Veteran Polish Actor Zbigniew Szczapiński Dies at 82
Łódź, Poland – Zbigniew Szczapiński, a prominent figure in Polish theater and film, has died, the Powszechny Theater in Łódź announced Friday. He was 82 years old.
Szczapiński was born in 1943 and began his acting career at age fifteen with the student theater “Pstrąg.” He graduated from the Acting Department of the Łódź Film School in 1966 and subsequently worked at theaters in Kalisz, Lublin, Koszalin, Szczecin, Poznań, and Toruń.
In 1982, he joined the Powszechny Theater in Łódź, where he remained for nearly 30 years, debuting as Gnębon Puczymorda in SI witkiewicz’s “Szewce.” Throughout his career, szczapiński performed in approximately 90 roles, including nearly 40 at the Powszechny Theater. He also directed productions such as Julian Tuwim’s “Miracles and Wonders” and “Miałe Miasto” with songs by Janusz Słowikowski.
Szczapiński’s film and television credits include appearances in “Goya’s Demons of War,” “kingsajz,” and “The Book of Great Wishes,” and also Television Theater productions.He was also a respected voice-over artist and dubbing actor.
“Each of them was an significant figure for our Theater. Now they are probably preparing a different, better show together,” said Ewa Pilawska, director of the Powszechny Theater. “Zbigniew Szczapiński was associated with our Theater for almost 30 years. He will remain in our memory not only as an actor and creator, but also as a man who respected people and provided great support.He loved his children very much, about whom he often talked. He was a social activist, he liked to help others. In the theater,he was a professional – always prepared and focused on work.”
Szczapiński shared a dressing room with the late actors Michał Szewczyk and Andrzej Jakubas,both also associated with Łódź’s theater community.
He received numerous accolades throughout his career,including the SPATiF Award for a young actor,the 3rd jury prize for directing “Words about Jakub Szela,” the Łódź Voivode’s award,and the Silver Ring and Golden Mask for his role as the Secretary in “Window to Parliament.”
A funeral service will be held on November 19 at 12:30 at the Doły Cemetery at ul. Sad in Łódź.
