The legendary Czech actress Iva Janžurová had her 85th birthday on Tuesday, May 19. She celebrated her jubilee on the stage of the National Theater in Prague. She introduced herself in the classic by Karel Jaromír Erben Kytic, in the role of Hana in the ballad Štedrý deň. The still active actress does not take her health lightly and underwent a thorough medical examination under the guidance of cardiologist prof. Petra Neužilwrites the Czech portal.
Janžurová only recently struggled with an unpleasant virus, for which she canceled the tour show. Apparently, this is also why it was placed in the hands of experts. “I was in the hospital, my knees are still shaking,” admitted the jubilant already on Sunday after the performance of Jezinka and bezinka in Studio DVA. It should not be forgotten that the actress underwent heart valve surgery in 2016, exactly ten years ago. Fortunately, this important organ is fine.
Crazy work pace
The actress belongs to the legends of Czechoslovak and Czech film, television and theater. Her natural demeanor and acting talent are used equally in comedic, dramatic and psychological situations. She appeared in the film for the first time in the early 60s. After several episodic roles, the director Karel Kachyňa gave her a big opportunity in the war drama Kočár do Vídne (1966), where she played the main role.
Followed by the comedies Wedding as a Belt (1967), Pension for Bachelors (1967), I Killed Einstein, Gentlemen… (1969), Worlds (1969), Sir, You’re a Widow! (1969), Four Murders Are Enough, Darling (1970) or The Straw Hat (1971). She also appeared in dramatic films such as Kerosene Lamps (1971), Morgiana (1972) and The Fall of Icarus (1977).
Janžur’s popularity with the Czech and Slovak audiences developed intensively from the first film and theater characters, which were characterized by refined dynamics, penetration into the essence of character, comic drawing and a strong sense of situational and verbal humor. “I was lucky to have great people, authors and directors. Today I don’t understand how I was able to shoot one film after another, series for television and still play in the Vinohrady Theater,” said the actress.
From theater roles she stood out as Jana (Skřivánek, 1965), Josefína (Josefína, 1970), Regina (Lištičky, 1980), Elmíra (Tartuffe, 1980), Malva (Goodbye, Socrates, 1991), Winnie (Happy Days, 1998) or Elizabeth II. (Audience with the Queen, 2015). The five seasons at the Vinohrady Theater between 1965 and 1970 represent the most artistically fruitful and successful period of her entire career.
Iva Janžurová was born on May 19, 1941 in the South Bohemian town of Žirovnice. Father Josef and mother Ludmila taught at the local elementary school. Iva was their youngest child, she had two older brothers. The father was a volunteer, he organized and directed the amateur theater in Žirnovík, and little Iva was present at the rehearsals, which also took place at their home, or at the performances themselves, and naturally absorbed the atmosphere of theater production.
In 1955, she started attending the secondary boarding school in České Budějovice, but in the end her love for the theater won; in 1963 she graduated from the Prague Theater Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts (DAMU). After a one-year engagement at the FX Šaldu Theater in Liberec, she became a leading member of the Vinohrady Theater in 1964, where she worked until the mid-1980s. Since 1988, she has been a member of the drama company of the National Theater in Prague.
Despite her indisputable talent for dramatic roles, in the 1970s and 1980s she became one of the most frequently cast Czech actresses in predominantly comedic films – Where the sun doesn’t go (1971), Marečka, hand me the pen! (1976), We’ll Spin It Tomorrow Darling…! (1976), How about having some spinach (1977) or What’s at home counts, gentlemen (1980). His popularity was also brought to him by his appearance in the television series Hospital on the outskirts of the city (1981).
In the past period, she made a name for herself in characterful films such as Trip (2002), Half Time of Decay (2007), Tiger Theory (2016), The Terrorist (2019), Big Premiere (2022) and Mr. Actor’s Somersaults (2024).
Famous daughters follow in her footsteps
In 1968, Janžurová was married to cameraman Jan Eisner for half a year. Then her lifelong partner was the theater director and actor Stanislav Remunda, with whom she has two daughters – Sabina Remundová (1972) and Theodora Remundová (1974). Both also work in the film and theater industry. Theodora filmed the documentary portrait Janžurka (2024) about her mother’s life and work.
During her rich career, Janžurová received many awards. At the International Festival of Fantastic Films in Trieste, Italy, she was awarded the Silver Asteroid for her performance in the film Sir, you are a widow! (1970). She is the recipient of two Czech Lions for the best female lead performance in the films Co chytneš v zíte (1998) and Výlet (2002). She also won the Best Actress Award at the Sochi International Film Festival for her role in Ene bene (2000).
At the 50th International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, she was awarded the Crystal Globe for Lifetime Achievement. In 2006, the President of the Czech Republic awarded her the Medal for Merit II. degree. In 2008, she received the Zlatá črievička award at the Zlín Film Festival for her extraordinary contribution to cinematography for children and youth. In 2021, she received the Thalia Award for Lifetime Achievement in Drama (2021). Iva Janžurová compiled her life and professional memories into a biographical book with the writer Peter Mack.
