Janusz Gajos (; born 23 September 1939) is a Polish film, television and theatre actor as well as pedagogue and photographer. Professor of Theatre Arts and an

Honorary Doctor An honorary degree is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived all of the usual requirements. It is also known by the Latin phrases ''honoris causa'' ("for the sake of the honour") or '' ad hon ...

of the

National Film School in Łódź National may refer to: Common uses * Nation or country ** Nationality – a ''national'' is a person who is subject to a nation, regardless of whether the person has full rights as a citizen Places in the United States * National, Maryland, ce ...

, he is considered one of the greatest Polish actors.

Life and career

He was born in

Dąbrowa Górnicza Dąbrowa Górnicza is a city in Zagłębie Dąbrowskie, southern Poland, near Katowice and Sosnowiec. It is located in eastern part of the Silesian Voivodeship, on the Czarna Przemsza and Biała Przemsza rivers (tributaries of the Vistula, see ...

. At the age of 11, he moved to

Będzin Będzin (; also ''Bendzin'' in English; german: Bendzin; yi, בענדין, Bendin) is a city in the Dąbrowa Basin, in southern Poland. It lies in the Silesian Highlands, on the Czarna Przemsza River (a tributary of the Vistula). Even though par ...

where in 1957, he graduated from the High School No 3. In 1965 he graduated from the

as one of its best students despite having been rejected during entrance exams three times. He debuted while he was still in film school in

children's film A children's film, or family film, is a film genre that contains children or relates to them in the context of home and family. Children's films are made specifically for children and not necessarily for a general audience, while family films are ...

Panienka z okienka ''Panienka z okienka'' is a 1964 Polish romance film directed by Maria Kaniewska. Cast * Pola Raksa as Hedwiga / Marysia Kalinowska * Jadwiga Chojnacka as Mina - maid * Aleksandra Karzyńska as Mrs. Flora * Halina Kossobudzka as Salomea Korycka ...

'' directed by

Maria Kaniewska Maria Kaniewska (27 May 1911 in Kiev - 11 December 2005 in Warsaw)''Maria Kaniewska''
at the Filmpolski Datab ...

in 1964. Shortly afterwards he was cast in a role of Janek Kos in a widely popular TV

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

series ''

Czterej pancerni i pies ''Four Tank-Men and a Dog'' (Polish: ''Czterej pancerni i pies'', ) was a Polish black and white TV series based on the book by Janusz Przymanowski. Made between 1966 and 1970, the series is composed of 21 episodes of 55 minutes each, divided ...

'' (''Four Tank Men and a Dog''). He starred in numerous other films and theatrical plays, notably in

Krzysztof Kieślowski Krzysztof Kieślowski (; 27 June 1941 – 13 March 1996) was a Polish film director and screenwriter. He is known internationally for ''Dekalog'' (1989), ''The Double Life of Veronique'' (1991), and the ''Three Colours'' trilogy (1993 –1994) ...

's '' Three Colors: White'',

Ryszard Bugajski Ryszard Bugajski (27 April 1943 – 7 June 2019) was a Polish film director and screenwriter. He directed 23 films and television shows since 1972. His 1982 film ''Interrogation'' starring Krystyna Janda and Adam Ferency, described as "the ...

's ''

Interrogation Interrogation (also called questioning) is interviewing as commonly employed by law enforcement officers, military personnel, intelligence agencies, organized crime syndicates, and terrorist organizations with the goal of eliciting useful informa ...

'',

Andrzej Wajda Andrzej Witold Wajda (; 6 March 1926 – 9 October 2016) was a Polish film and theatre director. Recipient of an Honorary Oscar, the Palme d'Or, as well as Honorary Golden Lion and Honorary Golden Bear Awards, he was a prominent member of the ...

's ''

Man of Marble ''Man of Marble'' ( pl, Człowiek z marmuru) is a 1977 Polish film directed by Andrzej Wajda. It chronicles the fall from grace of a fictional heroic Polish bricklayer, Mateusz Birkut (played by Jerzy Radziwiłowicz), who became the Stakhanovite s ...

'',

Wojciech Marczewski Wojciech Szczęsny Marczewski (born 28 February 1944) is a Polish film director and screenwriter. He directed twelve films between 1968 and 2001. His 1981 film ''Dreszcze'' won the Silver Bear - Special Jury Prize at the 32nd Berlin Internati ...

