Jaroslava Pokorná

Jaroslava Pokorná, born on 2 August 1946 in Prague, then part of Czechoslovakia, is one of the most respected figures in Czech theatre and cinema. Over a career that began in the mid‑1960s, she has become renowned for her versatile portrayals, ranging from classical drama to contemporary social realism. She entered the professional world in 1965, quickly establishing herself on the stages of prominent Prague theatres where her intense emotional depth and meticulous character study earned her early acclaim. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s she balanced a demanding stage schedule with a growing presence in film, displaying a rare ability to shift seamlessly between the intimate constraints of the screen and the expansive demands of live performance. In 2005 she received the Best Actress prize at the Alfréd Radok Awards for her portrayal in The Wild Duck at Divadlo v Dlouhé, a role that highlighted her mastery of Henrik Ibsen’s complex female characters. Her television work also garnered critical attention, most notably her supporting performance in the 2013 HBO‑Czech mini‑series Burning Bush, which earned her a Czech Lion award for Best Supporting Actress. Later, she continued to appear in significant Czech productions such as Boredom in Brno (2003) and the internationally praised film Charlatan (2020), proving her enduring relevance in a rapidly evolving industry. Beyond accolades, Pokorná is celebrated for mentoring younger actors, often conducting workshops and sharing her extensive knowledge of the craft. Her dedication to both art and community has made her a cultural ambassador for Czech performing arts, and her legacy continues to inspire audiences and fellow artists alike.