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Rudolf GruhinskiyA famous Czech actor.
Date of Birth: 17.10.1920
Country:  Czech |
Content:
- Jan Werich: A Legendary Czech Actor
- Early Life and Career
- Post-War Years
- Film and International Recognition
- Political Dissent and Rehabilitation
- Political Engagement and Retirement
- Family
Jan Werich: A Legendary Czech Actor
Jan Werich was a renowned Czech actor and a member of a celebrated acting dynasty.
Early Life and Career
Born on a theatre stage after a performance by his mother, Germina Cervickova, Werich spent his childhood touring the country with his artistic family. He later settled in Prague and briefly attended secondary school before being expelled. Aspiring to become a lawyer, he ultimately pursued acting.
In 1935, Werich joined the Urania Theatre, where he began his professional career and made his screen debut as a student or young lover.
Post-War Years
After World War II, Werich experimented with directing and screenwriting. He performed at various Prague theatres until joining the National Theatre in 1960 at the invitation of Otomar Krejca.
Film and International Recognition
Soviet audiences knew Werich from his roles as Josef Svejk in the 1957 Czech film "The Good Soldier Svejk" and Josef Straslipa in the 1962 joint production "The Big Road."
Political Dissent and Rehabilitation
Werich's signature on the "2000 Words" manifesto in 1968 resulted in his blacklisting. After several years of being unable to work as an actor, he returned to filmmaking with success in several films directed by Jiri Menzel.
Political Engagement and Retirement
Following the change in government in 1989, Werich was elected to the Federal Assembly of the Czechoslovak Republic (later the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic) as a member of the Civic Forum. Disillusioned, he retired from politics after two years of public service.
Family
Werich married in 1945 and had two sons, Rudolph (born 1946) and Jan (born 1955), who both became actors.
