50 Best Croatian Actors of All Time
List of 50 Best Croatian Actors of All Time. (2011.)
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Rene Bitorajac is a Croatian actor. He has appeared in a number of Croatian and Bosnian films since the 1980s. Most notably, he starred in the 2001 Academy Award-winning Bosnian film "No Man's Land". He is also known for starring in popular Croatian television sitcoms "Bitange i princeze" (2005-2010) and "Nasa mala klinika" (2004-2007). In 2009, he won the Golden Arena for Best Actor at the 56th Pula Film Festival for his role in the 2009 film "Metastases", in which he portrayed the character of a sociopathic football hooligan named Krpa. He again won the Golden Arena for Best Actor in 2012 for his role of Dr. Babic in the same year's film "Cannibal Vegetarian" and, still in 2012, he has been awarded as "Best actor" at the Fantastic film festival in Austin, Texas, USA, 2013 Best actor Bruxelles and Paris Mediteraneo film festival ("Cannibal Vegetarian").
Bitorajac also worked prominently in Croatian-language versions of animated features. He provided voice acting for Syndrome in "The Incredibles", Buck in "Home on the Range" (both 2004), Ham in "Space Chimps" (2008), Gru in the "Despicable Me" franchise (2010-present) and Red in "The Angry Birds Movie" (2016) complete with its 2019 sequel.- Actor
- Writer
Fabijan Sovagovic was born on 4 January 1932 in Ladimirevci, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor and writer, known for Rhythm of a Crime (1981), Covjek koji je volio sprovode (1989) and Handcuffs (1970). He was married to Maja Blaskov-Sovagovic. He died on 1 January 2001 in Zagreb, Croatia.- Ivo Gregurevic was born on 7 October 1952 in Orasje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Ne dao Bog veceg zla (2002), Tri muskarca Melite Zganjer (1998) and The Reaper (2014). He was married to Dubravka Ostojic. He died on 1 January 2019 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Boris Dvornik was born to the family of a carpenter. His acting experience started at the age of 8 when he took parts in plays for children. In his high school days he was learning to be electrician, but soon decided to pursue full-time acting career instead. After finishing National Acting School in Novi Sad he enrolled in Drama Academy in Zagreb. While on the first academic year, he began his movie career in The Ninth Circle (1960). His film debut was instant success, and in his second movie, Martin u oblacima (1961), he proved his abilities in comic roles. Dvornik soon became on of the movie icons of former Yugoslavia, together with 'Bata Zivojinovic', Milena Dravic and Ljubisa Samardzic. However, the zenith of popularity was reached by his role in humorous cult series "Malo misto" (mini) and some other light pieces that followed in the 1970s. However, although still being one of the most prolific actors in history of former Yugoslav and Croatian cinema and TV, Boris Dvornik in 1980s mostly used to work in the Croatian National Theatre in Split. In 1992, due to the friendship with Antun Vrdoljak, he flirted with politics for a couple of months. Dvornik is married, has a daughter and four granchildren, while two of his sons - Dean Dvornik and 'Dino Dvornik', who used to cameo as children in his movies - are now major pop stars in Croatia.- Mustafa Nadarevic was born on 2 May 1943 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for The Glembays (1988), Washed Out (1995) and No Man's Land (2001). He was married to Slavica Radovic, Snjezana Nozinic and Jasna Nadarevic. He died on 22 November 2020 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Zvonko Lepetic was born on 17 November 1928 in Berane, Montenegro, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Crazy Days (1977), Balkan Spy (1984) and Kapelski kresovi (1974). He was married to Terezija Dadic-Lepetic. He died on 4 January 1991 in Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia.
