Wacław Janicki

One of Kiemlicz’s two sons

Wacław Janicki played Kosma Kiemlicz. His brother, Lesław Janicki, played Damian. Franciszek Pieczka was their screen father¹. The separate credits help identify the performers behind two similar characters.

Pieczka recalled that the brothers were chosen for their resemblance to him². His profile explores that testimony and old Kiemlicz’s place in the story. The actors’ real kinship does not turn their characters into historical people: the Kiemlicz family belongs to Sienkiewicz’s novel³.

From historical spectacle to Cricot 2

Wacław Janicki studied art history at the Jagiellonian University. He co-created Druga Grupa and acted in Cricot 2, including The Dead Class. With his brother he published Dziennik z podróży z Kantorem (2000)⁴.

Explore the film’s production history and his brother’s profile.

Remembering the actor

Cricoteka announced Wacław Janicki’s death in a notice published on 7 January 2025. It recalled his film appearances, including The Deluge, and collaborations including Christian Boltanski⁵. The Kraków goldsmiths’ guild obituary gives his date of death as 6 January 2025⁶.

The film and the break with Kantor

In a PAP interview, Wacław recalled Kantor’s objection to their accepting parts in The Deluge. Lesław explained that the director expected complete dedication to theatre. The brothers later rejoined the company for The Dead Class⁷.

Official certificates for long hair

The production issued certificates confirming that both brothers needed long hair for their work in The Deluge. Oleksiewicz found this document among correspondence about make-up⁸.