Jarka Obermaierová: Return to Ulice After Break & Health Concerns

After a six-month hiatus, veteran Czech actress Jaroslava Obermaierová is returning to the long-running television series Ulice (The Street), reprising her role as the beloved, if somewhat notorious, Vilma Nyklová. The return, slated for December 19th, comes after a period of uncertainty regarding her future with the show and follows what Obermaierová describes as a “difficult” period behind the scenes.

Obermaierová, 79, last filmed scenes for Ulice in early May, participating in scenes surrounding her character’s son Lumír’s wedding and a subsequent December/January shoot. Her absence sparked speculation among fans, with some fearing a permanent departure. Nova, the network airing the series, initially explained the reduced role as a temporary shift in storylines, but the situation remained unclear for months.

The actress, a fixture on Ulice for two decades, acknowledged a sense of unease during her time away. “I had two husbands, and both are now deceased – both in the series and in real life,” she recounted, referencing previous storylines involving her character’s romantic life. “Then they started suggesting Vilma Burda, played by Arnošt Goldflam. First, we just wrote to each other, and then we had a wedding. But the wedding wasn’t filmed. According to the script, I was supposed to marry for the third time and move to the countryside with Arnošt. And that’s why I haven’t been appearing much in Ulice.”

While Obermaierová expressed enjoyment in revisiting the role, she hinted at lingering tensions. “It’s still fun for me. Arnošt always told me where and what he was directing, and it was fun with him. Sometimes, though, he complained that COVID had taken a toll on his health. That makes me sad, because Arnošt is a really nice guy.”

The return to Ulice isn’t without a degree of complexity. Obermaierová previously voiced concerns that her reduced screen time might be linked to her outspoken political views, a suggestion she now downplays. “Maybe some people didn’t like my opinions, but I’ve always said what I think throughout my life. But that’s water under the bridge now, because I have a filming date on December 19th. I’m really looking forward to the filming, and to the people, even if I don’t like some of them. But that’s just life.”

This sentiment underscores a perceived shift in the show’s direction, with some suggesting a move towards younger cast members. Obermaierová herself alluded to this trend, stating, “Why show old people when they can show young people?” This observation reflects a broader industry dynamic, where concerns about appealing to younger demographics often lead to the sidelining of veteran performers.

The actress’s absence from the set coincided with reports of strained relationships among the Ulice cast. While Obermaierová remained tight-lipped about the specifics, she acknowledged that “not everything is okay” behind the scenes. This echoes earlier reports of friction, including a reported falling out with fellow actress Markéta Reinischová, though details remain scarce.

Obermaierová’s return comes as she navigates personal challenges, including health concerns within her family. She expressed anxieties about her son, Jaroslav, who recently underwent an operation. She also admitted to a general aversion to the holiday season, finding it a time of sadness and remembrance rather than joy.

Despite these personal and professional complexities, Obermaierová appears eager to once again embody the character of Vilma Nyklová, a role she has inhabited for two decades. Her return signals a potential recalibration within Ulice, and a recognition of the enduring appeal of its established characters. The series continues to be a cornerstone of Czech television, and the re-integration of one of its most recognizable faces is likely to be welcomed by a loyal viewership.

The actress’s return to the set on December 19th will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, as they await to see how the storyline unfolds and whether the behind-the-scenes tensions have been resolved.