Polish movie actresses born in the year 1919

Here are 6 famous actresses from Poland were born in 1919:

Jadwiga Colonna-Walewska

Jadwiga Colonna-Walewska (November 29, 1919 Warsaw-April 30, 1980 Warsaw) was a Polish actor.

She was born into an artistic family; her mother was a famous Polish writer, and her father was a well-known painter. Jadwiga Colonna-Walewska made her acting debut in 1945 at the New Theatre in Łódź, one of Poland's largest cities.

Throughout her career, Colonna-Walewska performed in theater, film, and television productions. She achieved critical acclaim for her roles in productions of "Hamlet," "Uncle Vanya," and "The Seagull," among others.

In addition to her acting, Colonna-Walewska was also a prominent member of the Polish resistance during World War II. She helped to smuggle Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto and worked with the Polish underground to fight against the Nazi occupation.

Despite suffering from health issues throughout much of her life, Jadwiga Colonna-Walewska continued to act until her death in 1980. She is remembered as one of Poland's most talented and influential actors, as well as a hero of the Polish resistance.

Colonna-Walewska was awarded numerous honors for her contributions to the arts and to her country. She was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, the highest civilian award in Poland, for her role in the resistance during World War II. In 1974, she was awarded the prestigious Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her contributions to Italian culture. Colonna-Walewska was also a prolific writer and published several books, including a collection of poetry and a memoir about her experiences during the war. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in Poland, where she remains a beloved and influential figure in the country's cultural history.

Throughout her career, Jadwiga Colonna-Walewska appeared in over 70 films, including the 1958 award-winning film "Ashes and Diamonds," directed by Andrzej Wajda. Her performances in films such as "Man on the Tracks" and "The Birch Wood" also earned her critical acclaim. Colonna-Walewska's work extended beyond acting; she was a professor of drama at the Aleksander Zelwerowicz State Theatre Academy in Warsaw and taught a generation of young actors.

In addition to her many awards and honors, Colonna-Walewska was also recognized for her humanitarian work. She was a recipient of the Righteous Among the Nations award, bestowed by the Israeli government to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

Colonna-Walewska's contributions to Polish culture and society have made her a lasting and revered figure in her home country. Her legacy as an actress, writer, resistance fighter, and humanitarian continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.

Barbara Fijewska

Barbara Fijewska (October 6, 1919 Warsaw-January 1, 2005 Warsaw) was a Polish actor, choreographer, theatre director and dancer.

She was known for her contributions to the Polish performing arts industry, having acted in several plays and films throughout her career. Apart from acting, Fijewska was also an accomplished dancer and choreographer, and was a founding member of the first dance company in Poland, the Contemporary Dance Theatre. She later went on to direct and choreograph several productions with the company, cementing her place as one of the pioneers of modern dance in Poland. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Fijewska received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Order of Polonia Restituta in 1964.

Fijewska started her acting career in the early 1940s, performing in Warsaw theatres such as the Polski, Nowy, and Ateneum. She was known for her versatility and ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles. In the 1950s, she began to transition to film, appearing in movies such as "Dom na pustkowiu" and "Ewa chce spać". She also worked as a voice actress, providing dubbed voices for foreign films adapted for the Polish market.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Fijewska was also an activist and advocate for various causes. She was a member of the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds and was involved in efforts to preserve historic buildings in Warsaw. Additionally, she was known for her humanitarian work, providing aid to refugees and victims of war.

Fijewska continued to work in the performing arts industry well into her later years, directing and choreographing productions for the Contemporary Dance Theatre until the early 2000s. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for both dance and theatre in Poland.

Throughout her life, Barbara Fijewska was also an advocate for artistic freedom and the importance of culture in society. She was a member of the Association of Polish Actors and actively spoke out against censorship in the arts during the communist era in Poland. Even after the fall of communism, Fijewska remained involved in the artistic community and continued to push for the preservation and growth of Polish culture. She was also a mentor to younger actors and dancers, passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of performers. In addition to her acting and choreography work, Fijewska also wrote several plays and screenplays, showcasing her talent as a writer. Her impact on the arts in Poland and beyond is still felt today.

Ryszarda Hanin

Ryszarda Hanin (August 30, 1919 Lviv-January 1, 1994 Otwock) was a Polish actor.

