Jana Brejchová, one of the most celebrated figures in Czech cinema, has passed away at the age of 86. Known to many as the “Czech Bardot,” she built a career spanning six decades, appearing in over a hundred films and numerous television and theater productions.
Brejchová’s iconic performance as Empress Elisabeth in the musical A Night in Karlstein (Noc na Karlštejně) remains emblematic of her enduring presence in the Czech cultural landscape. Internationally, she may best best known for her work in Karel Zeman’s The Fabulous Baron Munchausen (pictured at top) and Evald Schorm‘s The Return of the Prodigal Son and Courage for Every Day.
Born in Prague on January 20, 1940, Brejchová entered the film industry as a teenager, making her debut at 14 in Olověný chléb. Despite having no formal acting training, her talent and striking screen presence quickly earned her roles in key films, including the 1957 drama The Wolf Trap (Vlčí jáma). She would go on to collaborate with prominent directors such as Schorm, Jiří Krejčík, and Vojtěch Jasný, cementing her status as one of the country’s leading actresses during the Czech New Wave.
In her later years, Brejchová withdrew from public life due to a neurological illness, spending her final years at Motol Hospital’s long-term care. Her daughter, actress Tereza Brodská, confirmed her mother’s death and requested privacy for the family.
A career spanning six decades
Brejchová’s filmography reflects the breadth and versatility of her talent. She gained early attention in Krejčík’s films A Higher Principle (Vyšší princip) and Mrs. Dulská’s Morals (Morálka paní Dulské), and later showcased her comedic abilities in works such as I Killed Einstein, Gentlemen (Zabil jsem Einsteina, pánové…). She also appeared in musicals like If a Thousand Clarinets (Kdyby tisíc klarinetů) and, most famously, A Night in Karlstein (Noc na Karlštejně), where she starred alongside her then-partner Vlastimil Brodský.
Her career extended beyond domestic productions. Brejchová took roles in German, Austrian, and Hungarian films, including The Gripsholm Castle, opposite Walter Giller, and Spy Hunt in Vienna (also released as The Girl Who Knew Too Much), opposite Pierre Brice.
Local television audiences also knew her from popular series like Arabela and My všichni školou povinní. In 2006, she returned to cinema with Jan Hřebejk’s Beauty in Trouble (Kráska v nesnázích), earning a Czech Lion award for her supporting performance, and later received a Czech Lion for lifetime achievement in 2010.
Brejchová’s personal life was intertwined with her professional career. She married director Miloš Forman at 17 and later actor Brodský, with whom she had daughter Tereza Brodská. Her relationships and collaborations with prominent actors, including Jaromír Hanzlík and Jiří Zahajský, shaped both her private and public life.
Despite her fame, Brejchová was known for her humility and dedication to her craft. Colleagues praised her professionalism, versatility, and ability to transition between dramatic and comedic roles. She was widely regarded as a national film treasure, symbolizing the golden era of Czech cinema. Brejchová’s passing marks the end of an era, but her extensive body of work ensures her presence in Czech cultural memory for generations.
