photo: Georgi Bidenko, PrahaIN.cz/Pavel Zedníček
Colleagues and friends call him Čmaňa, and almost every television fan knows that this is Pavel Zedníček. He just celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday on November 1. Above all, hundreds of messages and various comments appeared on social networks on that occasion.
They concerned not only films (How Poets Don’t Lose Hope, Angel Eyes, Handsome Hubert), but also theater roles and dubbing. Few people may be aware that it was Pavel Zedníček who lent his voice to Frank Lambert from the family series, which is still repeated today, Step by Step.
If the mentioned reactions on social networks have something in common, it is gratitude and at the same time the characteristic that Čmaňa is still an ordinary person. PrahaIN.cz must also add to this, which remembers him, for example, from his involvement in the ABC Theatre.
A man who devoted his entire life to gastronomy turned to our editorial office in this context. “I don’t remember exactly, but it might have been ten years since Mr. Zedníček arrived in Luhačovice,” he said in a very calm voice when we spoke with him on Monday. It is true that the actor was in the spa. However, it was not ten years ago, but in 2017. “Together with their partner, they came to us for a few days to rest and gain strength for the upcoming summer days. For relaxation, they used our operations with spa procedures and the Javanese massage salon,” said this complex.
Nice people
By the way, the Zedníčeks stayed at the Vila Antoaneta hotel.
“He seemed very nice and friendly. That’s how a person in the field can tell if you’re going to serve a grumbler, or if you’re going to learn something,” this waiter told PrahaIN.cz. However, what interested him much more was not the stories, nor the narration, but rather the approach to the staff. “I met a lot of people here who play for something. They arrive, settle in, slowly it becomes difficult for them to answer anything, no matter how hard you try. Mr. Zedníček, which I want to emphasize, was the exact opposite. A charming man, a gallant man, who, whenever he came up with something good, was the first to greet and bow slightly, as people did in the early republics. Because many well-known and well-known faces go to the spa, we are all somehow taught not to notice. Mr. Zedníček was the exact opposite, you couldn’t miss him, it was impossible. Polite, helpful, kind. Such a man is not forgotten. I suspect that he was accompanied at the time by his partner (Hanka Zedníčková Kousalová), who was a wonderful sight. Vital and chic feminine, she reminded me a bit of Sophia Loren. She was very carefully dressed and combed. I wanted to wish him a happy birthday this way too. It’s hard for us to meet in the spa anymore, because I don’t work there anymore, but maybe I’ll run into him at the theater sometimes,” said former waiter Jaroslav.
Mariánky was full
As we managed to find out, Pavel Zedníček is really close to the spa. He regularly visits them as part of social discussions. The last time he went to the well-known Hotel Krakonoš in Mariánské Lázně was this September. The second guest was actress Sabina Laurinová. And it was full. By the way, since October, a statue of carver František Bednář has been standing near this hotel, which resembles Miroslav Horníček in life size.
“Mr. Zedníček arrived with Sabina Laurinová, which was a beautiful revival of the evening. It was really full, 130-150 people, we couldn’t even get more there,” Jiří Richter told our editors. The original profession of economist has been in the west of Bohemia for fifty-three years. The PrahaIN.cz editorial team also discussed a number of other topics with him, which we will cover in a separate article.
As for Pavel Zedníček, Jiří Richter spoke only in superlatives. “People were having fun, he was having fun. You know what, I’ve done countless debates here. We invited Zdenek Troška, Pepa Vojtek, Josef Klíma and Pepa Dvořák, if I remember. Now we are waiting, for example, for the traveler Jirka Kolbaba (November 15 at 7:30 p.m. ed.), but I was very happy with Pavel Zedníček, because it was a great evening. He came to us from Karlovy Vary with his partner. As I already said, Sabina Laurinová also revived it,” added the experienced hotelier for our editors.
We will bring a separate interview with Pavel Zedníček on Wednesday, November 13.
