Nejobávanější český herec: Proč ho diváci nesnáší?

For over four decades, Jan Čenský has graced Czech television screens, transitioning from a promising athlete to a celebrated actor with hundreds of roles to his name. Despite a diverse career encompassing theatre, film, voice work, and hosting, Čenský has become inextricably linked in the public’s mind with a single, enduring character: Dr. David Suchý, the impeccably virtuous chief surgeon in the long-running series Ordinace v růžové zahradě (Doctors in the Rose Garden). While beloved by audiences, this typecasting is now generating discussion, as some viewers express a desire to see the versatile actor explore more complex and challenging roles.

From Athletics to the Stage

Čenský’s path to acting wasn’t a direct one. As a young man, he excelled in athletics, finishing second in the Czech Republic on the 800-meter run and harboring Olympic aspirations. However, the demands of balancing sports and academics proved too challenging, leading to a shift in focus. Fortunately, a natural talent for performance emerged during school performances, including a memorable portrayal of a barking wolf in a production of Little Red Riding Hood.

A teacher encouraged him to pursue formal training, suggesting he apply to the State Conservatory in Prague. After an initial rejection, he was accepted into the school’s musical-dramatic program, studying alongside future stars like Lukáš Vaculík and Ondřej Vetchý. While at the Conservatory, Čenský began appearing in television productions, landing his first role in 1978’s Mapa zámořských objevů (Map of Overseas Discoveries) and a significant part in 1979’s Zkoušky z dospělosti (Tests of Maturity), where he played a villain – a stark contrast to the roles he would later become known for.

A History of Princely Roles

Čenský’s early career was marked by a string of roles in fairy tales, including Bílá kočička (White Cat) in 1979, Princové jsou na draka (The Princes are on the Dragon) in 1980, and several others throughout the 1980s. The 1980 film Princové jsou na draka, while still frequently aired, has received mixed reviews, with some critics noting that while the film’s humour and songs are memorable, Čenský’s performance was less impactful.

He continued to appear in films and series like Návštěvníci (Visitors) and Dlouhá míle (The Long Mile) during the 1980s. However, his performance in the 1982 film Když rozvod, tak rozvod (When Divorce, Then Divorce) was described as somewhat stiff, highlighting the difficulty he faced transitioning from stylized fairy tale roles to more naturalistic acting.

The Defining Role

The 1990s saw Čenský taking on roles that moved away from the “young heartthrob” image, portraying ambitious and sometimes antagonistic characters in series like Život na zámku (Life at the Castle) and Zdivočelá země (Wild Land). This shift was welcomed as an opportunity to showcase his range. However, in 2010, he accepted a role that would come to define his career for the next fifteen years: Dr. David Suchý, the chief surgeon in Ordinace v růžové zahradě.

Dr. Suchý is portrayed as a consistently ethical, professional, and seemingly flawless individual – an ideal husband, boss, and doctor. The role’s immense popularity, as the series is one of the most-watched in the Czech Republic, has inadvertently overshadowed Čenský’s other work. While the character initially presented as overly virtuous, it later evolved to include more nuanced and even negative traits, to Čenský’s satisfaction.

Čenský himself has expressed a preference for playing villains, stating he finds such roles more interesting. However, he acknowledges that he is consistently offered roles that capitalize on his established image as the “perfect” doctor. His mother, according to an interview with Czech Radio, reportedly told him, “Finally, you’re doing something proper.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Jan Čenský’s early athletic career like?

Jan Čenský was a promising athlete in his youth, achieving second place in the Czech Republic on the 800-meter run as a junior and initially aspiring to compete in the Olympics.

What role is Jan Čenský most known for?

Jan Čenský is most recognised for his role as MUDr. David Suchý, the chief surgeon in the television series Ordinace v růžové zahradě.

Did Jan Čenský play villainous roles early in his career?

Yes, Jan Čenský played a villainous role in the 1979 series Zkoušky z dospělosti (Tests of Maturity).

As Czech television continues to favor familiar faces and proven formulas, will Jan Čenský be given the opportunity to break free from the mold and explore the darker, more complex characters he clearly desires to portray?