Hanin began his acting career in the 1940s, and over the next few decades, he became one of the most distinguished actors in Polish theatre and film. Some of his most iconic roles include Ksawery Branicki in "The Deluge" and Gustav in "The Ashes", both plays based on classic Polish literature.

He also appeared in numerous films, including "Eroica", "Man on the Tracks", and "The Wounded Hussar". Hanin was known for his ability to portray complex characters with great depth and nuance, and his performances were often praised for their realism and emotional intensity.

In addition to his work as an actor, Hanin was also a respected theatre director, and he directed several notable productions throughout his career. He was a member of the Polish Film Academy, and in 1974, he was honored with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his contributions to Polish culture.

Hanin was born in Lviv, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He graduated from the Lviv State Theatre Institute before moving to Warsaw to pursue his acting career. During World War II, he was active in the underground resistance movement, and after the war, he became a founding member of the Theatre of the Fredro. In the 1950s, he joined the National Theatre in Warsaw, where he remained until his retirement in 1986. Hanin's achievements were widely recognized both at home and abroad. He won several awards, including the Masaryk Award (Czechoslovakia), Golden Dragon (Poland), and the Best Actor award at the International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary (Czechoslovakia). After his death in 1994, he was posthumously awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. Hanin was married to actress Maria Wachowiak, and the couple had two children.

In addition to his extensive work in theatre and film, Ryszarda Hanin was also a prominent voice actor. He provided the voice for many characters in Polish dubbings of foreign films, including Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Polish version of "Star Wars". Hanin was known for his deep, resonant voice, which was equally well-suited to drama and comedy. He also worked as a professor at the National Theatre Academy in Warsaw, where he trained many aspiring actors. Hanin's legacy as an actor and director continues to be celebrated in Poland, and his contributions to Polish culture have been widely recognized. A street in Warsaw was named after him in 2005, and in 2019, the Polish Post issued a stamp featuring his image.

Rita Karin

Rita Karin (October 24, 1919 Vilnius-September 10, 1993 New York City) was a Polish actor.

Rita Karin was born Gitel Ruda Weisenfreund in Vilnius, which was then part of the Russian Empire but is now in Lithuania. She was a member of the Habima Theatre in Warsaw, Poland, one of the world's first Hebrew-language theaters. In 1939, she moved to New York City and began acting in Yiddish theater productions. Karin later transitioned to film and television, and became known for her roles in movies such as "The Littlest Victims" and "The Big Fix" (with Richard Dreyfuss). She also performed on Broadway in the 1950s and 1960s, earning a Tony Award nomination for her role in the play "The Wall." Karin was an active member of the Actors' Equity Association and worked to promote the interests of fellow actors. She passed away in New York City in 1993 at the age of 73.

In addition to her work as an actor, Rita Karin was also a member of the Anti-Defamation League and involved in various social causes throughout her life. She was an early supporter of civil rights and equality for all, and was known for her activism in the feminist movement. Karin was also a trained psychotherapist and often used her acting skills to help patients in therapy sessions. She had a profound impact on the world of theater and the entertainment industry as a whole, inspiring countless actors with her dedication to the craft and commitment to making a positive difference in society. Rita Karin's legacy continues to be celebrated by those who knew and loved her, and her contributions to the arts and activism live on today.

Rita Karin's career spanned over five decades, during which she appeared in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions. She was known for her versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning from drama to comedy and back again. In addition to her Tony Award nomination, Karin also received critical acclaim for her work in the off-Broadway production of "Madras House." Her film and television credits include "The Defenders," "Law and Order," and "The Sopranos."

Karin was also a respected acting teacher, and she dedicated much of her later years to sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring actors. She taught at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City, and she was known for her passion and dedication to her students.

Throughout her life, Karin remained deeply committed to social justice and equality for all. She was particularly active in the fight against anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry, and she lent her voice to numerous social causes throughout her career.

Today, Rita Karin is remembered as a trailblazer in the world of theater and an inspiration to countless actors and activists. Her legacy continues to live on, and her impact on the arts and culture of New York City and beyond remains significant to this day.

Halina Czengery

Halina Czengery (May 5, 1919 Saint Petersburg-December 4, 1981 Warsaw) also known as Halina Czengery-Wollejko was a Polish actor. She had two children, Jolanta Wollejko and Magdalena Wollejko.

