Famous Polish Film & Theater Personalities

Polish-French film director, producer, writer, and actor Roman Polanski is a popular yet controversial figure. He has made several critically acclaimed films and has received six Oscar nominations. He has been accused of sexual abuse by numerous women and is a subject of an Interpol red notice issued for his arrest.

Polish fantasy author Andrzej Sapkowski is best known for his widely translated iconic book series The Witcher, which has also been made into a Netflix series. While he initially studied economics and worked as a sales representative, he soared to fame with the short story Wiedźmin, which later became The Witcher.

Polish-Swedish actress, singer, and model, Izabella Scorupco, played Bond girl Natalya Simonova in the James Bond film GoldenEye, for which she gained international fame. She began her career as a model in the late 1980s and appeared on the cover of Vogue. She then started acting as well. A music lover, she also had a brief singing career.

Morgane Polanski is a French-Polish model and actress, best known for her portrayal of Princess Gisla in the historical fantasy drama TV series, Vikings. The daughter of filmmaker Roman Polanski and actress Emmanuelle Seigner, Morgane Polanski followed in the footsteps of her parents to establish herself in the entertainment industry.

Well-educated and well-traveled, John III Sobieski initially joined the Swedes as a soldier, in opposing Polish ruler John Casimir. He then switched to the Polish side. He gradually rose through the ranks to become a grand marshal and a grand-hetman, and eventually became the king of Poland.

Polish actress, dancer, film producer and environmental activist Izabella Miko is noted for starring in the films Coyote Ugly and The Forsaken and in the music videos Mr. Brightside and Miss Atomic Bomb by The Killers. She debuted as film producer with Desert Dancer. She runs the eco foundation called EkoMiko and has a sustainable candle line called EkoMiko Candles.

Ingrid Pitt was a Polish-British actress best remembered for her performance in popular horror films of the 1970s: The Vampire Lovers and Countess Dracula among others. She also had a prolific writing career; apart from publishing novels, Ingrid Pitt also wrote columns for magazines like Shivers.

Known as a rebellious director, Polish filmmaker Andrzej Zulawski compromised on mainstream success to create a niche audience in the European art-house circle. His second film, Diabel, which depicted rape, violence, and bloodshed, was banned in Poland. He later moved to France, making films such as L’Important C’est d’Aimer.

Best known for his portrayal of Frank Pickle in the British sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, John Bluthal was a veteran Polish-born Australian comedian and actor. He had an illustrious career in the UK and had appeared in a number of Carry On and Pink Panther movies.

Kasia Smutniak began her modeling career at 15. The Polish-Italian actor-model was initially known for her campaigns for the Italian phone company TIM. Known for her roles such as that of Caroline in the action-thriller From Paris with Love, she also boasts of a glider pilot's license.

Wojciech Kilar was a Polish composer whose film scores earned him several prestigious honors, including the Louis Delluc Prize for his work in the 1980 traditionally-animated film The King and the Mockingbird. He achieved international fame for his work in Bram Stoker's Dracula. He also received the César Award for his work in the 2002 war drama film The Pianist.

Andrzej Bogucki was a Polish actor, operetta singer, and songwriter. He is best remembered for his efforts to save the life of Polish Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman during World War II when Poland was occupied by the Nazis. Andrzej Bogucki and his wife were honored with the Righteous Among the Nations award in 1978 for their actions during the war.