Lábus: Target of Insults – Loser and Emotional Iceberg
In His Own Words: Jiří Lábus’ Hilarious Plans for His Final Ride
At 77, veteran Czech actor Jiří Lábus has given considerable thought to his grand finale: a voyage in a green bearskin-lined coffin, accompanied by the iconic theme from the children’s TV show, "Možná přichází i Kouzelník." "We’re off to the final round, and for everything, thanks a million – maybe the magician who was here once will return… And the party will continue… And we’ll say goodbye!" Lábus chuckles, painting his perfect exit scene.
A Fan of Humor, Like His Grandfather
Lábus’ love for humor likely stems from his grandfather, a former train station chief known for being a bon vivant and a great storyteller. The tale goes that on Turnov, where he lived at Malá Skála, he declared a republic two days early and went into hiding with his flag, evading gendarmes.
While Lábus’ parents were more conventional and serious, the actor was always a trickster, entertaining visitors with his silly stories. "He’d make everyone laugh, and my mom would say, ‘What are you always pulling, you nitwit?’" Lábus recalls, grinning. He’s been in love with acting since he was five, and as a child, he’d read aloud from fairy tales, changing voices for each character.
A Class Clown Turned Stage Legend
Even as a schoolboy, Lábus was the life of the party. He once prolonged a laugh so long that his teacher scolded, "Lábusi, you’re a buffoon!" And in the eighth grade, he’d organize ‘beatings’ during breaks, becoming the center of attention. Despite his artistic bent, math and sciences were Lost causes. "My mom literally begged the math teacher to give me a passing grade, pleading, ‘That numbskull can’t go into academia, he’s meant for work!’"
After high school, in 1968, Lábus wanted to attend the DAMU theater academy. But on August 21, during the Soviet invasion, he was locked inside by his parents. They feared he’d rush to defend Prague’s radio station. Later, on New Year’s Eve, drunk at home, he tried to leave but was locked in again by his father. Lábus hurled 5,000 crowns out the window but found no coins the next morning.
Pinching His Brother Wasn’t Magic
Lábus never married or had children. "I’m a big egoist, a loner," he admits. He’s had relationships, but none lasted. Once, his grandmother remarked that baby brother Ivan drank milk beautifully, and that was the end of a romance. He once pinched Ivan, leaving tooth marks, which caused a family uproar.
Throughout his career, Lábus has played many roles, but one sticks: Rumburak, the funny, lovelorn witch from the ‘Aralien’ series. Fans worldwide still ask for his autograph. Lábus sees Rumburak as a misunderstood hero, and children’s love for him still tickles him.
Despite health issues, Lábus continues to act, sharing laughter wherever he goes. As for his final exit, he hopes it’ll be as funny and grand as he’s envisioned. After all, as he says, "Humor is the shortest distance between two people."
Jiří Lábus, with his characteristic wit and zest for life, has shown us that laughter can transcend even the grand finale.His vision of a final farewell filled with humor and whimsy reflects a man who has embraced joy throughout his journey,much like his grandfather who brought smiles to passengers at the train station.Lábus’ legacy will undoubtedly extend beyond his remarkable acting career, serving as a reminder that a life well-lived is a life fully embraced, with laughter echoing through its final act.
Jiří Lábus’ life, like his comedic genius, is a testament to embracing the absurd and finding joy in the unexpected. His playful spirit, a legacy inherited from his whimsical grandfather, shines through in his plans for a final send-off that is both touching and hilariously unconventional. As he embarks on the “final round,” we can only hope that the “magician” returns, the party continues, and the laughter, a hallmark of his extraordinary life, never truly fades.