's ''

Escape from the 'Liberty' Cinema ''Escape from the 'Liberty' Cinema'' ( pl, Ucieczka z kina "Wolność") is a 1990 Polish drama film directed by Wojciech Marczewski. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. Cast * Janusz Gajos - The ...

'',

Władysław Pasikowski Władysław Pasikowski (; born 14 June 1959 in Łódź, Poland) is a Polish film director and screenwriter. He made his debut film, Kroll, in 1991, which was honored with the Polish Film Festival prize for his debut and the Special Jury Prize. ...

's ''

Pigs The pig (''Sus domesticus''), often called swine, hog, or domestic pig when distinguishing from other members of the genus '' Sus'', is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is variously considered a subspecies of ''Sus s ...

'', Andrzej Wajda's '' The Revenge'',

Małgorzata Szumowska Małgorzata Szumowska (; born 26 February 1973) is a Poles, Polish film director, screenwriter and producer, born in Kraków. Her 2013 film ''In the Name Of (film), In the Name Of'' received the Teddy Award for Best Feature at the 63rd Berlin In ...

's ''

Body Body may refer to: In science * Physical body, an object in physics that represents a large amount, has mass or takes up space * Body (biology), the physical material of an organism * Body plan, the physical features shared by a group of anima ...

'' and

Wojciech Smarzowski Wojciech Smarzowski (born 18 January 1963 in Korczyna, Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Korczyna near Krosno) is a Polish screenwriter and director. He studied filmmaking at the Jagiellonian University and the National Film School in Łódź (1990). His ...

's ''

Clergy Clergy are formal leaders within established religions. Their roles and functions vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the ter ...

''. He performed in numerous theatres throughout his acting career including Stefan Jaracz Theatre in

Łódź Łódź, also rendered in English as Lodz, is a city in central Poland and a former industrial centre. It is the capital of Łódź Voivodeship, and is located approximately south-west of Warsaw. The city's coat of arms is an example of canti ...

as well as the Komedia Theatre, Polish Theatre, Kwadrat, the Dramatic Theatre and the National Theatre in

Warsaw Warsaw ( pl, Warszawa, ), officially the Capital City of Warsaw,, abbreviation: ''m.st. Warszawa'' is the capital and largest city of Poland. The metropolis stands on the River Vistula in east-central Poland, and its population is officia ...

. In 2003, he became an academic teacher at the National Film School in Łódź. He is also known for performing in popular Olga Lipińska's Cabaret. In 2010, he officially endorsed the candidacy of

Bronisław Komorowski Bronisław Maria Komorowski (; born 4 June 1952) is a Polish politician and historian who served as President of Poland from 2010 to 2015. Komorowski served as Minister of Defence from 2000 to 2001. As Marshal of the Sejm, Komorowski exercised ...

in the 2010 Polish Presidential Elections as well as the 2015 Polish Presidential Elections. In 2007, he received the Golden

Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are presented as awards. They may be int ...

. In 2011, he was awarded the Commander's Cross with Star of the

Order of Polonia Restituta The Order of Polonia Restituta ( pl, Order Odrodzenia Polski, en, Order of Restored Poland) is a Polish state decoration, state Order (decoration), order established 4 February 1921. It is conferred on both military and civilians as well as on al ...

. He is a five-time winner of the

Polish Film Awards Polish Film Award, or Eagle ( pl, Polska Nagroda Filmowa, „Orzeł”) is a film awards ceremony given annually since 1999, with the first event held on 21 June, by the National Chamber of Audiovisual Producers (KIPA). Since 2003 they are given ...

including the Polish Film Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2016.

Filmography

* '' Solid Gold'' (2019), as CBŚ officer Nowicki * ''

'' (2018), as archbishop Mordowicz * '' Kamerdyner'' (2018), as Bazyli Miotke * ''

Breaking the Limits Breaking the Limits ( pl, Najlepszy) is a 2017 Polish biographical film directed by Łukasz Palkowski about the life of Jerzy Górski. The film stars Jakub Gierszał as Górski. Film shows how Gorski manage to win the double Iron Man triathlon a ...

'' (2017) * ''

Blindness Visual impairment, also known as vision impairment, is a medical definition primarily measured based on an individual's better eye visual acuity; in the absence of treatment such as correctable eyewear, assistive devices, and medical treatment� ...

