Henryk Bista would have turned 90 this year in March. He played over 150 theater roles and dozens of film and TV series roles. Viewers certainly remember him from “Football Poker”, “Smugglers”, “Medium” (1985), “I love cinema”, “Dekalog and “Mr. Kleks in space”. He was called the master of the second plan, he could turn even the smallest role into a gem.
Henryk Bista loved to play. When he was preparing for the role, he worked on the smallest detail. It was said to be as precise as possible. However, his work paid off, he was never lost on the screen, and his performances, even for just a few seconds, were remembered. He was able to play a villain and a sympathetic character, which is why he was often called a “chameleon of the stage”.
Although he was rarely at home because he was a hard worker, his wife and the moments spent with her were extremely important to him. He didn’t like going out, he didn’t like banquets, he preferred to sit with his beloved in the privacy of his home, go for a walk with his dog in the park.
Urszula Mordzewska-Bista graduated in theater directing in Łódź and was also a teacher at the Musical Theater in Gdynia. They met Henryk Bista in Lublin. She came for an internship and completed her diploma, and he worked at the local theater. Jaracz. They immediately fell in love with each other, and although the actor didn’t smell like a penny and she paid the restaurant bills, they ended up getting married.
— Right after studying directing in Łódź, I came to Lublin to complete my diploma. And of course I met a young man there, already balding… Charming because he invited me everywhere. I was furious because when it came to paying for dinner, or even PLN 3 for a coffee, which was how much it cost, he would reach for his wallet, look for money and say: “Sorry, I don’t have any change, could you lend it to me?” – Urszula recalled years later. Despite this, she was still under his great spell, and when the ceremony took place, she also paid for the wedding.
Henryk Bista’s body was exhumed after his wife’s death
The lean years were soon over. Bista was a sought-after actor and many directors wanted to work with him. The couple lived in Sopot and then in Warsaw. Urszula took care of the house, the actor had no head for housework. His wife organized everything and cooked his favorite dishes: borscht, dumplings, cakes. The actor admitted that he was a homebody and did not go to parties, of which there was never any shortage in his community.
—We’re both crazy homey. We hate parties, but we like meeting friends, said Urszula, and her husband emphasized that only with those closest to us. — We value peace and quiet. We have friends who like what we like, said the actor.
His wife was a great support for Henryk Bista and he always talked to her about his roles. Urszula also read the plays in which he acted, and then had long discussions with her husband about his ideas and doubts. However, she did not go to Bista’s premieres because she was too stressed.
The actor has been fighting cancer in recent years. He didn’t tell anyone, didn’t complain and kept playing. He and Urszula were waiting for their dream apartment and planning how to arrange it. Bista went for a planned operation, but unfortunately he never returned to his beloved. He died on October 8, 1997, at the age of only 63. Family and friends could not come to terms with his passing for a long time. The actor was buried in Warsaw at Powązki Cemetery. His wife outlived him by nine years and died in 2006 of brain cancer. According to her will, she was buried in the family grave at the municipal cemetery in Włocławek. It was then that Henryk Bista’s body was exhumed and his ashes were transferred to his beloved. They were together again.
“Soccer poker”. A movie that hasn’t aged. A bitter comedy about honesty
Henryk Bista did not live to see the premiere of the last series. A song was written about him
Celebrating the Life of Henryk Bista: A Master of the Stage
Ah, Henryk Bista! A name that may not roll off the tongue like some Hollywood heartthrob, but boy, did he have a way of captivating his audience—150 theater roles and dozens of film parts? That’s not just prolific; that’s practically a hobby! If you’ve ever watched “Football Poker”, “Smugglers”, or “Mr. Kleks in Space”, you’ve likely had the pleasure of experiencing his charm firsthand. A “master of the second plan”, Bista had a knack for transforming even the tiniest of roles into theatrical gold. He wasn’t just content with fading into the background; no, he made sure even a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance left a mark!
The Art of Subtlety: Henryk Bista’s Approach
Now, let’s talk about his dedication—a true artist! Bista never slapped on a performance like some slapdash painter. Oh no, this man meticulously prepared every detail. There’s a saying that goes, “measure twice, cut once.” Well, Bista measured thrice, just to be sure! The man could slip into the skin of a villain or embody a sympathetic character with the same ease that we slip into our sweatpants on a Friday night. Hence the affectionate label of “the chameleon of the stage.” A standing ovation for that!
The Quirks of a Homebody
All work and no play? Not quite with Mr. Bista. You see, he was a homebody—a rare gem in the world of glitzy showbiz! While many of his contemporaries were out living it up at lavish banquets, Henryk preferred the serenity of home sweet home where he could enjoy the company of his beloved wife, Urszula. Now there’s a romantic picture: a simple man, a loving partner, and their trusty canine companion basking in the quiet peace of a cozy evening. No confetti, no flashing lights, just love, simplicity, and perhaps a plate of borscht!
A Love Story for the Ages
And speaking of love, let’s dive into their charming romance. Urszula Mordzewska-Bista, an accomplished theater director herself, met Henryk while completing her diploma. Their first encounter must have been something out of a rom-com—full of quirky moments like Henryk fumbling for change at dinner. I mean, talk about a romantic overture! Picture it: rather than serenading her, he was busy asking for a loan for a PLN 3 coffee! Sweet, isn’t it?
Tragedy and Reunion Beyond the Grave
The comedic duo turned poignant when speaking about Bista’s personal struggles. Despite fighting cancer, he continued to work silently—like a superhero without a cape. The man didn’t complain; he simply carried on with his life and his roles. Tragically, he never returned to the loving arms of his wife after a routine operation. He passed away too young at 63, leaving behind a legacy that would take time for family and friends to accept. Nine years later, Urszula joined him after a long battle with brain cancer. True to her wishes, Bista’s ashes were exhumed to rest alongside hers, proving that even in death, love conquers all.
The Final Curtain and Lasting Impact
Mr. Bista might not have seen his last series premiere, but his influence is far from over. They even wrote a song about him—talk about a posthumous serenade! “Soccer Poker” remains a bittersweet comedy, a moment frozen in time, demonstrating that honesty, even wrapped in humor, is a bitter pill to swallow. So, grab the popcorn, cozy up, and remember the master who turned every moment into an unforgettable gem. Here’s to Henryk Bista: a true artist whose legacy will forever live on!
Henryk Bista did not live to see the premiere of the last series. A song was written about him.
