Goran Navojec (born October 10, 1970 in Bjelovar) is one of the most famous contemporary Croatian actors. He stood out for various roles in theater, film and television, and is remembered by a wider audience as the humorous doctor Toni in the series Our little clinic and as a humorous refko in the series Crazy, confused, normal. In addition to acting, Navojec is also the founder and artistic director of Bok Fest in his native Bjelovar, which testifies to his contribution to the development of the cultural scene in the region. During his more than thirty-year career, he achieved numerous notable roles and won prestigious awards, thus confirming the status of one of the most popular actors of the younger Croatian generation.
Early life and education
Goran Navojec was born in Bjelovar on October 10, 1970. Even as a child, he showed a penchant for art – he attended two elementary schools in his hometown, regular and music school (in which he learned to play the saxophone). After finishing the Secondary Administrative and Law School in Bjelovar, he moved to Zagreb to devote himself professionally to acting. Talent and diligent work soon led him to work on theater boards and in numerous television and film projects. Interestingly, his younger brother Bojan Navojec is also a successful actor, which testifies to a strong artistic trait in the Navojec family.
Film and theater career
Navojec also established himself on the big screen: already at the end of the 1990s, he achieved his first significant film role in a hit-drama film How the war started on my island (1996). The real international turnaround came in 2004 in Tonči’s play Vrdoljak Long dark night, where Navojec had the main role – the film ensured him breaking beyond the borders of Croatia. After that, he recorded several popular domestic comedies and dramas. For example, he acted in the great success of Srđan Dragojević Parade (2011). He also appeared in a Hollywood spectacle that year Mission Impossible: Spirit Protocol (2011), in which he embodied a Russian prisoner – this opened the door to Hollywood for him.
Among his recent film achievements, we should definitely mention the collaboration with director Andre Štak in the film Mare (2020), where a couple of husband and wife played together with Marija Škaričić. Furthermore, he also acted in Tanović’s film after summer (2024), which premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
The most important films of Goran Navojc:
- Long dark night (2004) – the main role (Tonči Vrdoljak).
- Parade (2011) – important secondary role (Dragojević).
- Mission Impossible: Spirit Protocol (2011) – the role of prisoners (Hollywood, after Travoltae).
- Mare (2020) – the main role in Andrea Štaka’s film.
- after summer (2024) – role in Danis Tanović’s comedy.
Television roles and shows
Navojec built a number of unforgettable roles on television. One of the most famous doctors Toni Grgeč in the hit series Our little clinic (HRT, 2004–2007). Followed by Refko Mujkić in the hit series Crazy, confused, normal (Nova TV, 2010–2015), for which he is also remembered. He has often appeared in other popular comedies and series, such as rascals and princesses, Horvatovi, rest, you deserve it and Tito.
Since 2012, Navojec has also participated in popular entertainment shows: he was the captain of the team in the quiz I love Croatia, and since 2014, he has been the main member of the jury in the music-transformation show your face sounds familiar (RTL/Nova TV). In recent TV productions, since 2020, he regularly portrays the title hero in a comedy series Mrkomir the first on HRT.
Famous television series by Goran Navojc:
- Our little clinic (2004–2007) – Dr. Toni Grgeč.
- Crazy, confused, normal (2010–2015) – Reufik ‘Refko’ Mujkić.
- rascals and princesses – secondary role.
- rest, you deserve it – The role of Dudo Kosmički.
- your face sounds familiar (2014–…) – permanent member of the jury.
- Mrkomir the first (2020–…) – title role Mrkomir (HRT).
Synchronization and music
Goran Navojec also stands out as a voice actor. It is the sound alter-ego of famous animated characters in Croatian dubbings. The voices he borrowed include: Mr. ray of Mr. Ražu in Finding Nemo (2003–2016), the bear boog in Open Season (2006) and explosive bomb in movies Angry Birds (2016) and angry birds in movie 2 (2019). The wide scope of his velvety bass is a common choice for striking animated characters.
On the other hand, Navojec is actively involved in the music scene. Back in 2010, he founded a pop-rock band Karne, in which he is a singer and plays the saxophone. He released an album with Karne in 2012 dictatorship of amateurs. Music is also his passion in his spare time – along with the band, he often performs at concerts and musical events throughout the region.
your face sounds familiar
Goran Navojec has been a permanent member of the jury of the popular show since the first seasons your face sounds familiar. This entertaining musical format on N1TV/Nova TV transformed his impressive acting abilities into a judging role: Navojec critically and jokingly comments on the performances of contestants who play world music stars in every season. He has been a member of the jury since 2014, and even today he is happy to respond to new seasons – in the spring of 2025, he will continue to be one of the three judges of that show. In doing so, he became one of the protective faces of the show and beyond, further expanding his influence beyond the classic acting job.
private life
Navojec’s private life also attracted media attention. He maintained social relations outside the public eye for many years, but it is known that he married choreographer Larissa Lipovac in 2009. In the same year, the couple had a son, Grgur (2010). The marriage ended in 2015, and the couple stated that the divorce was not caused by another person. Since 2016, Navojec has been in a relationship with his colleague Marija Škaričić, with whom he also shares collaboration in films Mare and after summer. Both are known for protecting private life from the public – as he once pointed out, Navojec does not even have an official Facebook profile and prefers personal meetings and conversation ‘eye to eye’.
Prizes and awards
Goran Navojec also has numerous acting awards. The Golden Arena, which he won at the Pula Film Festival in 2016, for the best supporting role in the film, stands out. All the best. He has also been awarded for other ensembles and roles in domestic productions. In addition, his popularity among viewers was highlighted – according to media data, Navojec is ‘one of the most popular actors of the younger generation’. The recognitions and praises of criticism testify to its diversity and consistency in work.
Conclusion
Goran Navojec has undoubtedly become one of the most significant and respected Croatian actors of his generation. His rich scope of roles on film, television and theater, as well as engagements on music and television projects, show his versatility and dedication to art. Whether you follow cinema hits or entertainment TV shows, his names and roles will surely arouse interest. For the latest news about Goran’s projects and new roles, we recommend following official channels and media – entering the world of this versatile actor always brings fresh fun.
Sources: Biographical information and quotes were collected from relevant media and expert sources, which confirm details from Goran Navojc’s career.
Cover photo: Fraxinus Croat, CC BY-SA 3.0, Via Wikimedia Commons
