Rudolf Hrušínský (17 October 1920 – 13 April 1994) was a Czech actor. He was one of the most popular Czech actors. Many of his movies such as The Good Soldier Švejk, The Cremator or Capricious Summer are considered classics of the Czech cinema. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by France and title National Artist in Czechoslovakia. Jiří Menzel once described him as "the Czech Jean Gabin."[1]
Biography
Memorial plaque in his native town
He was born back stage at the theatre in Nová Včelnice on 17 October 1920. His parents were Hermina Červičková and Rudolf Hrušínský (born Rudolf Böhm). His family moved from place to place, but eventually settled in Prague. He studied law school, but dropped out of to pursue acting. Initially he starred in minor plays, but managed to escalate to famous film roles, many of which won him fame abroad. He spent most of his theatrical career in Czech National Theatre. In 1968 he signed The Two Thousand Words manifesto. As a result he was not allowed to star in movies or in theatres until 1976.
Director Jiří Menzel planned to make a West German TV series adaptation of Good Soldier Švejk with Hrušínský in the titular role, however they did not get the permission from the Czechoslovak government.[1]
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