Biography
Ivan Krajíček (born May 24, 1940, Žilina – died June 5, 1997, Bratislava) was a Slovak actor, singer, comedian, director, host, and entertainer.
He began playing the violin at age five and also engaged in various sports such as discus throw, cycling, and hockey. From 1957 to 1961, he studied at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. In 1964, he joined the drama ensemble of the New Stage, where he worked until 1975 before moving to the operetta ensemble as a soloist.
A multifaceted artist, Krajíček was active in acting, singing, hosting, cabaret, and worked as both a theater and television director.
During his military service, he created an entertainment program requiring a script. He collaborated with Old Hlaváček, also serving in Mikulov at the time, who wrote the script. This partnership led to the formation of the theater and cabaret duo Krajíček–Hlaváček, a concept originated by Ivan Krajíček. The duo performed in cabaret, radio, and television, with their most renowned show being "The Inn under the Chestnut," featuring two farms. In 1964, he joined the New Stage.
Ivan Krajíček’s grave is located in the Slávičie údolie cemetery.
He frequently performed as an actor and singer alongside Zora Kolínská, with whom he recorded several duets. As a director, he helmed numerous productions, including the musical comedy Tululum and the musical Cyrano from the Suburbs. He contributed to dubbing, children's programming, and hosted various contests, events, and entertainment shows such as Bratislava Lyre and Vtipnější Wins. He also began moderating the show Disco for the Elderly and Advanced, later renamed May I Beg?
In the early 1990s, he created and hosted the popular song competition Repete. He performed his own songs there—such as Dangerous Miss, Mom, Journey to Heaven, Kazačok, Black Eyes, Tulip, The Last Feast, and Song about a Rock Flower—and also sang with other artists, adding comedic scenes to individual songs. The competition was highly successful, receiving 16,000 audience correspondence cards in its first round and growing to 180,000 by early 1993. He hosted Repete until February 1997; after his passing, Zora Kolínská took over as host.
He received an award for his acting at the Karlovy Vary festival for his role as Cornelius in the musical Hello Dolly! In 1970, he was honored with the Life of Sympathy Award by Life magazine readers.
