Jadwiga Jankowska-Cieślak, a celebrated figure in Polish theater and film, has passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy marked by groundbreaking performances and significant accolades. Born in Gdańsk and a graduate of the Warsaw PWST (now known as AT), Jankowska-Cieślak made her debut under the direction of Kazimierz Dejmek, quickly establishing herself as a formidable talent in the performing arts.
Her early career was highlighted by a significant achievement while still a student, when she received the Zbigniew Cybulski Award for her role in "Trzeba zabić tę miłość" directed by Janusz Morgenstern. Jankowska-Cieślak often reflected on her formative years, stating, "He surrounded me with great care, tenderness, and understanding. It was only after many years that I realized what this mechanism was. He showed me what acting is." This mentorship laid the groundwork for her future success.
A pivotal moment in her personal life came when she met Piotr Cieślak, an actor and director who would later become her husband. Their connection blossomed during their time at theater school, where Piotr noted her talent during entrance exams, declaring to a secretary, "This will be my wife." Together, they navigated the challenges of student life, eventually raising three children: sons Jakub and Antoni, and daughter Zofia, who briefly pursued acting but ultimately chose a different path.
Tragedy struck when Piotr Cieślak succumbed to cancer on September 12, 2015. Jankowska-Cieślak spoke candidly about the pain of losing him, stating, "I watched the closest person to me disappear, and there was nothing I could do. It was a terrible thing to comprehend, unacceptable. It's as if one half of a person is set aside somewhere." This loss deeply affected her, as she had previously credited acting with helping her overcome shyness and escape an abusive family environment at the age of 17.
Throughout her career, Jankowska-Cieślak showcased her versatility in numerous roles. She played Basia Białasówna in "Polskie drogi" and Anna in "Pani Bovary to ja," among others. However, her most notable achievement came with her portrayal of Eva in "Inne spojrzenie," a Hungarian melodrama directed by Károly Makk. This performance earned her the prestigious Golden Palm at Cannes in 1982, making her the first Polish actress to receive this honor. Reflecting on the award, she noted that it was largely ignored in Poland due to the political climate of martial law, stating, "There was only one screening of the film in Poland, and it went completely unnoticed. I didn’t even know where it took place because no one informed me about it."
Despite the political challenges, Jankowska-Cieślak's talent shone through, earning her two Golden Lions for Best Lead Female Role at the Polish Film Festival for "Sam na sam" (1977) and "Wezwanie" (1997), as well as a Polish Film Award Eagle for her role in "Rysa" (2008).
However, fame came with its own set of challenges. After portraying Kalina in the series "Jan Serce," she experienced a disturbing incident involving a stalker who threatened her and her family. "I had to call the police because I couldn’t leave the Dramatic Theatre. They caught him, and he disappeared," she recounted. Such experiences underscored the darker side of celebrity.
In her later years, Jankowska-Cieślak returned to her theatrical roots, collaborating with renowned director Krzysztof Warlikowski in productions such as "Wyjeżdżamy" and "Odysei. Historii do Hollywoodu." She expressed her unwavering commitment to acting, stating, "I couldn’t do anything else besides acting." Her ability to connect with audiences remained strong, as she was often seen in various theaters, including the National Theatre and the Ateneum Theatre.
In 2024, she took on the role of Costello in a production based on the works of Nobel laureate John Maxwell Coetzee, showcasing her enduring talent and relevance in contemporary theater. As she approached her final years, Jankowska-Cieślak's work continued to resonate with audiences, affirming her status as one of Poland's most esteemed actresses.
Jadwiga Jankowska-Cieślak's contributions to the arts will be remembered not only for her remarkable performances but also for her resilience in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Her legacy as a trailblazer for Polish actresses and as a beloved figure in the cultural landscape will endure, inspiring future generations of performers.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her influence on Polish theater and film will continue to inspire and resonate within the hearts of those who admired her work. As her family and fans mourn her loss, they also celebrate a life rich with artistic achievement and personal courage.
