Joanna Kołaczkowska (née Chuda) was a renowned Polish cabaret and theatre actress, as well as a voice actress. Born on June 22, 1966, in Polkowice, she passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 59 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her colleagues from the Kabaret Hrabi, where she had been a prominent member since 2002. They described her passing as peaceful and without pain, surrounded by loved ones.
Kołaczkowska began her artistic journey in 1988 with the cabaret Drugi Garnitur. She then joined Kabaret Potem in 1989, contributing to its success until its dissolution in 1999. In 2002, she became a founding member of Kabaret Hrabi, a group known for its sharp wit and satirical performances.
Beyond her stage performances, Kołaczkowska was active in voice acting. She lent her voice to various animated characters, including Ciocia Rosita in Coco (2017), Baba Jaga in Potworna rodzinka (2017) and Potworna rodzinka 2 (2021), Trusia in Paskudy. UglyDolls (2019), Żona Staszka in Gdzie jest Dory (2016), Lukrecja in Sklep dla samobójców (2012), Sania in Życzenie (2023), and Donna Noble in Doctor Who (2023). Her versatility allowed her to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, endearing her to a wide audience.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Joanna Dorota Kołaczkowska, née Chuda, was born in Polkowice, a town in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of Poland. Raised in Lubin, she was the daughter of an accountant and had a sister named Agnieszka. Tragically, her father passed away when she was just five years old, leaving her mother to raise the two sisters single-handedly.
Childhood Interests
In her formative years, Kołaczkowska exhibited a keen interest in the arts. She participated in folk dance groups and was an avid practitioner of both figure and speed skating. These early experiences not only honed her physical coordination but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for performance and expression.
Academic Pursuits
Her educational journey began at the Technical School of Horticulture in Głogów, followed by a two-year teacher’s program in Legnica. She furthered her studies at the Higher Pedagogical School in Zielona Góra, earning a degree in cultural and educational pedagogy. Despite her academic background, it was her innate talent and passion for performance that propelled her into the world of entertainment.
Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Kołaczkowska’s personal life was marked by two marriages. Her first husband was Krzysztof Kołaczkowski, a fellow cabaret performer. The couple had a daughter, Hanna, born in 2000. After their divorce, she remarried, though details about her second husband remain private. Throughout her life, she maintained a close-knit family, with her sister Agnieszka and her brother-in-law Dariusz Kamys being integral parts of her support system.
Health Struggles
In the early 2010s, Kołaczkowska faced significant health challenges. She battled a severe episode of depression in 2010, which she openly discussed in interviews. Later, she was diagnosed with cancer, a condition that she fought bravely for several years. Her health struggles were compounded by a condition known as cancerophobia, an intense fear of cancer, which she had experienced since her youth. Despite her personal battles, she continued to perform, drawing strength from her art and the support of her loved ones.
Career Highlights
Early Career
Kołaczkowska’s foray into the entertainment industry began in 1988 when she joined the cabaret group Drugi Garnitur. Her talent quickly became evident, leading her to Kabaret Potem in 1989. During her decade-long tenure with Potem, she not only performed but also contributed as a writer, showcasing her versatility and creativity.
Kabaret Hrabi
In 2002, Kołaczkowska co-founded Kabaret Hrabi, a group that would become a cornerstone of Polish cabaret. Her performances with Hrabi were characterized by sharp wit, emotional depth, and a keen observational sense. The troupe’s success was a testament to her leadership and artistic vision.
Theatre and Television
Beyond cabaret, Kołaczkowska made significant contributions to theatre and television. She appeared in various productions, including the improvised series Spadkobiercy, where her portrayal of Dorin garnered critical acclaim. Her theatre work further cemented her status as a versatile actress capable of tackling a range of roles.
Radio and Voice Acting
Kołaczkowska’s talents extended to radio, where she hosted shows like Koncert Życzeń and voiced characters in the crime-comedy series Porucznik Jagoda Hyc. Her voice acting skills were also showcased in animated films, including her roles as Donna Noble in Doctor Who (2023), Ciocia Rosita in Coco (2017), and Baba Jaga in Potworna rodzinka (2017) and its sequel (2021).
Legacy and Impact
Joanna Kołaczkowska’s death on July 17, 2025, at the age of 59, marked the end of an era in Polish entertainment. Her passing was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, who remembered her not only for her comedic brilliance but also for her warmth, resilience, and dedication to her craft. She left behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring artists and entertain audiences worldwide.
FAQs
What was Joanna Kołaczkowska’s cause of death?
She passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
When was Joanna Kołaczkowska born?
She was born on June 22, 1966.
Where did Joanna Kołaczkowska grow up?
She grew up in Lubin, Poland.
What was her educational background?
She studied cultural and educational pedagogy at the Higher Pedagogical School in Zielona Góra.
Which cabaret groups was she a part of?
She was a member of Drugi Garnitur, Kabaret Potem, and co-founded Kabaret Hrabi.
Did she have any children?
Yes, she had a daughter named Hanna.
What were some of her notable voice acting roles?
She voiced Donna Noble in Doctor Who, Ciocia Rosita in Coco, and Baba Jaga in Potworna rodzinka.
Was she involved in any radio shows?
Yes, she hosted Koncert Życzeń and voiced characters in Porucznik Jagoda Hyc.
What other TV shows did she appear in?
She appeared in the improvised series Spadkobiercy.
