Biography
Július Satinský (born August 20, 1941, Bratislava – died December 29, 2002, Bratislava) was a Slovak actor, comedian, playwright, novelist, publicist, writer, and author of children's literature.
Born and raised in Bratislava, Satinský showed an early interest in acting, winning the Hviezdoslav Kubín recitation competition in 1958. Although he initially studied pedagogy at the Secondary Pedagogical School, he never pursued teaching, as his passion lay in acting, a field in which he was initially not accepted. From 1962 to 1966, he studied dramaturgy at the Academy of Performing Arts and worked as a dramaturg at Czechoslovak Television in Bratislava from 1964 to 1967. Beginning in 1959, he formed a comic duo with Milan Lasic, performing in authorial shows such as the Tatra revue and Theater Studio (Divadlo na korze). After 1968, during the normalization period, both faced challenges, and following a ban on their activities in Slovakia, Satinský worked at the Czech Theater Večerní Brno for two years and then at the New Stage in Bratislava from 1972 to 1978. In 1978, he returned to the New Stage. He and Milan Lasic were also signatories of the Anticharta.
A versatile and creative figure, Satinský authored numerous scenes, dialogues, and feature programs. He wrote several books recalling his memories of Bratislava, popular children's books, and contributed to various newspapers and magazines. His cabaret program "Someone is Behind the Door," performed with Milan Lasic and various guests, was especially well-known. Satinský's significance also lay in his capacity to engage audiences, addressing contemporary issues and exploring Slovak identity throughout his career.
His first wife was Oľga Lajdová, a ballet dancer with the SND Ballet, member of Lúčnice, and translator from English and Spanish. After twenty years of marriage, she died in 1985, drowning while swimming in the Caribbean Sea in the US Virgin Islands, where she is buried.
With his second wife, MUDr. Viera Satinská (born 1955), whom he married in 1985, he had a daughter, Lucia, and a son, John.
The Slovak Astronomical Society named the asteroid 15946 Satinský in his honor. It was discovered on January 8, 1998, by Adrián Galád and Alexander Pravda at the Modra Astronomical and Geophysical Observatory.
Honors:
- 1989: Awarded the title of Merited Artist
- 1997: Received the Crystal Wing for lifetime achievement alongside Milan Lasic
- 2003: Posthumously awarded the Medal of Merit, 1st degree, in the Czech Republic