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Rade Serbedzija was born in Bunic (Korenica) in 1946. Graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Still a student, he started to play the leading roles in films and theater productions. He is remembered as an outstanding Peer Gynt, Don Juan, Georgij, Melkior, Oedipus, Hamlet, Leon and Richard III. He wrote and published four books of poetry and released four albums, as well as directed 12 plays (Balade Petrice Kerempuha, Kazu da je sova nekad bila pekareva kci, Judita, Hrvatski slavuj...). He shot more than seventy films (Rdece klasje (1970), Zadah tela (1983), Hajka (1977), Vecernja zvona (1986), Bravo maestro (1978), Variola Vera (1982), Una (1984), Usijanje (1979), Life Is Beautiful (1985), Cyclops (1982), Povratak (1979), Horvatov izbor (1985), Dreaming the Rose (1986), Kontesa Dora (1993)...), and starred in leading roles of several TV-series (Sam covjek, U registraturi (1974), Prosjaci i sinovi (1971), Bombaski proces (1977), Nikola Tesla (1977), Putovanje u Vucjak (1986)...). He joined Vanessa Redgrave to found a theater that produced plays such as Brecht in exile, Liberation of Skopje, Smoke, Opera Sarajevo. He took part in many charity and peace initiatives. After a world famous film Before the Rain (1994) where he played the leading role, he was cast in films by prominent directors of the world (P. Noyce, J. Woo, S. Kubrick, F. Rossi...), in films such as The Saint (1997) (P. Noyce), The Truce (1997) (F. Rossi), Prague Duet (1998), Broken English (1996), Eyes Wide Shut (1999) (S. Kubrick), Polish Wedding (1998), Stigmata (1999), Mighty Joe Young (1998), The Sweet Sounds of Life (1999), Open Sea (1999), Mission: Impossible II (2000), Space Cowboys (2000), Snatch (2000), and in South Pacific (2001), Hermano (2007), Quicksand (2003), currently in post-production. He starred alongside Val Kilmer, Elisabeth Shue, John Turturro, Tom Cruise, Glenn Close. He lives in London.- Kresimir Mikic was born on 17 April 1974 in Osijek, Croatia, Yugoslavia [now Osijek, Croatia]. He is an actor, known for The Melon Route (2006), Escort (2023) and Cutterhead (2018).
- Ivica Vidovic was born on 10 May 1939 in Belgrade, Serbia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Kuzis stari moj (1973), Fine mrtve djevojke (2002) and Rhythm of a Crime (1981). He was married to Gordana Gadzic, Mirjana Majurec and Zdenka Anusic. He died on 18 April 2011 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Actor
- Producer
Ilija Ivezic was born on 20 July 1926 in Ricice, Gracac, Kingdom of Yugoslavia. He was an actor and producer, known for Zlatne godine (1994), Marsal (1999) and Mathias Sandorf (1979). He died on 14 April 2016 in Zagreb, Croatia.- Boris Buzancic was born on 13 March 1929 in Bjelovar, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Guns of War (1974), Kotlovina (2011) and Holiday in St. Tropez (1964). He died on 9 October 2014 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Leon Lucev was born on 26 November 1970 in Sibenik, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor and director, known for Circles (2013), The Load (2018) and Will Not End Here (2008).- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Filip Sovagovic was born on 13 September 1966 in Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor and director, known for No Man's Land (2001), Transatlantik (1998) and Fashion Tension (2013). He was previously married to Ruza Grizelj.- Relja Basic was born on 14 February 1930 in Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Roundabout (1966), Jenseits der Morgenröte (1985) and Race for the Bomb (1987). He died on 7 April 2017 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Predrag 'Predjo' Vusovic was born on 29 August 1960 in Kotor, Montenegro, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Posljednja volja (2001), Odmori se, zasluzio si (2006) and Bella Biondina (2011). He died on 17 February 2011 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Actor
- Writer
Rakan Rushaidat was born on 25 October 1977. He is an actor and writer, known for Sve dzaba (2006), Comic Sans (2018) and Vis-à-vis (2013). He was previously married to Ivana Starcevic.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Goran Navojec is a Croatian actor and musician. In his three decade long career, Navojec has starred in numerous films. He has also had prominent roles on television. He has appeared regularly on stage, including a lauded performance as the title prince in a 2004 production of "Hamlet". He has also worked for various American and British stage and screen productions, including "Coriolanus" and "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" (both 2011). For his body of work, Navojec has received critical acclaim and numerous awards. For his role in 2016's "Sve najbolje", he won a Golden Arena for Best Supporting Actor.
His robust, distinct bass-baritone voice has landed him prolific roles within voice-work for numerous Croatian-language dubs of animated features and radio dramas. He has voiced Mr. Ray in the "Finding Nemo" franchise (2003-2016), Junior in "Home on the Range" (2004), Boog in "Open Season" (2006), Bad Bill in "Rango" (2011) and Bomb in "The Angry Birds" movies (2016, 2019).
