Vanessa Aleksander has emerged as one of Poland's most promising young actresses, recently winning the Top Seriale award for best Polish actress. Known for her performances in popular shows such as "Wojenne dziewczyny" and "The Office PL," Aleksander's journey in the entertainment industry has not been without its challenges.
Born on September 16, 1996, Aleksander initially pursued a degree in architecture and interior design in London. However, her passion for acting led her to abandon her studies and enroll at the Warsaw Theatre Academy, from which she graduated in 2020. Even before she officially received her diploma, Aleksander was honing her craft at Teatr Współczesny in Warsaw, where she faced the harsh realities of a struggling artist.
In a candid interview with Pudelek.pl, Aleksander revealed the difficulties she faced early in her career. "After graduating from the theatre school, I received 210 zlotys for a performance, and that was after obtaining higher education. Considering this, the job was somewhat like a 'golden ticket,'" she explained. Despite her talent and hard work, the financial compensation for her performances was inadequate, making it challenging to make ends meet.
"It’s impossible to support oneself on 210 zlotys per performance in any city if there are only three to four performances a month. Things have changed a bit, but I don’t want to complain," she added. This stark reality is not uncommon in the theater world, where many actors struggle to find consistent work and adequate pay.
Despite these challenges, Aleksander has managed to carve out a successful career. She made her television debut in 2014 with a small role in the series "Ojciec Mateusz" and gained popularity through her portrayal of Ewa Fronczak in the hit TVP series "Wojenne dziewczyny," which aired from 2017 to 2022. Her role in the show not only showcased her acting skills but also helped her gain a significant following.
In 2024, Aleksander further expanded her repertoire by starring in the film "Bonus Trip," which focused on FBI agents. Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to take on diverse roles, from comedic performances to more serious, dramatic characters.
Adding to her accolades, Aleksander participated in the reality show "Dancing with the Stars," where she and her partner Michał Bartkiewicz won the coveted Crystal Ball and a prize of 100,000 zlotys. This victory not only boosted her profile but also provided her with a financial cushion that she previously could only dream of.
Reflecting on her career choices, Aleksander emphasized her preference for passion projects over purely financial ones. "I would rather do something ambitious and interesting with engaged creators for a smaller fee than take on a project with a huge contract but without feeling any connection to it," she stated. This philosophy has guided her through the ups and downs of her career, allowing her to maintain her artistic integrity.
While many young actors in Poland face similar financial struggles, Aleksander has been fortunate to receive offers from both film and television projects, which have enabled her to sustain herself independently. "I was lucky that I could work on various projects simultaneously. But if I had to rely solely on my salary from the theater and individual performances, I think it would have been very difficult for me," she confessed.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry, Aleksander remains hopeful for the future. "I don’t know if the situation has improved because I’ve given up my theater position. I hope it has, but I can’t comment on it because I don’t have that knowledge," she shared.
Vanessa Aleksander's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of young artists pursuing their dreams in a challenging landscape. With her recent accolades and growing popularity, she is undoubtedly a talent to watch in the coming years. As she continues to take on new roles and projects, her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors everywhere.
