Famous Croatian Film & Theater Personalities

Goran Višnjić is a Croatian-American actor known for his roles in American and British films and television shows. He gained popularity for portraying Dr. Luka Kovač in ER and Garcia Flynn in Timeless, both NBC series. Višnjić's talent has earned him critical acclaim, with nominations for prestigious awards such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards. His versatile acting skills have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing his ability to excel in various roles across different mediums.

Rade Šerbedžija is a highly acclaimed Croatian actor, director, and musician known for his portrayals of commanding characters in both film and television. With a successful career spanning several decades, he has garnered international recognition for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as Snatch, Mission: Impossible 2, and X-Men: First Class. Šerbedžija has received numerous prestigious awards for his outstanding performances, including multiple Golden Arena awards and the Critics Award for Best Actor at the Venice International Film Festival. In addition to his prolific acting career, he has also been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with honors such as the Mary Pickford Award and the Vladimir Nazor Award.

Mira Furlan was a Yugoslav-American actress and singer known for her roles in popular television series and award-winning films. She gained international recognition for portraying the Minbari Ambassador Delenn in Babylon 5 and Danielle Rousseau in Lost. Additionally, Furlan appeared in acclaimed films like When Father Was Away on Business and The Abandoned. With a successful career spanning both television and film, she left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with her versatile performances and memorable characters.

Oja Kodar is a Croatian actress, screenwriter, and director known for her professional collaboration with Orson Welles during the later years of his life. She worked alongside Welles on various film projects, contributing to the writing, acting, and direction of their works. Kodar's artistic talents and creative input were integral to the success of their collaborations, showcasing her versatility and skill in the film industry. Her partnership with Welles left a lasting impact on cinema, cementing her legacy as a talented and influential figure in the industry.

Sylva Koscina was a Yugoslav-born Italian actress known for her roles in iconic films such as Hercules (1958) and Hercules Unchained (1960) alongside Steve Reeves. She also appeared as Paul Newman's romantic interest in The Secret War of Harry Frigg (1968). Koscina gained recognition for her captivating performances and beauty, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the film industry during the mid-20th century. Her talent and charisma on screen endeared her to audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

Zlatko Burić is a Danish-Croatian actor renowned for his roles in the Pusher film trilogy, 2012, and Triangle of Sadness. His compelling performances have garnered critical acclaim, earning him prestigious accolades such as the European Film Award and Guldbagge Award for his role in Triangle of Sadness. Burić's versatile acting skills have established him as a highly respected figure in the film industry, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his talent and dedication to his craft.

Zrinka Cvitešić is a renowned Croatian actress known for her versatile performances across film, television, and theatre. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Cvitešić has delivered compelling portrayals in a wide range of roles, showcasing her talent and depth as an actress. Her dedication to her craft and ability to bring characters to life on screen and stage have garnered her critical acclaim and a strong fan following.

Luka Peroš is a highly talented Croatian actor renowned for his portrayal of Marseille in the popular series Money Heist. With a remarkable ability to speak eight languages, Peroš is a true polyglot. His fluency in English further enhances his versatility as an actor on the international stage. Known for his dedication to his craft and his exceptional linguistic skills, Peroš continues to captivate audiences with his performances and remains a prominent figure in the world of entertainment.

Maja Šuput is a multi-talented Croatian artist known for her work as a singer, actress, television host, and model. She embarked on her professional journey in 1998 as a member of the Croatian group Enjoy before venturing into a successful solo career in 2002. In addition to her music career, Šuput has also made a mark in the entertainment industry as a judge on Nova TV's reality show Supertalent since 2017, where she brings her expertise and passion for the arts to the show.

Tarik Filipović is a prominent Bosnian-Croatian television presenter and actor with a prolific career spanning over three decades. He has showcased his talent in numerous theatre plays, films, and TV dramas across the former Yugoslavia. Notably, he hosts popular quiz shows such as Tko želi biti milijunaš? and Potjera, showcasing his versatility as a presenter. Additionally, Filipović has demonstrated his acting prowess in various roles, including portraying a Serbian soldier in the film Behind Enemy Lines, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished entertainer.

