Interview with prominent Croatian actor Ljubomir Kerekeš

by croatiaweek
February 28, 2024
in Entertainment

Ljubomir Kerekeš and actor Ana Begić Tahiri (Photo: Supplied)

Interview by: Zoran Rajn

Ljubomir Kerekeš is a prominent Croatian actor, comedian, writer, director, and philanthropist born in 1960 in Varaždin. He is known for numerous theater, film, and television roles, among which the role of Major Aleksa in the cult film “How the War Started on My Island” and the role of the chimney sweep Štef in the play “Chimneyman”, which is the most performed play in the history of Croatian theater with more than 1350 performances.

On the occasion of the beginning of the construction of the Cultural Center in Varaždin and the creation of a millennium photo with supporters of the campaign “Be with us, we build for you” launched through the international crowdfunding platform Bona Fides Invest, we bring you an interview about his rich career and future plans.

Can you share some insights into your journey as an actor and comedian? What inspired you to pursue a career in entertainment?

Honestly, I was looking for my place under the stars. In order to get my first professional role in the theater, I walked around the building of the Croatian National Theater in Varaždin on my bloody knees so that the director of the play would notice me and take me into consideration. After that, the theater became my second home, and I soon realized that I was born for it, and I started to enjoy every project.

As a seasoned actor, what role or project has been the most memorable or challenging for you, and why? How do you approach character development, and are there specific types of roles that you find particularly enjoyable to portray?

The theater has its own rules, and acting in the theater is definitely the foundation of our profession. I have played more than 130 roles in the theater, and it is difficult to single out one, but I would say that the role of Štef in the play “Chimneyman” definitely made me famous as far as the theater is concerned, and the play became the most performed play in the history of Croatia with more than 1350 performances. In the world of film, the role of Major Aleksa in “How the War Started on My Island” definitely opened doors for me in the film industry and was also remembered almost 30 years later.

Ljubomir Kerekeš in the theater play The Chimneyman (Photo: Supplied)

The first movie I saw in the cinema as a child was “How the War Started on My Island“. Can you share with the readers an interesting fact about that film that is not yet publicly known?

Hehe, I think even the sparrows on the branches already know that movie by heart, but that was my first big movie role. It was post-war time, and I must admit that it was not easy to play the “enemy” and walk around the film set in that military uniform.

You’ve made significant contributions to Croatian theater, television, and film. How do you perceive the evolution of the entertainment industry in Croatia over the years?

Everything is changing so fast that I can’t even follow it anymore. Everything used to be much simpler, maybe even more honest. On the theater boards, I met various directors and those who would like to be directors and actors who taught me the trade and those who think they know perfectly what acting is, but they are lost. The only thing that hasn’t really changed is my attitude towards work. I work honestly, without a finger in my pocket, and I try to go one step further with every role.

Ljubomir Kerekeš (Photo: Supplied)

In your opinion, what is the role of humor in society, especially during challenging times?

Humor is what often saves us from going crazy, from becoming depressed, and from giving up. Self-deprecating humor is the best, and we at Kerekesh Theater practice it every day. When someone is having the hardest and darkest day, humor can make them laugh and restore their energy and life. I believe in that, and that’s why I especially cherish comedy as a genre because it fills me with life.

How would you describe your approach to creating humor in comedies? What elements do you consider to be key to achieving success in comedy?

So far, I have written and directed more than 15 comedies and two feature films, and they are always stories about small people with big problems. I believe the key lies in simplicity. Life is simple; we are the ones who often make it unnecessarily complicated. The simpler the humor, the louder and better the audience’s reaction. The audience often knows how to repeat some of my sentences even after the performances and write them on social networks, and this proves to me that my humor has entered their heads and makes them laugh whenever they need it.

Comedy often draws inspiration from real-life experiences. Is that also true in your case? How do you feel when people in real life perceive you as a character from your comedies?

Almost all of my comedies are related to real situations or real characters. It’s interesting when people start setting you up as a character. Hey, Aleksa, or hey, Ferdo. It’s normal for them. Some are even convinced that this is your real name and perceive you exclusively through the prism of a certain role. Sometimes it can be tiring, but most of the time, it’s fun for me.

Your son, Jan Kerekeš, has also ventured into the entertainment industry. How does it feel to see the next generation follow in your footsteps?

I’m proud, of course. It’s a bit strange at first, and it took us a few rehearsals on our first joint project to relax and forget about being father and son. However, the connection on the scene is extremely strong, and each cooperation is actually the most accurate possible. We complement each other, listen to each other, and trust each other. That is the most important thing.

Ljubomir and Jan Kerekeš – The most performed Croatian theater play, The Chimneyman (Photo: Supplied)

Your involvement in the field of philanthropy is commendable. How important is it for you that your art is connected with humanitarian and charitable activities?

If I have the opportunity to help, I don’t know what kind of person I should be if I don’t help. Playing a show, recording a promotional video, or paying money was never a problem for me, as long as it was about the right cause and when the money went to the needy. I think it’s my gift to be able to do my job and help someone.

Through the global crowdfunding platform Bona Fides Invest, you launched a crowdfunding campaign for the construction of the Cultural Center in Varaždin. Share with readers more information about the campaign and how they can support it.

To be honest, even at the beginning, it was not clear to me how it all works, and it took me time to understand how big a deal it is and how demanding it is to enter such a big campaign. Jan and the team from Kerekesh Theater are doing most of the work, and I am here to help promote the campaign and to contact friends and acquaintances who I believe are ready to help and get involved in something that will benefit their children and their children’s children.

Interview with Jan Kerekeš on the construction of the New Cultural Center in Varaždin

Future Cultural Center in Varaždin – Crowdfunding campaign Be With Us, We Build For You (Photo: Supplied)

The campaign is successful for now, but it could always be more successful. We hope that more people and large companies will recognize our efforts and desire to build a Cultural Center for future generations. You can get involved in various ways, from making a contribution through the international crowdfunding platform Bona Fides Invest to donating a service or building material. You can also simply call me and suggest who to contact. Every help is welcome!

Croatia has produced many talented artists. Who are some of your influences or fellow artists you admire within the Croatian entertainment industry?

Many of my friends have already gone to another world, probably a better one, and are watching me still down there doing what I do best. Vanja Drach, Georgij Paro, and Ivo Gregurević are just some of the dear colleagues with whom I enjoyed working every second. I used to admire many people, because there were simply many to be admired. Times are different in the theater today.

The main hall of the Cultural Center in Varaždin (Photo: Supplied)

Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re currently working on or excited about?

I am currently working on my new play, “Babinjak”, for which I also wrote the text, and it is produced by the Kerekesh Theater. Four friends from the women’s association “Moramo” go on a humanitarian robbery of a local butcher shop. I work with my dear colleagues, and we are looking forward to the premiere at the beginning of March, so if you happen to be somewhere along the way, come to “Babinjak”.

With your extensive experience, what advice would you give to aspiring actors and comedians in Croatia?

Do not follow others. Be yourself, because that is the fastest way to become recognizable and remain different.