Photo: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Actors & Actresses · Community memorial
Jan Werich
February 6, 1905 – October 31, 1980 · Actor & Writer · Czech Republic
“Laughter is the wisdom of the brave”
Actor, comedian, and writer who, with Jiří Voskovec, turned the Liberated Theatre into a stage of wit against fascism, and later became a beloved storyteller of the Czech nation.
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Their story
Jan Werich was born in Prague in 1905 and met his lifelong stage partner Jiří Voskovec while studying law. From 1927 the duo V+W led Prague's Liberated Theatre, blending Dada-inspired clowning, jazz songs composed by Jaroslav Ježek, and sharp political satire. Their forestage dialogues, improvised nightly, made them the most popular comedians of interwar Czechoslovakia.
As their satire turned openly against Hitler in the 1930s, the theatre was closed, and in 1939 Werich, Voskovec, and Ježek escaped to the United States. Returning after the war, Werich stayed when Voskovec emigrated again, and carved out a singular place under communism as actor and author. He shone in films such as The Emperor and the Golem and wrote Fimfárum, a treasured book of wry fairy tales.
Though often at odds with the regime, which curtailed his work after 1968, Werich remained the nation's philosopher of humor, insisting that fighting human stupidity is a battle never won but never to be abandoned. He died in Prague in 1980. His recordings, films, and fairy tales are passed down through generations, a legacy of laughter as quiet resistance.
A life in moments
1905
Born on 6 February in Prague.
1927
With Jiří Voskovec launched the legendary partnership V+W at Prague's Liberated Theatre.
1939
Fled to the United States after the Nazi occupation closed their anti-fascist theatre.
1951
Starred as Emperor Rudolf II and the baker in the film classic The Emperor and the Golem.
1960
Published Fimfárum, his celebrated collection of fairy tales for adults and children alike.
1980
Died on 31 October in Prague.
Today
His films, songs, and sayings remain part of everyday Czech speech, and Werich's wisdom still teaches that humor is courage.
Important dates
- Birthday · February 6
- Anniversary · October 31
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