Stipe Erceg is a talented German/Croatian actor known for his roles in acclaimed films such as The Edukators and The Baader Meinhof Complex. He studied acting at Europäisches Theaterinstitut Berlin and has established himself as a versatile performer in the industry. Erceg's portrayal of Peter in The Edukators and Holger Meins in The Baader Meinhof Complex has garnered critical acclaim and showcased his acting range. He continues to be a respected figure in the German film scene, captivating audiences with his performances.

Goran Bogdan is a well-established actor with a career spanning over 15 years, appearing in a diverse range of films and TV series. Known for his versatility, he has showcased his talent in both American and English productions. He has been featured in notable projects such as the film Goltzius and the Pelican Company and the TV series Fargo. Bogdan's performance in the TV series The Last Panthers alongside acclaimed actors Samantha Morton and John Hurt further solidified his reputation as a skilled and sought-after actor in the industry.

Pero Kvrgić was a highly respected Croatian actor known for his extensive career in the theater. He trained at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb and went on to join the HNK before co-founding the Gavella Drama Theatre. Kvrgić returned to HNK later in his career, retiring in 1988 but continuing to act afterwards. He was renowned for his role in the play "Stilske vježbe," a Croatian adaptation of Exercises in Style, which he starred in alongside Lela Margitić.

Adriana Altaras is a multi-talented German artist known for her work as an actress, theatre director, and author. With a career spanning various creative fields, she has captivated audiences with her performances on stage and screen. As a theatre director, she has brought innovative and compelling productions to life. Altaras has also made a mark as an author, sharing her unique perspectives and storytelling prowess through her writings. Her professional journey is a testament to her versatility and dedication to the arts.

Dušan Vukotić was a prominent Yugoslav and Croatian-Montenegrin cartoonist, author, and director of animated films. He is most recognized as a leading figure in the Zagreb school of animated films. Vukotić's professional career was marked by his innovative and influential contributions to the field of animation, where he created a number of acclaimed works that showcased his unique artistic vision and storytelling abilities. His legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring animators and filmmakers worldwide.

Slobodan Dimitrijević was a prominent Serbian television and film actor known for his versatile performances. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional talent and dedication to his craft, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan following. With a diverse range of roles in various projects, Dimitrijević demonstrated his versatility and ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters. His contributions to the Serbian entertainment industry have left a lasting impact, cementing his legacy as a respected and admired figure in the world of acting.

Bojana Gregorić-Vejzović is a talented Croatian actress known for her work in film, theatre, and television. She gained recognition for her role as Dr. Lili Štriga in the popular series Naša mala klinika. Bojana has also showcased her acting skills in the biographical drama Lea and Darija. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character of Helen Parr in the Croatian-language version of The Incredibles franchise. With a diverse portfolio of performances, Bojana continues to captivate audiences with her versatile acting abilities.

Gerda Maurus was an Austrian actress of Croatian descent who rose to fame on the stage in Vienna before transitioning to film. She caught the eye of director Fritz Lang during a performance, leading to her breakthrough role in his silent thriller film Spione (1928). Maurus went on to star in several German films during the Weimar and Nazi eras, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress in a variety of roles across different genres.

Alma Prica is a highly accomplished Croatian actress known for her work in theatre, film, and television. She graduated from the Zagreb Academy of Drama Arts and began her career at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. Prica has garnered critical acclaim for her performances, receiving prestigious awards such as the Golden Arena for Best Actress. Her versatile talent and dedication to her craft have solidified her reputation as one of the most talented and respected actresses in Croatia's entertainment industry.

Đurđa Ivezić was a prominent Croatian actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and stage productions. With a career spanning several decades, she showcased her remarkable talent and versatility in portraying a wide range of characters. Her powerful and nuanced performances captivated audiences and critics alike, establishing her as a respected figure in the Croatian entertainment industry. Through her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring characters to life with depth and authenticity, Đurđa Ivezić left a lasting impact on the world of acting.

Dino Dvornik was a prominent Croatian singer-songwriter, music producer, actor, and reality television star who earned the title "the Croatian king of funk." He left a lasting impact on the music industry with his unique blend of funk, pop, and rock music. Dvornik was known for his energetic stage presence and charismatic performances. His contributions to Croatian music were significant, and he remains a revered figure in the country's music scene.

