SIEMION, WOJCIECH

(1928-)

Character actor, known for numerous strong plebeian characters in Polish cinema. Siemion is also a respected stage actor and director and a stand-up comedian. After his 1951 debut inJan Fethke'sThe Crew(Załoga), he played several episodic roles in films such asAn Adventure at Marienstadt(1954). He also appeared in strong supporting roles in several influentialPolish Schoolfilms such asAndrzej Munk'sEroica(1958) andBad Luck(1960) and gained popularity and critical acclaim thanks toJerzy Pas-sendorfer'sAnswer to Violence(1958) and, in particular,StanisławRóżewiczsThe Birth Certificate(1961).In the first part of Różewicz's film, which portrayed September 1939 through the perspective of a child, Siemion introduced an almost archetypal character in Polish cinema: a simple soldier entangled in the mesh of history. He almost repeated his role fromThe Birth Certificatein Passendorfer's later films:Bathed in Fire(1964),Direction Berlin(1969), and its sequel,The Last Days(1969). His portrayal of a regular soldier, infantry corporal Naróg, brought him critical recognition and popularity. In the 1970s, he continued his career appearing in, among others, supporting roles inStanisław Bareja'scomediesand in several populartelevision films.