She had been waiting for the role of a lifetime for almost 20 years. When she starred in “Themselves”, her marriage was in ruins

Maria Zbyszewska was born on April 30, 1925 in Warsaw. Her mother was a musician, and her father was a respected actor and director. They also passed on their love of art to their daughter, who decided to follow in their footsteps professionally. Just after the war, she passed her external examination and appeared on the professional stage for the first time. That’s when he appeared in her life.

Zbyszewska took care of the house, Benoit developed his career. Years later, the roles were reversed

They were united by a common passion, and many hours of conversations about art made them quickly become a couple. After a few months of dating, they got engaged, and in 1947 they swore their love and fidelity to each other in front of the altar. When their son Mariusz was born three years later, the actress decided to raise him. At that time, Benoit graduated from the Łódź Film School and was developing his career dynamically, appearing in theaters and on screen.

Some time later, Zbyszewska started working at the Rozmaitości Theater in Wrocław, and although the audience was very fond of her, the world of film was not open to her. This changed only when she met on the set of the drama “Agnieszka 46”. The director immediately noticed her potential and talent, and since he was in the process of assembling the cast for , he suggested that she appear at the casting. And that’s how it started.

“Sami swoi” opened the door to Zbyszewska’s career. Her role in the cult comedy ruined her marriage

Although she didn’t have many expectations, the test photos turned out to be a real breakthrough for her, as she received the role of Mania, the main character’s wife. However, Benoit did not share her joy, claiming that she should focus on her family. As soon as she entered the set of the comedy, their marriage began to undergo a serious crisis. The actor felt neglected and constantly complained that he was not given enough time and attention. Finally, he began to seek comfort in the arms of other women, and this is how his relationship with Jadwiga Jędrzejczak began, for whom he ultimately abandoned his wife and son.

Zbyszewska tried to save the marriage, several times she even asked him to change his mind, promising to forgive him for his betrayal. However, Benoit was adamant and ultimately the 20-year relationship ended in divorce. Later, no other man appeared in the actress’s life. After “Themselves”, she starred in two more parts, and then focused on working in the theater and working as a teacher at the puppet department of the Krakow State Theater School. She devoted her free time to her son, who decided to follow in his parents’ footsteps. She died unexpectedly on July 9, 1985, at the age of only 60. Ludwik Benoit, in turn, died at the age of 72 on November 4, 1992.