Ljubomir Kerekeš (born January 16, 1960 in Varaždin) is a Croatian theater, film and television actor and comedian. He became known to a wider audience for his role as Major JNA Aleksandar Milosavljević in the cult comedy How the war started on my island (1996). He started his career in the early 1980s in his native Varaždin, and even then he showed a penchant for humor and character roles. Due to his recognizable style, he was later often hired precisely for comic and more characterful characters in films and series.
Early life and theater career
Kerekeš started studying acting immediately after finishing high school, so he In 1980 He made his debut on the Varaždin theater scene. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was a member of the Croatian Drama Ensemble HNK Varaždin (1982–1996), where he played hundreds of plays. After 14 years of work in Varaždin, he moved to the capital – he was a member Kerempuh Satirical Theater in Zagreb from 1996 to 1998. From 1998 onwards he became a permanent member Croatian National Theater in Zagreb (HNK Zagreb), where he worked until 2014. Since 2014, he has been working again in the Varaždin theater, and over the years he has conquered numerous domestic stages with his performances.
Movies and television – featured roles
In addition to the boards, Kerekeš achieved notable acting achievements on film and television. Among his more important roles are:
- How the war started on my island (1996) – Vinko Brešan’s comedy, in which he portrays Major JNA Aleksa. This role brought him great popularity and one of Croatian Theater Award For the best film role in 1996.
- Hunting in Bosnia (2007) – an action thriller in which he is Richard Gere’s partner, and Kerekeš plays one of the main characters in the story of crime and survival.
- Virgin (1999) and last will (2001) – Award-winning Croatian films, in which he has notable supporting roles such as Kuzma Glavan and Honza.
- television series ours and yours (2001–2002), Boomerang (2005–2006), Forever neighbors (2007–2008) and Mammoth (2008–2010) – popular Croatian comedy series in which Kerekeš achieves striking comic roles. (For example, in “Naši i vaši” he plays Grga, and in “Bomerang” Vlatko.)
- The long-standing role of Ante Lalić “Lala” in the soap opera the best years (2009–2011) – a post-war family drama in which he portrays one of the main protagonists.
In addition to the above, he also appeared in a number of other TV and film projects and a notable documentary-feature film. General (2020), where he plays Colonel Marko Vrcelj. The genre ranges from comedies to drama and thrillers, but the audience most often remembers him for his humorous roles.
Independent projects and synchronization
Kerekeš stood out as an author and actor in his own projects. He made two independent comedies as director and screenwriter get yanked and smack (2014) and Marginals (2022). Both films became The most watched Croatian film of the year, despite minimal production and lack of government grants. It is special Marginals Praised – Kerekeš received a nomination for Večernjak’s Rose (Vernji list TV viewer award) for acting in 2023 for the supporting role of Roma Trpimir in that film. Critics and the audience particularly emphasize Kerekeš’s ability to comment on social problems with humor.
In addition to acting, Kerekeš is also active as Dubber voices. One of his most famous synchronization roles is the Croatian voice of the great mammoth Manny in the animated series Ice age (ice age). He also doubled heroes from movies like “Aladdin” (Genia) or “Finding no” (Bloat), which made him recognizable to a younger audience.
Prizes and awards
Kerekeš received several prestigious awards for his long-term artistic creation. two Croatian theater awards He won in 1996: for the role of Major Aleksa in the film How the war started on my island And for the theater role of Jedermann in the play Jedermann. It has also excelled at festivals of humor and satire for years. He was recently nominated for Večernjak’s rose 2023 as the best actor (comedy/film category) for a role in a film Marginals.
Personal life and Kerekesh Theater
Ljubomir Kerekeš is married to Jasenka Kerekeš, an actress who works at HNK Varaždin, and the couple has two children – daughter Ema and son Jan, who is also an actor. Father and son lead together Kerekesh Theater – an independent theater company based in Zagreb. Kerekeš is the leading figure of the theater: he wrote 18 theater texts and directed 20 plays for the Kerekesh Theater. Premiere of the play Assembly (2005) played a whopping 305 times, and served as a starting point for a movie Marginals. His Kerekesh Theater is known for its original humor and socially engaged comedies, and in this way it significantly enriched the contemporary Croatian scene.
Conclusion
Today, Ljubomir Kerekeš is known as one of the most significant and cheerful figures of Croatian acting. His five decades of career and various performances – from theater to film and synchronization – testify to his commitment to the profession and his love for the audience. Exciting projects, whether in the theater or on film, are still being prepared, so the audience has many more laughs and good stories. For the latest information on the work of Ljubomir Kerekeš and the repertoire of the Kerekesh Theater, follow their official website and announcements of events. Support the art and visit one of his plays or screenings – this way you will experience firsthand why Kerekeš is one of the most favorite domestic actors.
Sources: Official sources and interviews give details of Kerekeš’s rich biography and career. Media and databases (Wikipedia, newspaper articles) were cytied, confirming the information provided.