Apart from his eminent acting career, he has also performed as a musician. Since 2010, he has been a part of Bosnian pop-rock band Karne, a group he formed alongside Miraj Grbic and Fedja Isovic. With Karne, Navojec released one album called "Diktatura amatera" in 2012.- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Goran Visnjic is a Croatian American actor and producer, born in Sibenik, Croatia. He is married to Eva Visnjic (formerly Ivana Vrdoljak) with whom has three children. From an early age Visnjic started appearing in various theater plays. At the age of 16, he had his screen debut in the film Braca po materi (1988). In 1990, when the dissolution of Yugoslavia began, Visnjic was serving a one-year military obligation in the Yugoslavian Army (JNA). He left the JNA and returned to Sibenik, where he joined the Croatian Army in the defense of his hometown. After leaving the army, he moved to Zagreb and enrolled at the Academy of Dramatic Art. In his second year of studies at the academy, Visnjic was chosen for the title role in Shakespeare's Hamlet, which made him the youngest actor to play that role. Prior to joining ER (1994) in 1999, Visnjic played several minor roles in the films like The Peacemaker (1997), Welcome to Sarajevo (1997) and Practical Magic (1998). In 1998, he appeared in Madonna's music video for the song "The Power of Goodbye", which opened the doors of Hollywood for him.- Zivko Anocic was born on 13 May 1981 in Osijek, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Escort (2023), Svemu dodje kraj and Not All About the Money (2013).
- Milan Strljic was born on 22 March 1952 in Tordinci kraj Vinkovaca, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Svetozar Markovic (1980), Svetozar Markovic (1980) and Larin izbor (2011).
- Actor
- Writer
Bojan Navojec is Croatian film and stage actor with an extraordinary charm and personal warmth, attracted attention as a student. Throughout his career, he worked with leading Croatian and regional directors, appeared in more than 70 films and 50 theatre plays across major Croatian theatre. In 2010 he joined Croatian National Theatre drama. Navojec graduated from University of Zagreb School of Drama in 2010. Today, he is acting class adjunct faculty at the School, teaching "Acting on Camera". He is recipient of numerous Croatian acting awards.- Vanja Drach was born to the family of a respectable doctor in Vinkovci, Croatia. Having lost his father at the age of 11, he decided to continue with family tradition and came to Zagreb to study medicine. However, in the big city he fell in love with theater and cinema and, and after only one year in the medical school, he tried to enroll in the Drama Academy. At first, professor 'Branko Gavella' didn't want to admit him because of his natural red hair, but Drach's perfect diction saved the day. After the Academy and two years in the Gavella Theater, Drach listened to the advice of Bojan Stupica and joined Croatian National Theater in Zagreb in 1957. He stayed in the National Theater until 1975 when he joined his good friend Relja Basic and his travelling company "Teatar u gostima" for next five years. After that period, Vanja Drach rejoined Croatian National Theater where he works until the present day. Vanja Drach is married, has a son and a grandaughter.
- Vlatko Dulic was born on 20 April 1943 in Subotica, Serbia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for The Bridge at the End of the World (2014), Usporeno kretanje (1979) and Eagle (1990). He died on 20 November 2015 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Goran Grgic was born on 17 November 1965 in Osijek, Croatia. He is an actor, known for Behind Enemy Lines (2001), F20 (2018) and Civil Servant (2019).
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Ljubomir Kerekes was born on January 16, 1960 in Varazdin, Croatia (former Yugoslavia). He is an actor, known for croatian TV series Zauvijek susjedi (2007), Bumerang (2005), Najbolje godine (2009) and the movie "Kako je poceo rat na mom otoku" . He is the father of Jan Kerekes, the frontman of the nu/groove metal band Cold Snap.- Niksa Butijer was born on 6 October 1978 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. He is an actor, known for The Priest's Children (2013), Crnci (2009) and Mary (2017).
- Sven Lasta was born on 18 April 1925 in Pakrac, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Skoljka sumi (1990), Il tempo dell'inizio (1974) and Ljubav i poneka psovka (1969). He died on 15 August 1996 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Pero Kvrgic was born on 4 March 1927 in Srpske Moravice, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for The Steppe (1962), Gledaoci i mi (1956) and Tvrdica (1967). He was married to Nevenka Stipancic. He died on 23 December 2020 in Zagreb, Croatia.- Actor
- Director
- Costume Designer
Drazen Kuhn was born in 1965 in Spisic Bukovica kraj Virovitice, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]. He is an actor and director, known for Kad mrtvi zapjevaju (1998), Will Not End Here (2008) and Marsal (1999).- Actor
- Make-Up Department
Karlo Bulic was born on 12 May 1910 in Trieste, Austria-Hungary [now Italy]. He was an actor, known for TV teatar (1956), The Upstarts (1953) and Nase malo misto (1969). He died on 19 October 1986 in Belgrade, Serbia, Yugoslavia.- Damir Loncar was born in 1961 in Osijek, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Luka (1992), Ne dao Bog veceg zla (2002) and Nasa mala klinika (2004).