'' (2016) * ''

'' (2015) * ''

The Closed Circuit ''The Closed Circuit'' ( pl, Układ zamknięty) is a 2013 Polish action film directed by Ryszard Bugajski. History The writers of ''The Closed Circuit'', Michał Pruski and Mirosław Piepka, were inspired by the true story of businessmen stru ...

'' * '' Ekipa'', as former

Prime Minister A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister is not ...

Henryk Nowasz * ''

Pitbull Pit bull is a term used in the United States for a type of dog descended from bulldogs and terriers, while in other countries such as the United Kingdom the term is used as an abbreviation of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed. The term was f ...

'' (2005) * ''

Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...

'' (2004/II) (TV), as Claudius * '' Zemsta'' (2002) ''The Revenge'', as

Cześnik A cup-bearer was historically an officer of high rank in royal courts, whose duty was to pour and serve the drinks at the royal table. On account of the constant fear of plots and intrigues (such as poisoning), a person must have been regarded as ...

Raptusiewicz * ''

Chopin. Pragnienie miłości ''Chopin: Desire for Love'' ( pl, Chopin. Pragnienie miłości) is a film created by the director Jerzy Antczak based on the life story of the Polish pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin. The plot covers the affair between Chopin and feminist ...

'' (2002) ''Chopin: Desire for Love'', as Duke Konstanty Pawlowicz * ''

Tam i z powrotem TAM may refer to: Biology * Thioacetamide, an organosulfur compound * Tumor-associated macrophage, a class of immune cells * Transparent Anatomical Manikin, an educational model Technology * Tanque Argentino Mediano, the main battle tank of Arge ...

'' (2002) ''There and Back'', as Andrzej Hoffman * '' Przedwiośnie'' (2001) ''The Spring to Come'', as Seweryn Baryka * '' Weiser'' (2001), as Antiquarian * '' Żółty szalik'' (2000) (TV) * '' To ja, złodziej'' (2000) ''It's Me, the Thief'', as Roman Wyskocz * ''

Ostatnia misja ''Ostatnia misja'' ("The Last Mission") is a Polish film directed by Wojciech Wójcik. It was filmed in 1999, from 6 January to 1 March. The band O.N.A. created the music for the film. Cast * Peter J. Lucas – Andrzej Kostynowicz * Janusz Ga ...

'' (2000) ''The Last Mission'', as Police Inspector * '' Egzekutor'' (1999), as Kowalik * '' Fuks'' (1999), as Policeman * ''

Szczęśliwego Nowego Jorku ''Szczęśliwego Nowego Jorku'' (lit. ''Happy New York,'' also titled as ''Merry Christmas and a Happy New York''

'' (1997) ''Happy New York'', as Professor * ''

Czas zdrady ''Czas zdrady'' (Time of Betrayal) is a Polish historical film directed by Wojciech Marczewski. It was released in 1997. Cast * Janusz Gajos as Machiavelli Niccolo * Jerzy Radziwiłowicz Jerzy Radziwiłowicz (; born 8 September 1950) is ...

'' (1997), as Messer Niccolo * '' Poznań 56'' (1996), as Professor * '' Akwarium'' (1996) * '' Łagodna'' (1995) ''A Gentle Woman'', as He * '' Śmierć jak kromka chleba'' (1994) ''Death like a Slice of Bread'', as Miodek * '' Trzy kolory: Biały'' (1994) ''Three Colors: White'', as Mikolaj * '' Straszny sen Dzidziusia Górkiewicza'' (1993) ''The Terrible Dream of Babyface Gorkiewicz'' * ''

Szwadron ''Szwadron'' is a Polish historical film directed by Juliusz Machulski. It was released in 1993. The film was selected as the Polish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 66th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee. Plot Pe ...

'' (1993) ''Squadron'' * '' Coupable d'innocence'' (1992) ''When Reason Sleeps'' * ''

Psy Park Jae-sang (, ; born December 31, 1977), known professionally as Psy (stylized in all caps as PSY) (; ; ), is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Psy is known domestically for his humorous videos and stage per ...

'' (1992) ''Pigs'', as Gross * '' Ucieczka z kina 'Wolność''' (1991) ''Escape From the 'Liberty' Cinema'', as Cenzor * '' Stan wewnętrzny'' (1990) ''Inner State'' * ''

Dekalog ''Dekalog'' (, also known as ''Dekalog: The Ten Commandments'' and ''The Decalogue'') is a 1988 Polish drama television miniseries directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski and co-written by Kieślowski with Krzysztof Piesiewicz, with music by Zbignie ...

