Jan Libíček

Born in Zlín, Jan Libíček remains one of the most beloved Czech actors—a master of tragicomic roles and an unforgettable performer known for his kind face, which often hid a complex inner world. He linked his acting career with the most famous era of the Divadlo Na zábradlí, where he excelled in Theatre of the Absurd under the direction of Jan Grossman. It was Grossman himself who personally chose Libíček for the iconic role of King Ubu. Later, he became a pillar of the Prague City Theatres ensemble. Although film audiences adore him as the bricklayer in Men about Town (Světáci), the psychologist in the comedy You Are a Widow, Sir!, or the tutor in the cult fairy tale Three Wishes for Cinderella, his heart belonged to the stage. There, he could unleash an incredible range of emotions—from childlike naivety to chilling cruelty—as evidenced by his career-defining performance in King Ubu.