Saša Broz is a renowned Croatian theatre and television director with a rich professional background. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the arts scene in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Broz has worked with multiple prestigious theatres in these countries, showcasing her talent and versatility in the field. Her directorial work in both theatre and television has garnered critical acclaim and established her as a prominent figure in the industry. Broz continues to leave a lasting impact with her innovative and compelling storytelling.

Veljko Bulajić was a renowned Montenegrin film director known for his work in Croatia. He achieved international recognition for directing World War II-themed movies within the Partisan film genre. His films have reached a massive global audience, with over 500 million viewers worldwide. Bulajić holds the distinction of directing the top four most viewed Yugoslav films of all time, solidifying his legacy in the film industry. Described as a creator of epic blockbusters, his work continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Miroslav Škoro is a Croatian politician, musician, TV host, and former diplomat. He founded and led the conservative Homeland Movement party. In his political career, he served in the Croatian Parliament for the Croatian Democratic Union party and ran as an independent candidate in the presidential election. As a musician, he is recognized for incorporating the traditional Slavonian tamburica instrument in his compositions. Škoro also launched a campaign for the mayor of Zagreb in the 2021 local elections, further showcasing his diverse professional endeavors.

Rajko Grlić is a prominent Croatian figure in the film industry, known for his roles as a director, producer, and screenwriter. He brings his wealth of experience to his position as a film theory professor at Ohio University, where he imparts his knowledge to aspiring filmmakers. Additionally, he serves as the artistic director of the Motovun Film Festival in Croatia, showcasing his dedication to promoting and celebrating cinematic arts. Grlić's multifaceted professional life reflects his passion for storytelling and commitment to nurturing talents in the film industry.

Eduardo Rózsa-Flores was a prominent figure who obtained Croatian citizenship and primarily resided in Budapest after the war. He was featured in a film titled Chico, based on his life. Unfortunately, he was killed by Bolivian police during a raid in 2009, along with two others. Bolivian authorities accused him of leading a terrorist group planning to assassinate the Bolivian president. The trial related to this incident has faced delays, with opposition leaders suggesting the terrorism charges were politically motivated. Rózsa-Flores' professional life was marked by controversy and intrigue.

Mirko Kovač was a prolific Yugoslav writer known for his diverse body of work, which included novels, short stories, essays, film scripts, TV and radio plays. Some of his most notable works include the novella Životopis Malvine Trifković, novels like Vrata od utrobe and Grad u zrcalu, the short story collection Ruže za Nives Koen, the book of essays Europska trulež, and scripts for successful Yugoslav films such as Handcuffs, Playing Soldiers, and Occupation in 26 Pictures. He was also part of the renowned Belgrade quartet alongside Danilo Kiš, Borislav Pekić, and Filip David.

Helga Vlahović was a prominent Croatian journalist, producer, and television personality with a career spanning five decades in SFR Yugoslavia and Croatia. She gained immense popularity as one of the leading television presenters in the 1980s. Throughout her professional life, she was known for her versatility and talent, being credited under different names during her various marriages. Vlahović's contributions to the media industry left a lasting impact, solidifying her reputation as a respected figure in Croatian broadcasting.

Božidarka Frajt, a Croatian actress known for her extensive career spanning six decades, has made significant contributions to Croatian television, film, and theater. Her notable role in the 1972 film The Living Truth, characterized by its cinéma vérité style, garnered critical acclaim and earned her a Golden Arena Award for Best Actress. Recognized for her talent and dedication, Frajt was honored with the prestigious Vladimir Nazor Award in 2010 for her outstanding lifetime achievements in the field of performing arts.

Emir Hadžihafizbegović is a highly acclaimed Bosnian actor known for his versatile performances in over fifty films. He has garnered recognition for his roles in notable movies such as When Father Was Away on Business, Grbavica, and Quo Vadis, Aida? His portrayal of Ivo in These Are the Rules earned him the Best Actor Award at the Venice International Film Festival and a nomination for a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Hadžihafizbegović is also actively involved in the Bosniak nationalist and conservative Party of Democratic Action.

