" directed by Stanisław Różewicz. He has since then appeared in more than 50 films and television shows, gaining critical acclaim for his roles in both dramas and comedies. Some of his notable roles include Captain Fiszbak in "The Deluge" (1974), Roman Wilkosz in "Zmiennicy" (1986-1987), and Father Janusz in "Królowie śródmieścia" (2001). In addition to acting, Dąbkowski has also lent his voice to numerous Polish dubs of foreign movies and TV shows. He is considered as one of the most respected actors in Polish cinema and has received several awards for his contributions to the film industry in Poland.
Dąbkowski was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland and graduated from the Ludwik Solski Academy for the Dramatic Arts in Krakow in 1962. He initially worked for the National Theatre in Warsaw, but soon started appearing in films as well. His breakthrough role came in 1965, when he starred in the movie "Cień" directed by Jerzy Kawalerowicz.
Throughout his career, Dąbkowski has worked with some of the most prominent Polish directors, including Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kieślowski, and Krzysztof Zanussi. He is known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from serious and dramatic to light-hearted and comedic.
In addition to his on-screen work, Dąbkowski has also worked as a stage actor and director, and has taught acting at the Ludwik Solski Academy for the Dramatic Arts. He has been awarded the gold Cross of Merit and the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his contributions to Polish culture.