Franciszek Pieczka – Portrait of a Friend
“…to discern goodness…”
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At the Powszechny Theatre in Warsaw, 1996
Franciszek Pieczka — a journey toward truth, humility, love, and loyalty. Though he lived in Warsaw’s Falenica district, his heart remained in his hometown of Godów. An actor beloved by millions of Poles is portrayed here through the eyes of his friend, Dariusz Domański — author of numerous books on Polish actors and the legendary Stary Teatr.This is not a portrait built on grand performances, but a deeply personal reflection — a testament to a shared path. A path that led them both to find joy in a journey through life and art.
The first remarkable book in the Portraits of Friends series by renowned theatre aficionado Darek Domański tells the story of Franciszek Pieczka. It includes not only the legendary actor’s final interview, but also heartfelt and witty tributes written by Domański himself, along with reflections from celebrated artists — and more.
WHEN YOU SEE ME, IN SUCH FLIGHT
THAT I GLOW WITH SHAPE AND LIGHT,
CALL ME BACK WITH VOICE SO TRUE —
THE ONE THAT ALWAYS SPOKE IN YOU.
STANISŁAW WYSPIAŃSKI
Franciszek – My Friend
“Darek, what you have done for theatre, for actors and directors, is beyond value.
That is my sincere and objective statement — and I thank fate for bringing you into my life.”
“And I thank you, Franek, for every meeting and all the guidance on how to live
in a way that truly earns one the name of a decent human being.
That’s what you taught me…”
With Franciszek in Falenica, 2015
Franciszek with the Wawel Dragon Hotel Galaxy, 2018
With Franciszek at Hotel Tatra in Zakopane, hosted by Łucjan Wnuk. “A Tribute Beneath the Tatra Mountains,” 2016
At the premiere of the film God’s Actor – Franciszek Pieczka with the production team, Warsaw, 2018
Zbigniew Wodecki
“…If Franciszek Pieczka had lived in the United States,
he would have had more than one Oscar to his name.
That’s how beautifully God created him.”
“Franek Pieczka is the face of Silesia in Warsaw…”
Józef Musioł
Marian Dziędziel
…I ran into Franciszek and wanted to greet him. He looked at me and said:
“I knew you’d be here, but I was looking around for a dark-haired lad — and instead, there’s an old grey-haired guy standing next to me,”
and then we greeted each other…
“In Franciszek Pieczka, I saw only goodness.”
Katarzyna Grochola
*The materials published on this website are taken from the editorial series “Portraits of Friends” by Dariusz Domański and have been used with the author’s permission.