Ivan Rajniak

Ivan Rajniak was born on July 10, 1931 in the picturesque Liptov village of Hybe. Another important Slovak actor – Ondrej Jariabek – was born here for interest.

Already at the age of 11, Rajniak appeared in the film LETO POD KRIVÁŇOM. The screenplay for this film was written by his native (Jariabek). Ivan Rajniak was terribly drawn to Bratislava, where he began studying at the Academy of Performing Arts. He graduated from this school in 1957.

Košice became the first work of Ivan Rajniak. He was in the State Theater until 1966. It is interesting that he created the characters that are the basis of world theater (HAMLET, RÓMEO). In 1966 he joined the SND in Bratislava. He worked here for 33 years.

Rajniak’s theatrical work is full of characters that Ivan Rajniak played wonderfully, we need to remember Bezuchov (War and Peace), Belana (Sonata for the Peacock), Grand Khan Kublai (Millionaire Marko). Rajniak also liked to play in comedies as a Collection Center, and it is a great pity that there were less than serious comedies.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Ivan Rajniak was one of the busiest Slovak actors in television and film. He portrayed the characters of tough guys (partisans, villagers). In television films, let us recall the character of godfather Trnka (Rysavá jalovica), where he excelled together with Jozef Króner. He also had a beautiful role in RED WINE (Oliver).

He played many characters in the films, one of which entered the history of Slovak film. He is the character of “chatter, smuggler, poor man in bear skin” VALÉRA in films by director Martin Hollé (MEDENNA TOWER, ORLIE PIERKO).

After 1989, he fell into oblivion and retreated to privacy. He loved the mountains infinitely and was an avid hunter. He left quietly in the presence of his wife on February 23, 1999 in Bratislava. He is buried in his native village and his natives unveiled a memorial plaque to him on the occasion of the 75th anniversary.

Ivan Rajniak remained in our hearts as VALÉR – a real man.