Today, the director’s comedy series “Zmiennicy” is considered a cult classic. The premiere of the first episode took place on TVP1 in mid-October 1987, and continuations appeared continuously until February 1988, attracting millions of viewers. It is currently available on .
His role in “Substitutes” brought him nationwide recognition. How did his career start?
One of the main characters in the production was Marian Koniuszko, a Warsaw taxi driver, the son of the head of the “Bory Tucholskie” company. He was famous for his funny sayings and the fact that he was addicted to the so-called compote. He was created on screen by Marcel Szytenchelm. The actor was born in Gdynia, but he associated his professional life with Łódź. Earlier, however, he successfully passed the exam for drama actors in Warsaw. He then received the highest instructor category from the Ministry of Culture and Art. After some time, he also took the external examination of the Association of Polish Stage Artists, obtaining the title of drama director.
Szytenchelm made his debut in 1978 in the melodrama “Akwarele”. Later, he appeared many times on both the small and big screen, playing mainly episodic roles. He has participated in productions such as “Escape from Beloved Places”, “Chancellor”, “Gdańsk 39”, “Cynga”, “Family Company”. TV viewers may recognize him from his roles in popular films, including: “The World According to the Kiepskis” or “Commissioner Alex”.
Szytenchelm is not only an actor. What else did he do?
In recent years, Marcel Szytenchelm has slowed down his professional pace a bit. He last appeared on screen in 2019 in one of the episodes. It must be admitted that since “The Substitutes” it has undergone quite a metamorphosis. This is no wonder, however, because 34 years have passed since the series ended.
Marcel Szytenchelm Piotr Molecki/East News
Over the years of his career, Szytenchelm has fulfilled himself not only as an actor, but also as a theater director and cultural animator. It was on his initiative that the celebration of Tuwim’s Day and Reymont’s Day began. He was involved in the creation of many monuments belonging to the Gallery of Great People of Łódź on Piotrkowska Street, and is also the originator of the famous Tuwim’s Bench. For these and many other activities, in 2004 the Mayor of £ód¼ honored him with an award, and in 2023 he also received the silver Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture.
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.
