Jerzy Trela

Jerzy Józef Trela was a celebrated Polish actor whose career spanned more than five decades, making him one of the most respected figures in Polish theatre and cinema. Born on 14 March 1942 in Leńcze, then part of the General Government, he grew up during a turbulent period that would later inform the depth and gravitas of his performances. After graduating from the prestigious Ludwik Solski Academy of Dramatic Art in Kraków, Trela quickly became a fixture on the stage of The Old Theatre (Narodowy Stary Teatr im. Heleny Modrzejewskiej) where his powerful presence and nuanced interpretations earned him critical acclaim. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he took on an impressive range of roles, from classic Polish dramas to contemporary works, demonstrating a versatility that would define his later film work. In addition to his stage achievements, Trela cultivated a distinguished film career, appearing in notable productions such as Man of Iron (1981), Danton (1983), and the internationally acclaimed Three Colours: White (1994). His performance in Quo Vadis (2001) garnered him the Polish Film Award Eagle for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his status as a leading screen talent.
Beyond acting, Trela devoted himself to education, serving as a professor and later rector of his alma mater, where he mentored a new generation of actors and contributed to the development of Poland’s dramatic arts curriculum. His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gold Medal "Gloria Artis". Even in his later years, Trela remained active, appearing in Ida (2013) and The Elements of Sasza – Fire (2020), proving that his artistic vitality never waned. His legacy endures through his vast body of work and the countless students he inspired.