Veronika Žilková, the celebrated Czech actress known for her roles in films like Forgotten Light (Forgotten Light), celebrates her 65th birthday on October 16. Marking the milestone, she has shared reflections on her career transition from dramatic art-house performer to a comedic presence, as well as her current approach to life and relationships, Proženy.cz reported.
From Serious Drama to Comedic Versatility
Though Žilková earned a Czech Lion award for her role as the terminally ill Marjánka in the 1996 film Forgotten Light, she credits her later career shift to director and actor Bolek Polívka. After the film’s success, Polívka invited her to his Manege show, where he encouraged her to subvert her serious image by appearing in a comedic, self-deprecating sketch. Žilková told Proženy.cz that this experience was pivotal, as it enabled her to accept roles in the popular satirical series TV TV and eventually embrace a lighter, less self-serious approach to her professional life.
Personal Life and Independence After Sixty
Following her divorce from former diplomat Martin Stropnický and a period living in Israel, Žilková has adopted a new perspective on autonomy. She currently resides in a home designed with the help of her younger daughter, Kordula, who Žilková notes has a strong talent for interior design and fashion, according to Lifee.cz. Regarding her current relationship with partner Ivan Hubač, Žilková emphasized to Proženy.cz that she prioritizes personal freedom and avoids the "focus-narrowing" nature of traditional domesticity, noting that they maintain a relationship that allows for individual space.
Financial Realities and Career Persistence
Despite her long-standing career in film, television, and theater, Žilková has been candid about the financial challenges faced by actors. According to Netflixer.cz, the actress expressed distress upon learning the amount of her state pension, describing it as insufficient to cover basic living expenses. Consequently, she continues to maintain a busy schedule of theater performances and television appearances. She also avoids the lifestyle of a typical celebrity, often utilizing public transportation, which she claims has helped her remain grounded and avoid the pitfalls of professional vanity.
Reflections on Family and Loss
Žilková’s life has been marked by significant challenges, including the death of her son Melichar in 2007, who was born with a congenital defect. She has spoken openly about the difficulty of this experience and the subsequent impact on her family. Today, she emphasizes the importance of a "happy mother" for the well-being of the family unit. While she remains a mother to her adult children, she acknowledges the shift in her role, noting that the intensity of raising young children has been replaced by a different, less hands-on dynamic, as reported by Proženy.cz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Veronika Žilková plan to remarry?
No. According to Netflixer.cz, the actress does not intend to remarry, noting that she remains married to Jiří Hanych in the eyes of the church and that her current partner, Ivan Hubač, is a practicing Catholic, which creates a formal barrier to a church wedding.
How did the actress react to the amount of her state pension?
Upon reaching her sixtieth birthday, Žilková applied for her pension and expressed significant disappointment. Netflixer.cz reported that she was moved to tears by the amount, stating that the sum was inadequate to cover basic costs such as food and gas.
Who manages the actress’s fashion and interior styling?
Her younger daughter, Kordula Stropnická, acts as her primary stylist and design consultant. Lifee.cz reported that Kordula manages both the actress’s wardrobe choices and the interior design of her home, citing her daughter’s natural eye for detail and color.