'' (1989) ''The Decalogue'' (mini) TV Series, as Michal * '' Piłkarski poker'' (1989) ''Soccer Poker'', as Referee Jan Laguna * '' Dekalog, cztery'' (1988) (TV) ''Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother'', as Michal * ''

Big Bang The Big Bang event is a physical theory that describes how the universe expanded from an initial state of high density and temperature. Various cosmological models of the Big Bang explain the evolution of the observable universe from the ...

'' (1986) (TV), as Janek * '' Hamlet we wsi Głucha Dolna'' (1985) (TV) * '' Rok spokojnego słońca'' (1984) ''The Year of the Quiet Sun'', as Moonlighter * ' (1984) ''After Your Decrees'', as Driver * ''

Alternatywy 4 Alternatywy 4 (; "4 Alternative Street") is a Polish comedy TV series that was completed in 1983 and, due to the censorship, first aired only in 1986. Many famous Polish actors appeared in the series. The filming location used in ''Alternatywy 4'' ...

'' (1983) TV Series, as Jan Winnicki * '' Gwiezdny pył'' (1982) * '' Limuzyna Daimler-Benz'' (1982) ''The Consul'', as Kuschmerek * '' Nieciekawa historia'' (1982) ''Uninteresting Story'' * '' Przesłuchanie'' (1982) ''Interrogation'', as Major Zawada "Kapielowy" * ' (1981) ''Z dalekiego kraju'' * ''

Człowiek z żelaza ''Man of Iron'' ( pl, Człowiek z żelaza) is a 1981 film directed by Andrzej Wajda. It depicts the Solidarity labour movement and its first success in persuading the Polish government to recognize the workers' right to an independent union. Th ...

'' (1981) ''Man of Iron'', as Committee vice-chairman * '' Wahadełko'' (1981) Shilly-Shally * '' Wojna światów - następne stulecie'' (1981) ''The War of the World: Next Century '' * '' Dyrygent'' (1980) ''Orchestra Conductor'', as High Official * ' (1980) ''The Contract'', as Boleslaw Bartoszuk * ''

Kung-Fu Chinese martial arts, often called by the umbrella terms kung fu (; ), kuoshu () or wushu (), are multiple fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in Greater China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common ...

'' (1979), as Editor-in-Chief Maciek * '' Co mi zrobisz, jak mnie złapiesz?'' (1978) ''What Will You Do When You Catch Me?'', as Supermarket Manager * ' (1978) ''Millionaire'', as Józef Mikula * ''

Mgła Mgła (; en, "Fog") is a Polish black metal band from Kraków, formed in 2000. The duo consists of vocalist, guitarist and bassist M. (Mikołaj Żentara) and drummer Darkside (Maciej Kowalski). The band has released four albums and began per ...

'' (1976) ''The Fog'' * '' Wakacje z duchami'' (1970) TV Series, as Antoniusz * '' Bicz boży'' (1967) ''God's Whip'', as Klen * '' Stajnia na Salwatorze'' (1967) ''Stall on Salvador'' * ''

Bariera ''Barrier'' ( pl, Bariera) is a Polish drama film directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, released in 1966. The hero quits his studies, resolving to seek social advancement by any means. A new girlfriend changes his mind. (in Polish) Details * Title ...

'' (1966) ''Barrier'' (uncredited), as Tram Driver with Letter "E" * ''

'' (1966) TV Series, as Pvt./Cpl./Sgt./Lt. Jan Kos * ''

Szyfry ''The Codes'' is the English title for ''Szyfry'', a Polish film released in 1966 in film, 1966, directed by Wojciech Has. Plot Tadeusz (Jan Kreczmar) is a Polish veteran of World War II who fled to London at the end of the war, leaving behind h ...

'' (1966) ''The Codes'', as White monk * ''

'' (1964)

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Gajos, Janusz People from Dąbrowa Górnicza 1939 births Living people Gajos Polish cabaret performers Polish male stage actors Polish male film actors Polish male television actors 20th-century Polish male actors Recipients of the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis Recipients of the Gold Cross of Merit (Poland) Commanders with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta

Life and career

Filmography

See also

References

External links