Tatjana Šimić, known professionally as Tatjana, is a versatile Croatian-Dutch talent excelling in the fields of modeling, acting, and singing. With a career spanning decades, she has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. As a model, Tatjana has graced numerous magazines and runways with her striking presence. Her acting skills have been showcased in various films and television shows, earning her critical acclaim. Additionally, Tatjana has demonstrated her musical abilities through her successful singing career, captivating audiences with her voice.

Stojan Matavulj is a renowned Croatian actor known for his versatile performances across various mediums, including film, television, and theater. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a talented and respected figure in the entertainment industry. Matavulj has portrayed a wide range of characters, showcasing his exceptional acting skills and ability to bring depth and authenticity to his roles. His dedication to his craft and consistent delivery of compelling performances have earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim in the world of acting.

Vera Zima, born Vjeročka Zimova, was a prolific Croatian actress known for her work in over fifty films starting in 1975. Throughout her career, she showcased her talent and versatility in various roles, leaving a lasting impact on the Croatian film industry. With her impressive body of work, she garnered critical acclaim and earned a reputation as a respected and talented actress. Vera Zima's contributions to the world of cinema will be remembered and cherished by audiences and fellow professionals alike.

Arben Zharku is a seasoned producer with a background in acting and a strong focus on developing the film industry. He has held various key positions such as Director of the Kosovo Cinematography Center and SKENA UP International Students Film and Theatre Festival. With a degree in Acting and Producer training from EAVE, he has a wealth of experience in film production. Arben's dedication to enhancing infrastructure and expanding his expertise through collaboration with industry professionals is evident in his work. Additionally, his involvement in prestigious organizations like the European Film Academy and European Film Promotion showcases his commitment to advancing the European film industry.

Hilde Krahl was an accomplished Austrian film actress with a career spanning nearly six decades. She appeared in a total of 70 films from 1936 to 1994, showcasing her versatile acting skills and captivating audiences with her performances. Throughout her professional life, Krahl established herself as a prominent figure in the Austrian film industry, earning recognition for her talent and dedication to her craft. Her contributions to cinema left a lasting impact, solidifying her legacy as a respected and celebrated actress.

Ena Begović was a renowned Croatian film actress known for her exceptional talent and beauty. She gained prominence for her captivating performances on screen, establishing herself as one of the finest actresses in former Yugoslavia. With a career marked by versatility and skill, Ena captivated audiences with her compelling portrayals of various characters. Her contributions to the film industry were highly acclaimed, solidifying her reputation as a talented and respected artist in the region.

Lucija Šerbedžija is a talented Croatian theatre and film actress, as well as a successful model. She has garnered recognition in the English-speaking world for her role in The Saint. With a notable career, she has won two Golden Arena awards for Best Actress for her outstanding performances in Madonna and Slow Surrender. Lucija Šerbedžija continues to captivate audiences with her versatile acting skills and has established herself as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Darko Rundek is a versatile Croatian artist known for his work as a rock singer, songwriter, poet, and actor. He gained prominence in the early 1980s as the lead singer of the world music-influenced rock band Haustor. Following the outbreak of the Yugoslav wars in 1991, Rundek relocated to France, where he continued his music career by collaborating with musicians from various parts of the world. He has released eight albums showcasing his diverse musical influences and poetic storytelling.

Iva Jerković is a well-known television host and former model from Croatia. She gained fame by appearing on the Croatian version of Survivor in 2005, followed by a stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2008. Her early career in modeling led her to be featured in FHM magazine. Besides her television work, Jerković also owns the hairdressing and beauty salon LaRita Studio in Zagreb. She has made a mark in the entertainment industry and is recognized for her appearances on reality TV shows.

Tajči, also known as Tatjana Cameron, is a versatile professional in the entertainment industry. She is a talented Croatian singer, television show host, published author, and blogger. Throughout her career, Tajči has showcased her vocal abilities on stage, entertained audiences on television, shared her insights through writing, and engaged with her followers through blogging. Her work spans across different mediums, allowing her to connect with diverse audiences and share her creativity with the world.