Wojciech Siemion, one of Poland’s most popular actors, has died as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.

He was 82. A son of a village teacher, he was proud of his rural background, becoming an indefatigable promoter of folk poetry and art.  He founded a village art gallery in his mansion in Petrykozy in Mazovia Province. He loved Polish poetry and described himself as ‘a servant of the poets’. His friends used to say that he knew all the poems that have ever been written as well as those that will be written in future.

Wojciech Siemion made his stage debut in 1946. Five years later he graduated from the State Higher Theatre School in Warsaw. His films credits include highly-acclaimed features by Andrzej Munk, Andrzej Wajda and Stanisław Bareja. In the 1960s and 70s he was one of the stars of the National Theatre in Warsaw. He founded the Stara Prochownia Theatre in Warsaw and served as its director for many years.  (mk)