Czech actor and dubbing artist Ota Jirák died on Saturday at age 77 following a sudden illness. Known across generations for voicing iconic characters including the alien ALF, the mammoth Manny in Ice Age, and Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series, Jirák’s death has hit a number of his colleagues in theatre, television and dubbing.
Career spanning Studio Kamarád and theatrical stages
Born in Debř near Mladá Boleslav in 1949, Jirák graduated from the Puppetry Faculty at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU). Over a career spanning decades, he performed with various theater groups including Vedené divadlo Karla Makonje, Cirkus Alfréd, GAG Boris Hybnera, and Prozatímní divadlo Fr. R. Television viewers recognized him as Doctor Jan Pantoflíček in the long-running TV series Ordinace v růžové zahradě 2, as well as for portraying Uncle František in the 1994 film adaptation of Saturnin.
Following his graduation, his early career steps led him to Vedené divadlo Karla Makonje from 1969 to 1971, Cirkus Alfréd under Ctibor Turba from 1973 to 1980, GAG by Boris Hybner from 1980 to 1985, and Prozatímní divadlo Fr. R. Čecha from 1985 to 1990. Between 1991 and 1995 he guest-performed at Prague’s Semafor theater, and returned again to Prozatímní divadlo Fr. R. Čecha from 1998 to 2000. In children’s television, Jirák cemented his legacy by voicing and performing as Hele in the classic Czech Television children’s show Studio Kamarád, a role highlighted by sources. His dubbing credits also include Obelix in Asterix and the Vikings and Tigger in Winnie the Pooh adaptations.
Tributes from theatrical and television colleagues
Actresses and actors shared emotional farewells on social media following the announcement. Eva Burešová, who played his television daughter in the series Slunečná, posted a message recalling their time together on set, writing that Jirák was not just a voice for multiple generations but an accomplished painter, author, and actor with supportive eyes. Actress Veronika Khek Kubařová remembered her engagement at the Mladá Boleslav theater working alongside him, while dubbing colleague Mirka Součková recalled him as one of her first friends in the dubbing industry when they worked on ALF.
Actress Bára Fišerová, who acted alongside Jirák in Modrý kód, praised his kindness and humor, while Kristýna Janáčková remembered her time filming the fairy tale Království potoků with him.
Private life and final public appearances
In recent years, Jirák stepped back from public life following prolonged health problems. Prior to his passing, he made a public appearance alongside Ringo Čech at an art exhibition vernissage, where photographs captured him looking noticeably thinner. His official obituary features the motto: Not tall in height, but enormous thanks to his heart, kindness, and empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Ota Jirák’s most famous dubbing roles?
Jirák provided the Czech voices for the sitcom alien ALF, Manny the mammoth in the Ice Age film series, Tigger in Winnie the Pooh stories, and Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.
Which theater companies did Ota Jirák work with?
Throughout his career, he performed with the Led Theatre of Karel Makonje, Cirkus Alfréd, GAG Boris Hybnera, Prozatímní divadlo Fr. R.
How did colleagues honor his memory?
Colleagues including actors Eva Burešová, Veronika Khek Kubařová, and Bára Fišerová shared public tributes on social media, highlighting his kindness, artistic talents beyond acting, and his contributions to Czech television and theater.
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