Celebrating Pavel Zedníček: A True Gem at 75
Photo credit: Georgi Bidenko, PrahaIN.cz/Pavel Zedníček
Ah, Pavel Zedníček! Known fondly as “Čmaňa,” this man just hit the big 7-5, and, much like that dodgy wine you’ve left open since last Christmas, he’s still got more zest than a freshly squeezed lemon! On November 1st, his friends and countless television fans flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. A man of many talents, Zedníček isn’t just a relic of the screen; he’s more like the legendary poster on your wall that just won’t fade. From films like How Poets Don’t Lose Hope to lending his voice to Frank Lambert in Step by Step, his impact is as vast as his fans’ mistaken belief that they can sing along to his shows.
Of course, he’s not just an actor. No, this charming fella has graced the stage and even wooed us with his dubbing skills. It’s only fitting that on this occasion, hundreds expressed how “normal” he remains. But let’s be real—normal is subjective! If being normal means you can act, dub, and cozy up with a hot cup of tea at a spa, then sign me up. Praises have been ringing out, and it seems everyone who encounters him can’t help but flow with gratitude. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be at the receiving end of ‘happy birthday’ wishes that make you feel like a rockstar?
From Spa Sojourns to Stage Shenanigans
Now, let’s chat about his escapades in the lovely Luhačovice spa. Apparently, a local man who dives into gastronomy—and let’s hope not the hot tub—remembers Zedníček from a visit back in 2017. “About ten years ago,” he said, probably while fighting the urge to make a salmon dish or some such culinary delight. You have to admire how accurately he pegged down the story! It wasn’t oversold by much—only seven years off. Nonetheless, Zedníček seemed to treat the staff with utmost respect, unlike that one time I tried to order a coffee at a cafe and was met with a look that could curdle milk.
Now imagine a waiter recounting this: “Mr. Zedníček was the exact opposite of a grumbler!” Charming, gallant, and all-around delightful. Sounds like a real-life Prince Charming, albeit one who probably looks better in a tux than under a deer head at the family dinner. And did I mention his partner, Hanka? She apparently resembled a chic Sophia Loren, complete with fabulous outfits and hairdo that evidently earned its own fan club at the spa. I mean, come on, leaves you wondering how he finds time to act when he could easily be on a catwalk somewhere!
A Full House, A Full Heart
We then shift gears to a recent little soirée at the Hotel Krakonoš in Mariánské Lázně—a mouthful to say, but apparently, it’s always full when Zedníček is around! He joined actress Sabina Laurinová and the event sold out faster than a bargain bin at a Black Friday sale. According to Jiří Richter, the hotelier who’s been around longer than some of my old pairs of jeans, people were living it up! That’s what they say, anyway; I’m pretty sure there were a few people in the corner, eyeing the buffet. “People were having fun, he was having fun,” said Jiří. Which, if you ask me, is just the ticket for a joy-filled evening. If you’re not enjoying yourself, what’s the point of going?
So, Pavel Zedníček, you wonderful slice of charisma pie, we can’t wait to see what you do next! Whether taking to the stage, charming the socks off audiences, or setting camp at the spa, you remind us all that age is just a number, and kindness is timeless. In a world filled with grumpy celebs and drama, it’s refreshing to know some stars actually remember to be, well, human! Cheers to that! And, oh, we hear there’s an exclusive interview coming up on November 13th! Grab your popcorn, folks, because this one’s not to be missed!
Until then, let’s keep celebrating talent and kindness, and maybe take a few notes from Čmaňa! Happy birthday, Pavel!
Colleagues and friends affectionately refer to him as Čmaňa, a name that resonates with nearly every television enthusiast as they recognize Pavel Zedníček. Recently, he commemorated a significant milestone, his seventy-fifth birthday, on November 1. This occasion led to an outpouring of heartfelt messages and various comments on social media, showcasing the depth of affection and respect he holds in the hearts of many.
They celebrated not just his films, such as the poignant “How Poets Don’t Lose Hope,” the romantic “Angel Eyes,” and the charming “Handsome Hubert,” but also acknowledged his remarkable contributions to theater and dubbing. Surprisingly, many might not be aware that Pavel Zedníček lent his iconic voice to Frank Lambert, a character from the beloved family series “Step by Step,” which continues to capture audiences’ attention even today.
Amidst the flood of reactions on social networks, a common thread emerged: overwhelming gratitude and a unanimous acknowledgment that Čmaňa remains an approachable, down-to-earth individual despite his fame. The editorial team at PrahaIN.cz reminisces fondly about his esteemed involvement with the ABC Theatre, a testament to his rich contributions to the performing arts.
