Vilma Cibulková Steps into Leading Role in Czech Series ‘Polabí’ Following Health Concerns

Czech actress Vilma Cibulková has taken on a significant role in the TV Prima series Polabí, stepping in for a colleague who had to withdraw due to health reasons. The series, a family comedy-drama, explores the interconnected lives of three families in a slight town although investigating a local murder.

Unexpected Opportunity

Cibulková received the offer after a swift call from the production team, who were already familiar with her function on the series Cuckoo. She had just 24 hours to decide, a decision that came shortly after leaving her position as director of the Viola Theater. “They urgently needed someone who could jump right in, and they called me,” Cibulková explained. “It was actually a perfect offer in connection with what was happening to me.”

Technicalities of Recasting

The transition involved immediate costume and makeup rehearsals to align with the established character of Olga Beranová. Given Cibulková is younger than the actress she replaced, adjustments were made to the character’s storyline to accommodate the change. “Fortunately, Olga Beranová mysteriously disappears in the first series,” Cibulková noted, “So the fact that she hadn’t been there for a while was taken advantage of.” Reshoots were necessary to seamlessly integrate the recasting.

Return to Series Television

This marks Cibulková’s return to a major series role after eight years, following her appearance in The Rose Garden. She previously took on smaller roles, including a part in Cuckoo, while prioritizing her health and well-being.

Navigating Health Challenges

Cibulková has managed scoliosis of the spine since childhood, requiring her to wear a corset for three years during her youth. She ultimately opted against surgery, choosing instead to focus on exercise and physical therapy to maintain her strength and mobility. “Thanks to her [therapist Marta], I can play without the audience knowing anything,” she stated.

Career and Family Balance

Prior to Polabí, Cibulková served as director of the Viola Theater, a role she left in 2018 due to exhaustion from balancing work and family life. She and her husband, fellow actor Tomáš Pavelka, often coordinated their schedules to manage childcare for their two children.

Current Projects

Alongside Polabí, Cibulková recently appeared in the stage production Agent, the so-called social with her husband. She likewise performed in the Palace Theater comedy Side Effects with Michal Dlouhý.

Looking Ahead

Cibulková expressed a sense of contentment with her current pace of life, enjoying time for personal pursuits like reading, gardening, and spending time with her family. She acknowledges the fleeting nature of success in the entertainment industry and values the support of her loved ones.

Sources:

• Polabí (seriál) – Wikipedia
• Polabí – tady jsme doma (2025) – Full Cast & Crew – IMDb
• Polabí (TV Series 2025- ) – Cast & Crew – The Movie Database (TMDB)
• PRIMA+ RELEASES THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF ITS NEW SERIES POLABÍ – ScreenVoice