Polish-Czech actor and singer Przemysław Branny dies at 55 in Kraków
Przemysław Branny, a long-time performer at Teatr Bagatela in Kraków known for theatrical roles and choral oratorios, died on 3 October 2026 at age 55.
Passing announced in Kraków
The Kraków-based Teatr Bagatela announced the death of actor and vocalist Przemysław Branny on Saturday, 3 October 2026. Branny, who died at the age of 55, spent over three decades performing on the Kraków stage and across Polish music venues. The Kraków city authorities confirmed the news following a public statement released by the theater. Bagatela representatives shared a tribute expressing grief over the artist's passing and noting his long-standing presence within the company.
The Bagatela family in the person of Przemek has lost a talented, beautiful human being. Przemek: Husband. Dad. Brother. Friend. Colleague. Actor. Przemku, to write that we will miss you is a cliché. Thank you for your presence in our lives.
Early life and stage training
Born on 24 December 1970 in Český Těšín, Branny attended a Polish primary and secondary school in the Czech border town. His mother also performed at the local theater, making the stage an early presence in his upbringing. During his childhood, he took on several leading roles on the Polish Stage (Scena Polska) of the Cieszyn Theatre. Between 1989 and 1993, he studied acting at the State Higher School of Theatre (PWST) in Kraków under the supervision of directors Krystian Lupa and Jerzy Stuhr. Towards the conclusion of his university studies, he performed in "Plac Merkurego", directed by Mieczysława Stebnicka at Teatr STU.
- Born in Český Těšín.
- Begins acting studies at PWST in Kraków under Krystian Lupa and Jerzy Stuhr.
- Begins performing with the Loch Camelot cabaret in Kraków.
- Graduates from PWST, debuts at Teatr Bagatela, and stars in Kazimierz Kutz's film.
- Celebrates 30 years of artistic work in 'Śmierć pięknych saren' at Teatr Bagatela.
- Teatr Bagatela announces his death at age 55.
Three decades at Teatr Bagatela
Branny officially joined Teatr Bagatela following his graduation from drama school, eventually creating 42 distinct stage roles across drama and musical productions. His debut at the venue occurred during the winter of 1993 in a musical holiday production titled "Hej kolęda, czyli stół polski", directed by Jacek Chmielnik. Because of the staging format, actors performed directly on the stairs of the theater's foyer rather than the main stage. In 2024, Branny celebrated 30 years of artistic work by performing in Jan Szurmiej's production of "Śmierć pięknych saren". Over the course of his career, he also assisted stage directors and worked with other regional companies, including Teatr Ludowy in Kraków and the Gliwice Musical Theatre, where he appeared in productions such as "Sztukmistrz z Lublina" and "Skrzypek na dachu".
I like this place because this theater gave me many opportunities to move across very different theatrical genres.
Musical projects and screen appearances
Beyond traditional stage plays, Branny developed a career as a vocalist and cabaret performer. In 1992, he began a long association with the Loch Camelot cabaret in Kraków, while also performing independent solo recitals nationwide. He earned recognition at the 1993 Actor Song Review (Przegląd Piosenki Aktorskiej) in Wrocław, winning second prize and the Audience Award. Audiences across Poland also knew him as a soloist in oratorios composed by Piotr Rubik with lyrics by Zbigniew Książek, including "Tu Es Petrus" and "Psałterz wrześniowy". On screen, he played a central role in Kazimierz Kutz's 1993 feature film "Śmierć jak kromka chleba", which depicted the pacification of the Wujek coal mine, and later took roles in television series such as "Na dobre i na złe", "Przepis na życie", "Pierwsza miłość", and "Bóg w Krakowie".
