Joanna Kołaczkowska has died. Friends bid farewell to the artist

Joanna Kołaczkowska: a great artist with many faces

Joanna Kołaczkowska was one of the most distinctive figures in Polish cabaret. She performed, among others, in Kabaret Potem and later in Kabaret Hrabi, which gained enormous popularity thanks to Joanna’s original humour, theatrical form and expressive personality. Her stage acting was full of expression and emotion, which attracted crowds of spectators. Her famous portrayal of Krysia in the show “Spadkobiercy” or her bravura performances in Hrabi made her an icon of the cabaret scene and at the same time a person highly respected in artistic circles. Talented, unconventional and brilliant – this is how she was most often described by her colleagues and fans.

Private life – full of pain and loss

Although she sent joy and laughter to the audience from the stage, Joanna Kołaczkowska’s private life was not without suffering. The artist went through divorces twice. These painful experiences taught her humility and sensitivity, which, her loved ones said, were also evident in her art. Despite her personal dramas, she was able to share love and empathy. In interviews, she often spoke about family values, friendship and the need for tenderness.

See also: Joanna Kołaczkowska is fighting cancer. The Hrabi cabaret asks for support

The shadow of cancer and the fear of illness

For years, Joanna struggled with cancerophobia – a panicky fear of getting cancer. She spoke openly about how immense fear accompanied her daily life. This phobia, which has poisoned her daily life for years, has unfortunately taken real shape in recent months. On 17 July, after midnight, Kabaret Hrabi announced the artist’s passing:

It is with great pain and sadness that we announce the passing of Joanna Kołaczkowska…Our Asia. She had to face the worst and most aggressive opponent. She fought bravely, with dignity, with hope. We fought with her. Unfortunately, we exhausted all available forms of treatment. We believed in a miracle. The miracle did not happen. Asia passed away peacefully, without pain. Surrounded by loved ones and friends – among those whom she loved and who loved her unconditionally – wrote the Hrabi cabaret.

Last farewells – moving words from friends

The news of Joanna Kolaczkowska’s death touched the entire artistic community and thousands of fans. Touching entries were posted by her close friends – including Szymon Majewski and Marzena Rogalska.

Szymon Majewski wrote in his memoir:
‘Asiu, thank you for falling wonderfully into my life a few years ago. Thank you for the friendship you bestowed on me, for our “Mówisiowe” moments, for your sincerity, for your laughter, for the fact that I could be in your circle and warm myself next to your talent.

Marzena Rogalska also gave an extremely emotional farewell to the artist:

If there’s anything I’d like to say to you… it’s probably that the world will simply be poorer without you. Everything you created will remain, but your presence will no longer be replaced by anything. You were so incredibly versatile, you were a revelation, a phenomenon, an artist of cabaret, music, stage, laughter, emotion and absurdity. And at the same time a little vulnerable to how much people adored and loved you. (…) Life can be beautiful, but also terribly unfair. You were the one who got sick. Not someone who lived a crummy, half-hearted life. Just you – loved, good, all from the heart, from tenderness, from love. It is difficult to comprehend it all.

There was also no shortage of voices from fans and friends in the industry. There were hundreds of comments on social media full of love, sadness and gratitude.

Joanna Kolaczkowska and her legacy

Although Joanna Kolaczkowska is no longer with us, her legacy remains alive. Recorded skits, programmes, stage performances and countless interviews are still a reminder of the artist’s extraordinary sensitivity and talent. She left behind not only laughter, but also an important lesson – that it’s worth being yourself, talking about your fears, openly sharing your emotions and not pretending in front of the world. Joanna Kołaczkowska will remain a symbol of intelligent humour, artistic truth and feminine strength. Her passing is a huge loss for Polish culture, but at the same time a reminder of how important it is to celebrate life and real emotions.