Marian Opania, the celebrated Polish actor known for his iconic roles in films like Człowiek z żelaza and Piłkarski poker, recently shared his candid reflections on acting and life during a heartfelt interview with Dorota Wellman for Dzień dobry TVN. Despite recently turning 82, Opania has no immediate plans to retire from the stage, emphasizing the passion he holds for his craft.
"Jak nie wychodzę na scenę, to znaczy, że nie żyję. Ale umrzeć na scenie nie chciałbym, bo to takie kiczowate," shared Opania, translating to, "If I don’t go on stage, it means I’m not alive. But I wouldn’t want to die on stage because it’s so kitschy." His words highlight not only his commitment to his work but also his desire to avoid the trappings of theatrical cliché.
With enthusiasm, the actor elaborates on his love for both film and theater, stating, "Kocham grać. Na początku kochałem grać w filmie. W teatrze to wiadomo. Czuję oddech widowni, a w filmie wyobrażam sobie, jak to zadziała." This translates to, "I love to act. At first, I loved acting in film. Theater, of course, is different. I feel the audience's breath, and on film, I picture how it works." His insights shed light on the delicate relationship actors share with their audiences, as well as the unique challenges posed by different mediums.
Opania also touched upon his experiences as a film school lecturer, fondly recalling the struggles he endured during long drives to teach. "Moimi uczniami byli Wojciech Malajkat, Cezary Pazura, Piotr Polk i tak dalej," he noted, indicating, "My students included Wojciech Malajkat, Cezary Pazura, Piotr Polk, and so on." He humorously recounted the extremes he went to stay awake during those 10-hour drives—often resorting to uproarious solutions involving self-inflicted distractions just to remain alert.
Beyond the spotlight, Opania is someone who cherishes his privacy and opts for solitude over social media trends, particularly the modern obsession with selfies. He prefers spending his free time away from the hustle, linking his happiness to moments of calm by the Wkra River. His disdain for the genre of disco polo speaks to the man behind the actor, offering insight to his tastes and preferences.
When it came to family, Opania revealed heartfelt aspirations for his children who are also artists. He expressed concern over their opportunities, noting, "mieli wszystko podane na tacy, a ja nie miałem." The translation reveals his feelings: "They had everything handed to them on a plate, and I had nothing." His determination and hardworking nature shine through, reflecting on how he paved his path to success without shortcuts.
Marian Opania's insights are not just reflections of his vast career but also resonate with broader themes of dedication and authenticity within the arts. Unyielding and passionate, he continues to defy the conventional expectations of retirement, proving to many aspiring actors the importance of perseverance. Through his words, he offers both inspiration and humble honesty, encouraging others to pursue their passions deeply and sincerely.