Jaroslav Satoranský: Life, Career & Krkonošské Pohádky of a Czech Actor

A Life on Stage and Screen: Jaroslav Satoranský Reflects on a Czech Acting Legacy

For generations of Czech television viewers, Jaroslav Satoranský is Kuba, the beloved character from the enduringly popular Krkonošské pohádky (Krkonoše Fairytales). But Satoranský’s career spans far beyond the snowy landscapes of those holiday classics, encompassing decades of stage work at Prague’s Divadlo na Vinohradech, film roles, and a recent lifetime achievement award. At 86, the actor is now opening up about a life shaped by both professional fulfillment and personal reckoning, including a difficult decision regarding his Communist Party membership and the profound loss of his wife of nearly sixty years.

Born in Prague on December 17, 1939, Satoranský’s early life was steeped in the arts. His parents and sister were all involved in amateur theatre, fostering a creative environment. However, his initial ambitions lay elsewhere. He trained as a metal engraver, preparing for a practical trade, and even applied to a boarding school in Liberec with the intention of becoming an automotive mechanic. A sudden illness dramatically altered that trajectory. A severe kidney inflammation, contracted during a winter holiday in the mountains, confined him to a hospital bed for weeks, effectively ruling out physically demanding work.

Faced with limited options, Satoranský found himself directed towards a modern path by a career counselor: baker, chemist, or engraver. Remembering a fellow amateur actor who also worked as an engraver, he chose the latter, beginning a three-year apprenticeship with the Znak cooperative. It was during this time that his passion for the stage rekindled, leading him to audition for and gain acceptance into the prestigious Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) in 1957. His classmates included future Czech acting luminaries Jiří Kodet and Petr Kostka, and he studied under the tutelage of Radovan Lukavský and Vítězslav Vejražka.

Navigating Politics and Early Career Choices

The political climate of the time heavily influenced life at DAMU. Satoranský recalls Vejražka as a dedicated professor but also a staunch Communist Party member who actively encouraged students to join the party. Under pressure, Satoranský acquiesced, a decision he later came to regret. “I was a coward, unable to stand up and firmly oppose it sooner, this was a dark side of my life,” he admitted in a recent interview with Aktuálně.cz. He attempted to resign in 1968, facing resistance until fellow artist Kolář intervened on his behalf. The timing coincided with the Prague Spring and the subsequent Soviet invasion, a period of immense upheaval in Czechoslovakia.

Following his graduation from DAMU in 1961, Satoranský began his professional career at the J. Průcha Theatre in Kladno before joining the esteemed Vinohrady Theatre in Prague in 1966, where he remains a member to this day. He also performs at the Na Jezerce and Řeznická theatres. His early years at Vinohrady were humbling, surrounded by established stars like Brodský, Leskot, and Hovorka, but he quickly found his footing, even collaborating with a younger Jaromír Hanzlík on children’s songs.

Kuba and a Lasting Legacy

The role that cemented Satoranský’s place in the hearts of Czech audiences came in 1974 with Krkonošské pohádky. Filming the first installments was a demanding process, often taking place at night due to scheduling conflicts with the actors’ stage commitments. Satoranský fondly remembers the camaraderie on set with Ilja Prachař, Zdeněk Řehoř, and Hana Maciuchová, many of whom are now deceased. The series became a national institution, broadcast during family viewing hours and captivating multiple generations.

Beyond Krkonošské pohádky, Satoranský also gained recognition for his role as Jan Hamr in the 1975 television series Nejmladší z rodu Hamrů. He was initially not the first choice for the part, with Radka Brzobohatá considered, but ultimately secured the role, which followed him for years as fans affectionately addressed him by his character’s surname.

A Lifetime of Love and Loss

Throughout his career, Satoranský’s personal life was anchored by his marriage to Libuše Kubová, whom he met during his amateur theatre days in 1957 and married in 1961. They shared nearly six decades together, raising a daughter, Martina, and enjoying a simple life filled with walks and conversation. Kubová’s death in 2020 left a profound void in Satoranský’s life, forcing him to adapt to a new reality of solitude. He now lives alone, learning to cook for himself, relying on online recipes, and cherishing the memories of his beloved wife.

In 2021, Satoranský received the Thálie Award, the Czech Republic’s highest honor for theatrical achievement, recognizing his lifetime contribution to the performing arts. He continues to perform on stage, demonstrating a dedication to his craft that has spanned over six decades. Despite initially declining a documentary about his life, fearing he wasn’t “interesting enough,” director Ondřej Kepka persevered, capturing the essence of a quiet, dignified artist who has touched the lives of countless Czechs.

As one of the last surviving members of the original cast of Krkonošské pohádky, Satoranský carries a legacy of joy and nostalgia. His story is a testament to the enduring power of art, the complexities of navigating a changing political landscape, and the importance of a life shared with love. He continues to work, a testament to his passion, and a reminder of a remarkable career built on talent, dedication, and a touch of Czech magic.