Josef Kemr

Josef Kemr was born on June 20, 1922, in Prague, into a family with a strong artistic background, with his mother working as a seamstress and his father as a shoemaker. Inspired by his father, who encouraged him to pursue the arts, Kemr developed a talent for playing string instruments. He began performing alongside his brother in 1932 at the Vinohradské Theatre, and soon transitioned into film.

After completing his education at a commercial school in Prague in 1942, Kemr joined the traveling theater company of A. Budínská – Červíčková, where he honed his craft from 1942 to 1945. His career continued to flourish as he worked with various notable theaters, including the Kladno Theatre (1945-1947), the Akropolis Theatre (1947-1948), and the S. K. Neumann Theatre (1948-1950). He spent a significant portion of his career at the Municipal Theatres of Prague from 1950 to 1965 before becoming a member of the Czech National Theatre’s drama ensemble, where he remained until his death in 1995.

Kemr’s contributions to the performing arts have been recognized posthumously, with a bust of him now residing in the foyer of the National Theatre, commemorating his impact on Czech theatre and film.