- Zlatko Crnkovic was born on May 27, 1936 in Kastav, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Tu (2003), Balade Petrice Kerempuha (1971) and Dundo Maroje (1983) and Duga Ponoc(2004). He died on February 14, 2012 in Zagreb, Croatia. He was a leader of drama in the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb and professor at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb.
- Marinko Prga is a Croatian actor, based in Varazdin. The actor is known for Funeral (2022), The Only Way Out (2021), Shooting Stars (2015), 72 days (2010), The Hunting Party (2007), No Man's Land (2001) and many other projects. His upcoming projects are Lee and O'Dessa. Marinko speaks Croatian, English and Italian, and enjoys motorcycle riding. He is a constant member of the Croatian National Theatre and has been awarded for many roles. Marinko is one of Croatia's most recognizable and loved faces, thanks to having more than 70 roles in theatre, film and TV.
- Ljubo Kapor was born on 21 September 1932 in Korcula, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Donkey (2009), Velo misto (1980) and Ljubav i poneka psovka (1969). He died on 13 March 2010 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Franjo Dijak was born on 2 June 1977 in Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Goran (2016), Pravo cudo (2007) and Guardian of the Castle (2017).
- Danko Ljustina was born on 24 February 1952 in Karlovac, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Konjanik (2003), Posljednja volja (2001) and Banovic Strahinja (1981).
- Tonko Lonza was born on 29 September 1930 in Zaton near Dubrovnik, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Captain America (1990), Olujne tisine 1895-1995 (1997) and Ujka Vanja (1982). He was married to Neva Rosic. He died on 23 December 2018 in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- Milan Plestina was born on 3 May 1961 in Split, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]. He is an actor, known for Novo doba (2002), Reflections (1987) and Is It Clear, My Friend? (2000).
- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Dejan Acimovic has graduated from Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb in 1996. Since 1987 he has been engaged in the ZKM theatre in Zagreb and has performed in many theatre productions. As a film actor he starred in many Croatian and foreign films, as well as several television films and series. In 2000 he directed his first feature film, Je li jasno, prijatelju? (Is it clear, my friend?) that was invited to festivals all over the world and has received the Silver award for the best first film at the International film festival in Houston, Zlatna arena award for the supporting role (D. Aæimoviæ) and for the set design at the Pula Film Festival.- Ivan Brkic was born on 15 January 1960 in Vinkovci, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]. He was an actor, known for Cijena zivota (1994), Red Dust (1999) and The Bridge at the End of the World (2014). He died on 5 September 2015 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Stojan Matavulj was born on 24 February 1961 in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia [now Serbia]. He is an actor, known for Carpe Diem! (2022), Pjevajte nesto ljubavno (2007) and Dream Warrior (2003). He is married to Branka Matavulj. They have two children.
- Edo Perocevic was born on 3 October 1937 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Banovic Strahinja (1981), Ljubav i poneka psovka (1969) and Sumorna jesen (1969). He was married to Katica Perocevic. He died on 28 April 2007 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Robert Ugrina was born in 1974 in Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Vegetarian Cannibal (2012), The Last Serb in Croatia (2019) and Zakon! (2009).
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Vili Matula was born on 5 March 1962 in Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Schindler's List (1993), Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990) and 100 minuta slave (2004).- Zeljko Königsknecht was born on 12 February 1961 in Vukovar, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He is an actor, known for Fatal Sky (1990), Zakon! (2009) and Charuga (1991).
- Josip Genda was born on 5 March 1943 in Skabrnja, Croatia. He was an actor, known for Sedma kronika (1996), Kanjon opasnih igara (1998) and Vrijeme ratnika (1991). He died on 8 September 2006 in Split, Croatia.
- Mate Ergovic was born on 11 January 1927 in Novi Mikanovci near Stari Mikanovci, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Ljubav i poneka psovka (1969), U registraturi (1974) and The Siege (1956). He died on 7 May 2013 in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Franjo Majetic was born on 26 February 1923 in Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for One Song a Day Takes Mischief Away (1970), The Third Key (1983) and Whatever You Can Spare (1979). He died on 29 November 1991 in Varazdin, Croatia.
- Alen Liveric was born in 1967 in Rijeka, Croatia, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]. He is an actor, known for Niciji sin (2008), The Last Well (2017) and Larin izbor (2011).
- Luka Petrusic was born on 15 September 1982 in Zagreb, Croatia. He is an actor, known for I Want You (1998), Zakon! (2009) and Brija (2012).