Actor and dubbing star Jiří Štěpnička’s funeral at the historic building of the National Theatre in Prague on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, was preceded by an unexpected confrontation at the entrance when an elderly man claiming a four-decade acquaintance clashed with security before the public doors opened.
Entrance Confrontation Before the Public Opening
The disturbance occurred at approximately 10:15 AM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, according to an online report by Expres.cz. An elderly man wearing a jacket attempted to enter the theatre through a doorway reserved for VIP guests. When a security guard blocked his path, the man tried to push past him, shouting that he had known Štěpnička for forty years. The theatre guard characterized the individual as rude. Simultaneously, Zlata Adamovská and Petr Štěpánek arrived and passed the scuffle without incident. Diverging accounts emerged regarding the incident: Expres.cz reported the clash at a VIP entrance, while Deník placed it at a back entrance and stated the man insisted he had worked as a makeup artist and knew Štěpnička’s mother, Jiřina Štěpničková. eXtra.cz described the encounter as a physical scuffle where the man gained entry for a few minutes before security escorted him back outside. None of the outlets named the individual, and his claim of a forty-year relationship remains unverified by independent sources.
Tributes and Speeches Inside the National Theatre
The official farewell ceremony commenced at 11:00 AM, drawing dozens of acting colleagues and hundreds of members of the public, Novinky reported. National Theatre General Director Jan Burian opened the speeches by acknowledging his close relationship with Štěpnička. We occasionally disagreed… But Jiří believed in the strength of the collective, where not everyone had to have the same opinion, but personalities respected each other,
Burian said. Actor Vladislav Beneš recalled sharing a dressing room with Štěpnička for forty years and receiving help with car repairs. Taťjana Medvecká spoke about his work in dubbing, while Michal Pazderka and Filip František Červenka represented the younger generation. Igor Orozovič performed alongside Zuzana Stavná, and the ceremony concluded with the Czech national anthem and a multi-minute standing ovation. Štěpnička died on October 11, 2026, at the age of 79, having performed at the National Theatre since 1975 across nearly one hundred stage roles and cementing a legacy as the Czech voice of actors including Harrison Ford.
Musical Performances Lead to Funeral Procession
Following the speeches, jazz pianist and composer Emil Viklický played, and actor and singer Igor Orozovič, who is also a member of the National Theatre Drama ensemble, sang alongside the band from Hordubal. The ceremony concluded with the Czech national anthem, after which the curtain closed. A funeral service then carried the casket through a line of mourning guests amid renewed applause, and the hearse departed in the direction of Národní třída.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Memorial and Career
When did Jiří Štěpnička pass away?
Jiří Štěpnička died on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the age of 79.
How long did Jiří Štěpnička perform at the National Theatre?
He was a member of the National Theatre Drama ensemble from 1975 onward, creating nearly one hundred stage roles during his tenure.
What recognition did Jiří Štěpnička receive for his dubbing work?
He received the František Filipovský Award in 2002 for dubbing and the Master Prix lifetime achievement award from the Art Life Foundation in 2024 for his contributions to acting and dubbing.
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