Comedy queen turns 98

[Bonobo]

Oh my God! If comedy and laughter helped her reach such age, then I am happy to be who I am. I will live longer. Or not? ;D ;D ;D ;D
Can you lend a hand? Make me laugh, please! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Comedy queen turns 98
17.09.2010 13:29

Irena Kwiatkowska, the queen of Poland’s comedy actresses, celebrates her 98th birthday today.

Voted “Comedy actress of the century” in a plebiscite two years ago, Irena Kwiatkowska also ranked fifth on the list of all top film, theatre and cabaret artists in 20th century Poland.

With her characteristic voice and demeanour, the diminutive actress played a host of memorable parts in some of the best-loved Polish television series, as well as appearing in theatre, cabaret, on television and on the radio.

For some 65 years she collaborated with Polish Radio, also recording for young audiences. Laureate of many radio prizes, Irena Kwiatkowska said in an interview on her 90th birthday that since her early years she has taken acting seriously.

“It is a calling. I remember that when I was six or so, a rich family invited some children, including me, and these children would say a poem and get a piece of cake,” Kwiatkowska then recalled, comtinuing that “I decided, professionally, that I wouldn’t perform for a piece of cake. So I didn’t get any because I refused to perform in a way that I found disagreeable.”

Born on September 17, 1912 in Warsaw, Irena Kwiatkowska graduated in theatre studies in 1935 and began her stage career with the cabaret “Cyrulik Warszawski” (Barber of Warsaw).

During the Nazi occupation she took part in performances organised by the Polish underground. She was a soldier of the Home Army (AK) and fought in the Warsaw Rising.

In the 1950s she taught at Warsaw’s State Drama Academy. Laureate of many awards and prizes, including the most prestigious Gloria Artis gold medal for contribution to culture, she also holds the Order of the Smile awarded by Polish children.

























Irena is singing a song in a TV cabaret series from 1960s. Wow, the lyrics contain the word: ass! Incredible.



Irena in a TV comedy series, 40 year old man, the most intelligent and funniest Polish comedy ever. With English subtitles:

[Bonobo]

Irena Kwiatkowska, a much-loved star of film, theatre and cabaret, has died at the age of 98.


Kwiatkowska had a sparkling stage presence, winning over legions of fans with her witty style. She became a household name, largely thanks to her cooperation with the celebrated Kabaret Starszych Panow (The Cabaret of Elderly Gentlemen) and her roles in humorous TV series such as Czterdziestolatek (Fortysomething).

Born in Warsaw in 1912, Kwiatkowska studied at the city’s Institute of Dramatic Arts. She began her career in cabaret in 1935, joining the noted Cyrulik Warszawski (The Barber of Warsaw).

During the war she performed in several underground outfits, working with directors such as Leon Schiller.

She took her first film role in 1945, going on to become one of the most familiar faces on the screen, beloved for her witty performances in a string of television series during the sixties and seventies, such as Wojna Domowa (Civil War) and the aforementioned Czterdziestolatek (Fortysomething). She also worked with many of the key theatres in the capital, playing some 100 roles, each imbued with her inimitable style.

She passed away on Thursday morning at the House of Veteran Actors of the Polish Stage in Skolimow. Her many recordings, both musical and televised, will continue to delight fans.