Jiří Lábus
Born on 26 January 1950 in Prague, Jiří Lábus enrolled in 1968 at the Academy of Performing Arts, from which he graduated in 1973 by performing the role of Mackie Messer in John Gay’s play The Beggar’s Opera. After completing his studies, he joined Studio Ypsilon in Liberec, which in 1978 moved to Prague.
A sought-after actor, for over four decades he has appeared in numerous drama, film, radio and television productions. Permanently engaged at Studio Ypsilon, he has also performed at Viola, Kalich and other theatres. Jiří Lábus has received a number of accolades. They include the coveted Thalia Prize (1996), for his portrayal of the deceived husband in an adaptation of Boris Vian’s comedy Tête de Méduse (Medusa´s Head). He has gained two Czech Lion Prizes, for the role of Uncle Jacob in Vladimír Michálek’s film Amerika, based on Franz Kafka’s novel (1994), and for the role of Viktor in Viktor Tauš’s movie Clownwise (2013). He was also nominated for the 2019 Czech Lion for the lead in Jiří Havelka’s film Owners. In 2021, Jiří Lábus received the Kristián prize for his lifetime achievement and exceptional contribution to Czech film.