Stanisław Tym, the acclaimed Polish actor, satirist, screenwriter, and director, passed away at the age of 87. The news was announced on Friday by the editorial team of Polityka, where Tym contributed as a columnist.
"With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Stanisław Tym, a towering figure in Polish culture and media. For decades, he shaped our collective imagination and sense of humor," the magazine wrote on its website.
Born on July 17, 1937, in Małkinia Górna, Tym initially pursued studies in chemistry at the Warsaw University of Technology and food processing at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW).
His artistic journey began during his studies at the Acting Department of the National Film, Television, and Theatre School (PWST), where he gained experience writing and performing in student cabarets.
Tym made his film debut in Cafe pod Minogą (1959) by Bronisław Brok. His most iconic performances include roles in Miś (which he also co-wrote and co-directed), Rejs by Marek Piwowski, Rozmowy kontrolowane by Sylwester Chęciński, and Ryś, a film he directed himself.
He also appeared in popular TV series, including 40-latek, 40-latek 20 lat później, Bank nie z tej ziemi, Tylko miłość, and Spadkobiercy.
Tym’s contributions to culture earned him numerous awards, such as Best Screenplay for Rozmowy kontrolowane at the Gdynia Film Festival (1992), the Kisiel Award for Best Columnist (1998), and the Pegaz Television Award for his humor and sharp intellect (2002).
Tym "shaped the sense of humor of Poles"
His passing marks the loss of a monumental figure in Polish culture, whose legacy continues to inspire.
In an interview with TVN24, Jerzy Baczyński, editor-in-chief of Polityka, reflected on Stanisław Tym's profound influence on Polish culture.
"For generations, he shaped the sense of humor of Poles. His roles, along with the phrases associated with them, became a permanent part of our language and communication," Baczyński remarked.
He further emphasized Tym's unique ability to capture the spirit of the People's Republic of Poland (PRL) era through his work.
"The depiction of Poland, especially in the 1970s and 1980s when his most renowned films were created, offers a narrative of those times that has perhaps become the most deeply rooted in our collective imagination. Many of us, especially the younger generations, view the PRL through the eyes of Staszek Tym," Baczyński added.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP