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Wlodzimierz PressPolish actor
Date of Birth: 15.05.1939
Country:  Poland |
Content:
Włodzimierz Press: A Versatile Polish Actor
Early Life and EducationWłodzimierz Press was born on May 15, 1939, in Lwów, Poland, to a Jewish mother, Janina Planer. Amidst the impending German invasion, Press's mother fled towards the eastern border, giving birth to him shortly before the outbreak of World War II.
Press spent his early years in an orphanage before being reunited with his mother, who moved with him to Siberia. After the war, they returned to Poland and settled in Warsaw. Press excelled in school, where he developed a keen interest in acting. Following his graduation, he enrolled in the Warsaw Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1963.
Acting Career
Press's professional career began on the student stage, followed by an invitation to join the National Theatre of Warsaw under renowned director Jerzy Rakowiecki. His debut was in a theatrical adaptation of Jaroslav Hašek's "The Good Soldier Švejk."
Simultaneously, Press embarked on his film career, making his breakthrough as a tank driver in the hit series "Four Tank-Men and a Dog." Despite gaining popularity as a heroic actor, Press excelled in playing subtle and nuanced characters in episodic roles.
In Andrzej Wajda's "Korczak," Press portrayed a Jew in a wartime ghetto, delivering a hauntingly emotional performance. His profound character interpretations extended to his roles as Stalin's son in Agnieszka Holland's "Europa, Europa" and God in Christopher Rouse's "Natural."
Later Career
In addition to his acting, Press has lent his voice to numerous films, animated series, and video games, including "The Lone Ranger," "The Little Prince," and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."
Press remains active in theatre, having worked with various Warsaw-based companies, including "Kwadrat" and "Studio." In 2021, he starred in the comedy "Black Sheep," playing the role of a grandfather.
Personal Life
Press's encounter with Renata, a costume designer on the set of "Four Tank-Men and a Dog," blossomed into a passionate romance that culminated in their marriage in 1967. They have two children, Grzegorz and Tania, who have established families of their own. Grzegorz ventured into acting but later became a photojournalist, while Tania, an accomplished linguist, resides in France. Press and his wife have two grandchildren, one of whom follows in their footsteps as an actor and voice actor.
Legacy
Włodzimierz Press remains an esteemed and beloved actor in Poland despite his advanced age. His ability to bring depth and nuance to both leading and supporting roles has solidified his place as a versatile and accomplished performer.
