In the 1960s, she was one of the most promising young actresses. She has participated in the productions of the most outstanding Polish artists, and the door to her career was open to her. When she received an offer to play in Aleksander Ford’s film, she believed that the role of Danusia would make her a great star.
She made her screen debut as a student. The film “Krzyżacy” was supposed to be a ticket to a great career for her
When Grażyna Staniszewska made her screen debut, she was still a student at the Warsaw theater school. At that time, she received the role of Jadwiga in the film “Szkice węglem” directed by Antoni Bohdziewicz. Later, she played with Kazimierz Kutz in “Krzyż Waleczeń” or in the cult drama “Ashes and Diamonds”. When receiving her diploma in 1960, she was already one of the most promising actresses in Polish cinematography.
Soon after, work began on the film adaptation of one of Henryk Sienkiewicz’s novels. New faces and young artists were sought for the project. In this way, the newly minted acting graduate was offered a role in , and the film was to be her ticket to a great career. She agreed, and the director, Aleksander Ford, entrusted her with the role of Danusia Jurandówna.
The role of Danusia in “Teutonic Knights” was her curse. She ended her career due to lack of prospects
Staniszewska hoped that by playing with a creator so respected in the industry, she would receive many different tips that would help her create the character of Danusia. However, the expectations were far from reality. Ford did not interfere with her visions or ideas, only occasionally interjecting his small remarks or suggestions. — Danusia must have had a face, someone’s figure. I lent her mine, and that was pretty much where my acting contribution ended. Ford did not impose anything, he only spoke when he was dissatisfied with something – years later an actress. Despite fears, the then 24-year-old Staniszewska played extremely credibly. When the film hit theaters and began to break records of popularity, critics raved about her role.
Although it seemed that for the young actress it would be a pass to great fame, in fact the movie “Teutonic Knights” turned out to be her biggest curse and she did not appear on the screen for the next 13 years. When Janusz Majewski entrusted her with a supporting role in the drama Jealousy and Medicine, she believed that her fate would change, but the reality turned out to be brutal. For the next 16 years, Staniszewska played only a film episode and an insignificant role in the series. Then she played one of the third-plan characters in “Lava” by Tadeusz Konwicki and, resigned to the lack of success, officially ended her career.
Grażyna Staniszewska died on March 4, 2018. At the time of her death, the actress was 81 years old.
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
