If he were alive, he would be 90 years old on January 17. Jerzy Turek is one of the most beloved Polish actors, and his roles entertain subsequent generations of viewers. The unforgettable coach Jarząbek from “Miś”, the abrupt Zenon Solski from “Kogla Mogla” and the cheerful postman Józef from “Złotopolski” have permanently become a part of Polish cinematography. The actor avoided publicity by creating characteristic supporting characters. More texts about cult Polish films can be found on the home page
He became an actor by accident. Together with Wojciech Pokora
Jerzy Turek was born on January 17, 1934 in Tchórzowa in Masovia, and although from an early age he had a dream of an acting career, he did not fully believe in its fulfillment. His life was decided by chance – he worked at the Passenger Car Factory and studied at a technical school together with another unforgettable actor, Wojciech Pokora. Their superior noticed their talent on stage and offered them employment in an amateur theater. From there it was a short walk to the State Higher School of Acting in Warsaw. And to think that they were thinking about a military career…
Working with the greatest. Kutz “taught” him acting
Turek made his debut on the big screen in 1957 with an episodic role in Andrzej Munk’s “Eroica”. However, as he himself claimed, the real beginning of his career was his performance in “Krzyż Waleczny” by Kazimierz Kutz. Years later, he spoke of him with great respect, thanking him for teaching him what real cinema was all about. They also cooperated with, among others: with “Men on the Train” and “Tarpans”.
His innate modesty and conscientiousness made working with him a real pleasure. Turek himself called himself a “utility actor”, being aware that not every role was meant for him, e.g. that of lovers. After many years, he himself admitted that he loves playing episodic roles, especially comedy ones, for which we remember him the most. A plumber from “Rzeczpospolita Babska”, a supplier in “I don’t like Monday”, and above all, Wacław Jarząbek, a second-class coach at the “Tęcza” sports club in “Miś”, with his famous sung line, brought him great fame.
When I got this role, I thought: stupid Stasiek, he invented some idiot singing into the closet. But the truth is that there are plenty of such people in life
– Years later, he confessed about his involvement in Bareja’s cult work in one of the interviews
A happy marriage was interrupted by tragedy. Nobody expected this
Despite roles that made viewers laugh, his private life was far from idyllic. He and his wife Bolesława (called Lisia by the actor) met in the 1950s. Ambitious and hard-working Lisia fell in love with Jerzy’s innate optimism, so marriage was only a matter of time. They said their sacramental “yes” in October 1962. Less than a year and a half later, they had two twins – Piotr and Paweł. The following years were filled with joy and great love, which were unfortunately interrupted by a great family tragedy.
Jerzy Turek on the set of ‘Ryś’ with Stanisław Tym Photo Bartosz Bobkowski / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
In 1977, their son Paweł passed away suddenly. Although doctors in the Warsaw hospital did everything they could, they failed to save him. “I was a completely different person until I was forty. My son died. At the age of thirteen. One of the twins. Since then, my life has changed terribly. I have to walk with such a hump until I die. I won’t come to terms with it until the end.” – Jerzy Turek confessed years later in the book “Film mixture. Conversations and literary sketches”.
Almost half a century together. The actor’s farewell
Although the marriage was a huge blow, they survived the worst with great support. They also changed their residential address, which was inevitably associated with this painful loss. The actor had bad moments, especially during Martial Law, when he had difficulties with work, but the end of the 1980s belonged to him again. Roman Załuski invited him to participate in the cult “Koglu Moglu”. The following years passed in harmony, and Turek continued to delight viewers with his unforgettable roles. The artist died of leukemia on February 14, 2010 in Kobyłka near Warsaw. He was 76 years old.
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.
