Pieczka’s acting career spanned almost 70 years, during which he starred in over 100 productions.
He rose to nationwide fame featuring in Four Tank-Men and Dog, a Polish black-and-white cult series.
Playing Gustaw Jeleń, better known as "Gustlik", Pieczka became a symbol of his region of origin, the Polish southern region of Upper Silesia.
His other notable roles included Mateusz in Żywot Mateusza (Matthew’s Days), Tag in Austeria (The Inn) and Saint Peter in Quo Vadis. In the recent years, he appeared in a star-studded Polish TV series, Ranczo.
Following Pieczka’s passing, a wave of condolences from all around the country has poured in.
Alongside greatest Polish actors, also Poland’s top officials have expressed their sadness at the news of the Pieczka’s death.
Polish head of state, Andrzej Duda, wrote on Twitter: “A remarkable figure of Polish theatre and cinematography. He’ll remain alive and unforgotten through his roles, especially the film ones.”
In 2017, Pieczka was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state distinction.
(pjm)
Source: PAP