Halina Czengery began her acting career in the 1940s and went on to become one of the most accomplished actors in Poland. She was known for her versatile acting skills and her ability to portray complex characters with ease. She became a popular figure in Polish cinema in the 1950s and starred in several successful films including "Eagle on the Shoulder" and "Forbidden Songs".

In addition to her acting work, Czengery was also involved in the Polish Workers' Party and was a member of the Polish parliament. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and played an active role in the Polish feminist movement.

Czengery's legacy lives on through her contributions to Polish cinema and her activism for women's rights. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry and as a principled advocate for human rights.

In the 1960s, Halina Czengery began receiving critical acclaim for her work in theater, specifically for her performances in plays by prominent Polish playwrights like Slawomir Mrozek and Adam Mickiewicz. She also worked extensively in radio and television, appearing in numerous shows and dramas. One of her most memorable performances was in the television series "The Old Fairy Tale", where she played the character of Baba Yaga.

Despite her successful acting career, Halina Czengery never compromised her political beliefs and continued to be involved in leftist political movements throughout her life. She also remained committed to advocating for women's rights, especially in the entertainment industry.

Halina Czengery was posthumously awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2005 in recognition of her contributions to Polish culture and society. Today, she is remembered as one of the most accomplished actors of her generation and an influential figure in Polish cinema and politics.

Halina Czengery was born in Saint Petersburg to Polish parents, but her family moved back to Poland when she was very young. She grew up in Łódź and began her acting career in the 1940s, starting out in theater before transitioning to film. Her breakthrough role came in the film "Eagle on the Shoulder" in 1958, which earned her critical acclaim and established her as a leading actress in Poland.

Czengery's political activism began early in her career, as she was a member of the Polish Workers' Party and participated in pro-communist protests. She also used her platform as an actress to advocate for social justice and women's rights. In addition to her work in politics, Czengery was also involved in the literary world and wrote poetry and short stories.

Despite facing censorship and political persecution, Czengery continued to work as an actress and remained true to her beliefs until her death in 1981 from cancer. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration to artists and activists alike, and she is remembered as a symbol of courage and integrity in the face of adversity.

Luzi Kryn

Luzi Kryn (March 14, 1919 Gdańsk-August 21, 2000 Kiel) was a Polish actor.

He was best known for his work in theater, where he was highly regarded as a versatile and charismatic performer. Kryn began his career in the late 1940s, working with a variety of theater companies throughout Poland. In the 1950s, he began to gain national recognition for his work, and became a regular performer at the prestigious Teatr Polski in Warsaw. Kryn was known for his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from comic and light-hearted to dramatic and intense. He continued to work in theater throughout the rest of his career, and also appeared in several films and television shows. Kryn was widely respected in the Polish acting community, and is remembered as one of the most talented performers of his generation.

In addition to his work in theater, Luzi Kryn was also a skilled voice actor, lending his voice to numerous radio dramas and animated films. He was also a well-respected acting instructor, and taught at several universities and theater schools throughout Poland. Kryn was a recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Polish theater and cinema, including the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gloria Artis Gold Medal for Cultural Merit. Outside of his profession, Kryn was known for his love of nature and outdoor activities, and was a devoted husband and father.

Kryn's acting career spanned more than five decades, during which he played a vast array of characters in over 200 stage productions. Some of his most notable performances include his roles in "Hamlet," "Uncle Vanya," "The Seagull," and "The Threepenny Opera." He was particularly renowned for his portrayal of Shakespearean characters, which earned him critical acclaim and a loyal audience.

Apart from his theater and film work, Kryn was also an active supporter of social and political causes in Poland. He was a member of the Solidarity movement, which played a significant role in the fall of communism in Poland. In the late 1980s, Kryn helped to establish the Pomorska Fundacja Filmowa, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Polish cinema.

Kryn's contributions to the world of theater and cinema have been recognized both nationally and internationally. He was honored with a star on the Avenue of Stars in Łódź, and his name is included in the UNESCO International Encyclopedia of Theater. Kryn's legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and theater enthusiasts worldwide, and his body of work remains a testament to his talent, passion, and commitment to the craft of acting.

Related articles