Barbara Brylska, once a luminary of Polish cinema, has gradually faded from the public eye, leaving many to wonder about her current state. Once heralded as the "best export product of the Polish People's Republic (PRL)," Brylska's life took a tragic turn in May 1993 when her 17-year-old daughter, Barbara Kosmal, died in a car accident. This devastating loss marked the beginning of her withdrawal from the spotlight, as she struggled to cope with her grief while facing the challenges of a declining acting career.
According to Newsweek, Brylska learned of her daughter's death through a phone call, a moment that shattered her world. "Basia is dead! I don't want to live!" she reportedly cried, with her young son, Ludwik, pleading with her to find the strength to continue living for him. Despite her efforts to move forward, the film industry was reluctant to hire her, deeming her too grief-stricken for the set. Brylska's appearances in the media dwindled, eventually leading to her near-total silence.
In early 2025, rumors of Brylska's death circulated on social media, accompanied by sepia-toned images and emotional tributes. However, these claims were false; the actress Barbara Rylska had passed away, not Brylska. The Association of Polish Stage Artists (ZASP) issued a clarification, but the misinformation had already spread widely online, with many referring to Brylska as a "lamented loss of Polish cinema." This incident underscores the challenges Brylska faces in an era dominated by social media and sensationalism.
Adding to her distress, a tabloid published a fabricated interview titled "I Gave My Virginity to a Stranger," which further alienated her from the public. Following its publication, Brylska felt immense shame and withdrew from social interactions, leading to her near-total disappearance from public life. Daniel Olbrychski and Jerzy Zelnik, both fellow actors and friends, recounted their last interactions with Brylska in a recent interview. Zelnik noted, "I saw her at an anniversary party for the filming of 'Faraon.' She seemed distant, and we didn’t speak much." Olbrychski expressed concern, saying, "I’ve called Basia multiple times and invited her over, but she hasn’t responded. I know she has health issues and rarely leaves her home."
Reflecting on Brylska's past, Olbrychski recalled her as the "most beautiful girl" at the Warsaw PWST (National Academy of Dramatic Art) and shared anecdotes from their time together. They both studied in the same year, and he fondly remembered how he had a crush on her. Despite his shyness, he admired her talent and beauty. Brylska's journey into acting was not straightforward; she initially aspired to be a gymnast and later considered studying at the Academy of Fine Arts. However, her talent was recognized during a school play, leading her to pursue a career in acting.
Before attending PWST, Brylska briefly worked as a model and announcer for TVP, where she caught the attention of many. Her first marriage was to Jan Borowiec, an engineer much older than her. During her studies, she became involved with fellow student Jerzy Zelnik, who credited her with helping him secure a role in the iconic film "Faraon." Their relationship, however, did not last, and Brylska went on to achieve immense fame, becoming known as the "Polish Brigitte Bardot" due to her striking looks and talent.
Following the success of "Faraon," Brylska was celebrated as the best export product of the PRL. She starred in numerous films, including the cult classic "Ironia losu" (The Irony of Fate), for which she received the State Prize of the USSR, becoming the first foreign actress to achieve such recognition. Her role in the film endeared her to audiences in the former Soviet Union, where it remains a beloved New Year’s Eve tradition to this day.
Despite her success, Brylska's personal life was fraught with challenges. Her second husband, Ludwik Kosmal, found it difficult to cope with the pressures of her fame, which led to strains in their marriage. He turned to alcohol and extramarital affairs, feeling unappreciated in their relationship. Brylska, too, sought solace elsewhere, engaging in romances with other actors, including Bulgarian star Stefan Danailov and a younger man named Ruben. These relationships, however, were complicated by her rising fame and the scrutiny that came with it.
After the political changes in Poland in 1989, Brylska found fewer opportunities in Polish cinema, although she continued to be invited to festivals and events in Russia. In 1990, she met Liza, the ex-wife of director Juliusz Machulski, who encouraged her daughter, Basiunia, to pursue modeling. Basiunia found success in the fashion world, briefly living in Paris and working in Japan before returning to Poland.
Tragedy struck again in May 1993 when Basiunia was killed in a car accident while returning to Warsaw after filming. The news devastated Brylska, who had to navigate the profound grief while trying to support her young son, Ludwik. The loss of her daughter compounded the challenges she faced in her acting career, as she struggled to find roles that resonated with her after such a personal tragedy.
In the years following her daughter's death, Brylska's career saw a slight revival after 2000, but the roles remained scarce and unfulfilling. She appeared in a few television series, including "Na dobre i na złe" and "Samo życie," but her presence in the industry was diminished. Despite the challenges, she worked on projects like Bogusław Linda's film "Jasne błękitne okna," where her talent shone through. Yet, the world of social media and fake news continued to haunt her, as she struggled to cope with the misconceptions and rumors surrounding her life.
Today, Barbara Brylska remains a figure shrouded in mystery, with friends expressing concern for her well-being. Irena Strzałkowska, a longtime friend and producer, revealed that Brylska has health issues and rarely leaves her home. "We spoke a year ago, and she promised to reach out, but I haven’t heard from her since," Strzałkowska shared. As her son Ludwik navigates his own career in the automotive industry, he has vowed to pass along messages from friends, but Brylska has expressed reluctance to engage with the media, stating that her time in the public eye is over.
As fans and friends alike hope for her return, the story of Barbara Brylska serves as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies that can overshadow even the brightest stars.