A man dedicated to the culinary arts shared his memories with our editorial team, recalling a serene encounter with Mr. Zedníček. “I don’t recall the exact details, but it might have been about ten years ago when Mr. Zedníček visited Luhačovice,” he recounted calmly during our discussion earlier this week. Indeed, the actor had visited the spa for a rejuvenating retreat, but it was not a decade ago; it took place in 2017. “He and his partner spent a few relaxing days with us, seeking tranquility and vitality for the approaching summer season. They indulged in our spa procedures and soothing Javanese massages,” the manager elaborated.
By the way, the Zedníčeks enjoyed their stay at the lovely Vila Antoaneta hotel. “He struck me as exceptionally friendly and amiable. In the hospitality industry, one quickly learns to discern a grumbler from a gracious guest,” shared a former waiter with PrahaIN.cz. However, the main focus for him lay not in storytelling but in the respectful approach Mr. Zedníček exhibited towards the staff. “I’ve encountered many celebrities here, some who become aloof and hard to engage with; conversely, Mr. Zedníček was a delightful exception. His charm and gallantry were evident—whenever he shared something pleasant, he was the first to greet staff with a slight bow, reminiscent of the manners from a bygone era. Unlike many renowned figures who prefer to remain unnoticed, Mr. Zedníček’s politeness, helpfulness, and kindness made a lasting impression. I believe his partner, Hanka Zedníčková Kousalová, was by his side, and she was a stunning sight, full of vitality and elegance, reminiscent of a young Sophia Loren. Though we seldom meet in the spa these days since I no longer work there, perhaps our paths will cross at the theater one day,” he added warmly.
The allure of Mariánské Lázně is undeniable, and as we discovered, Pavel Zedníček has a strong connection to the spa scene. He often attends social discussions at various hotels, with his most recent visit to the renowned Hotel Krakonoš in September alongside actress Sabina Laurinová. The event was a resounding success, filling the venue to its limit with eager attendees. Notably, October saw the installation of a statue by the talented carver František Bednář, capturing the likeness of Miroslav Horníček in life-size.
“Mr. Zedníček’s presence alongside Sabina Laurinová brought a unique vibrance to the evening. The turnout was overwhelming, with 130-150 guests in attendance—far beyond our capacity,” Jiří Richter shared with our editors. With over fifty-three years of experience in the hospitality industry in west Bohemia, he has seen countless events and guests but expressed particular delight in hosting Mr. Zedníček. “People thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and he radiated warmth and humor. I have organized numerous discussions featuring talents like Zdenek Troška, Pepa Vojtek, Josef Klíma, and Pepa Dvořák, but Pavel’s evening was something truly special,” added the seasoned hotelier enthusiastically.
Stay tuned as we bring you a special interview with Pavel Zedníček scheduled for publication on Wednesday, November 13.
Dníček’s approachability and warmth seemed to brighten the atmosphere of the establishment,” he added.
The charming encounters didn’t stop there, as Jiří Richter, the seasoned hotelier at Hotel Krakonoš, also shared anecdotes from a recent event featuring Zedníček and actress Sabina Laurinová. The evening was described as a delightful celebration, with guests bubbling over with laughter and enjoyment. “People were having fun, he was having fun,” Richter remarked, emphasizing the infectious joy Zedníček brings wherever he goes. The event turned out to be the kind of gathering that sold out faster than a summer blockbuster, revealing just how much the public treasures the legendary actor’s presence.
As we look forward to the in-depth interview with Pavel Zedníček, set to be released on November 13, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. Fans and supporters alike are eager to catch more of the charismatic actor’s insights and stories, perhaps even a few humorous tales from his illustrious career.
Let’s raise a glass to Pavel Zedníček not just for his longevity in the entertainment industry but for the grace and kindness he continues to show to those around him. He stands as a testament to stardom infused with humility, a persona that resonates deeply with audiences both young and old. In a time when many celebrities seem distant, Zedníček remains a beloved figure, embodying the idea that true talent endures and kindness never goes out of style.
Happy 75th birthday, Pavel Zedníček! Here’s to many more years of joy, laughter, and, of course, unforgettable performances that will continue to light up our screens and hearts!