Wiktor Zborowski – unbeknownst to many, he's also a musician

Wiktor Zborowski – best known for his work in theater and cinema and widely recognized from his dubbing voice. Not many know, however, that same voice can also sing. A voice that sounds like a warm jazz tune that you don’t want to turn off even after the hundredth listen.

Wiktor Zborowski – history

Wiktor Zborowski was born on January 10 1951 in Warsaw. He’s the son of Hanna Kobuszewska and Adam Zborowski. His father was a lawyer, prosecutor and political figure, serving as a Vice Minister of Justice under the Polish People’s Republic, his mother, on the other hand, was the sister of the renowned actor Jan Kobuszewski. Her family was closely connected to the theater, which influenced the career development of Wiktor Zborowski, just as much as his father’s political involvement.

When he was younger, Zborowski often dreamed of a career of a basketball player because of his tall frame, however, in the end – with his mother’s encouragement, and the charisma of Jan Kobuszewski – he decided on applying to the State Theatre Academy in Warsaw. As it turned out, it was a great decision, and his deep voice, which he used to be ashamed of, became his asset and trademark.

In college, he did very well – he received high marks and was appreciated by his professors for his unique voice. His physique was already determining the roles he was offered – at that time, he portrayed athletic characters thanks to his physical attributes, in later years of his career, he would often play majestic, graceful or charismatic men.

He made his debut in 1970 with the role of the Gravedigger in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the National Theatre, directed by Adam Hanuszkiewicz. Four years later, he played a TV role for the first time, taking on the role of a vicar in Roman Wionczek’s TV drama Padalce.

It was the beginning of his rich acting career. Zborowski appeared in many acclaimed films, performed on the stages of prestigious theaters and voiced iconic animated characters.

When listing his most important film roles, it is impossible not to begin with Longinus Podbipięta in With Fire and Sword. It is Zborowski’s most iconic and recognizable character. Even though he was already known before the film’s premiere, it is With Fire and Sword that can be considered a breakthrough moment in his career, which made Zborowski known to almost every Pole.

.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvPOZvRNePs
Wiktor Zborowski in „Ogniem i Mieczem”

Apart from With Fire and Sword, Zborowski has had many other well-known and acclaimed roles. He has also been featured in productions, such as Teddy Bear, Killer 2, Planet Single. He often appears in supporting roles, yet thanks to his performance he effortlessly leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Zborowski also made his mark in theater, taking on brilliant roles. He portrayed Borejsza in Beniowski, took part in Antigone, Don Quixote, embodied Captain Hook and appeared in The Wedding. He performed at many theaters, such as:

National Theatre
Ateneum Theatre
Kwadrat Theatre
Dramatic Theatre
ROMA Musical Theatre

And finally, his dubbed roles, which are as iconic as his film and theater parts. Listing them all out could take a while: Mufasa in The Lion King, the Mayor in Zootopia, Gandalf in The Hobbit, Baloo in The Jungle Book, Yao in Mulan and Donkey in Shrek. His distinctive voice can also be heard in video games, for example as the character Esbern in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which remains one of the most acclaimed video game productions to this day.

Wiktor Zborowski – music

Not many people know that Zborowski isn’t just a film and theater actor, but also a musician. Yes, Wiktor Zborowski, throughout the years of his rich career has lent his voice many times in musical pieces – and not speaking, but singing. In a way, he can be called a musician because he even has a music album to his name.

In 2011, Wiktor Zborowski released his debut – and so far only – music album, titled Kropla w Morzu. The album features interpretations of lyrics by authors like Brecht, Rimbaud, Młynarski, often in a poetic, cinematic or comedic style. The record features many well-known figures from the Polish acting scene. The album – despite being quite low-key and not aimed at mainstream success – is available on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Wiktor Zborowski – Jak artyści szli do nieba

Zborowski also contributed as a guest artist on many musical projects. These were usually connected with film music, but that doesn’t change the fact that he sang on them. What is important, is that his voice is extremely charming. One can get the impression that if he were to devote his life to music, he would achieve success, and on Wikipedia he wouldn’t be described as an actor, but as a world-renowned musician.

Awards and honors

Wiktor Zborowski, for his exceptional work, has been given many accolades and honors. His distinctive acting–and-singing performance led him to win the Wielki Splendor Award in 2014, which is a recognition awarded to outstanding creators of radio theatre. Three years later, he received an award at the Animated Film Festival “Animocje” for his achievements in dubbing. In addition, he has been recognized multiple times: in 1997 with the “Meritorious Cultural Activist” badge, in 2013 with the “Silver Medal of Gloria Artis for Merit to Culture”, which was upgraded to gold in 2024.

All these accomplishments clearly show how well Zborowski led his career and the significant influence he had on Polish culture.

text by: Paweł Skarzyński
translation by: Aleksandra Dryjska
Zdjęcia: Wikipedia