Veteran czech Actor Jiří Krampol Dies at 87
Prague, Czech Republic – Celebrated czech actor and entertainer Jiří Krampol has died at the age of 87, prompting an outpouring of grief from the Czech cultural scene. krampol passed away on February 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy spanning over six decades of film, television, theater, and dubbing work.
A funeral ceremony held at the Strašnický crematorium in Prague drew a large crowd of mourners,including prominent figures from Czech entertainment and politics. Attendees included actors Jan Přeučil, Martin Dejdar, Luděk Sobota, and Pavel Trávníček; singer Milan Drobný; presenter Zuzana Bubílková; Semafor Theatre representative Uršula Kluková; mixed martial artist Karlos Vémola; and politician Jiří Paroubek. Flowers and wreaths were sent from institutions like Czech Television, Czech Radio, the Ministry of Culture, and the Sparta Prague Sports Club.
Krampol began his acting career in 1958 with a small role in the comedy three Wishes (Tři přání) directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming a beloved figure known for his portrayals of strong characters and law enforcement officials, notably in the popular television series Little Pitaval from the Great City (Malý pitaval z velkého města).He also excelled as a host on numerous television entertainment programs.
Beyond his on-screen work,Krampol was highly regarded for his voice acting,particularly his iconic Czech dubbing of French actor Jean-paul Belmondo. Actor Aleš Cibulka emphasized that limiting Krampol’s artistic contributions to No One is Perfect and his dubbing work would be a disservice to the breadth of his talent. Writer Marie Formáčková also highlighted his warmth and sense of camaraderie.
The 1980s marked a peak in Krampol’s career as an entertainer. Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, he continued his work at the Jiří Grossmann Theater, which he founded in 1990, remaining involved until the mid-1990s. In 2021, krampol presented Timeless Stories (Nadčasové příběhy), a book co-authored with Miloslav Šimek, detailing the history of the Semafor Theater and featuring stories originally performed at a special school. The book was launched at the historic Slavia Café in Prague.
Krampol’s contributions to Czech culture were officially recognized in 2018 when he received the Medal of Merit 1st Class from President Miloš Zeman for his achievements in the field of art. He is remembered by colleagues like Martin Dejdar as a consistently positive and generous individual, and by Jan Přeučil as a man who brought humor to every situation, recalling their shared experiences at the Theatre Faculty and the Theatre on the Railing.