Maciej Pesta: Polish Actor Dies at 43 – Details & Tributes

Maciej Pesta, a prominent Polish actor known for his work in film and theatre, has died on March 20, 2026, at the age of 43. News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans across Poland.

A Versatile Career Spanning Stage and Screen

Born on February 18, 1983, in Ostróda, Pesta graduated from the Acting Studio in Olsztyn and later from the Acting Faculty of the Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School in Łódź in 2009. His career unfolded across several of Poland’s leading theatrical institutions, including the Teatr im. Żeromskiego in Kielce (2009-2012) and the Teatr im. Konieczki in Bydgoszcz (2012-2017). He also collaborated with renowned companies such as Teatr Syrena in Warsaw, Komuna Warszawa, Teatr im. Słowackiego in Kraków, and the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre.

Pesta’s film and television credits include appearances in popular Polish series such as “Czas honoru” (Time of Honor) in 2009, “Prosto w serce” (Straight to the Heart) from 2010-2011, and “Stulecie Winnych” (The Winny Century) in 2019, where he portrayed writer Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz. More recently, he appeared in the series “Forst” (2024) and “Barwy szczęścia” (Colors of Happiness) in 2025, playing a doctor. He also had a role as Prince Siemowit IV of Masovia in the historical drama “Korona królów” (The Crown of Kings) in 2019.

Recognition and Awards

Throughout his career, Pesta received critical acclaim and several awards. He was recognized at the 27th Festival of Theatre Schools in Łódź in 2009 for his role as Reiting in a student production of “Four” based on the work of Robert Musil. He received the award for his “bravura and conscious use of acting techniques.” His performance in “Henrietta Lacks,” a production co-created by Nowy Teatr in Warsaw and the Copernicus Science Centre, earned him significant accolades in 2017, including the acting award at the 57th Kaliskie Spotkania Teatralne (Kalish Theatre Meetings) and the jury’s public award, lauded for his “skill, expressiveness, empathy, and composure.” He also shared a Związku Artystów Scen Polskich (Union of Polish Stage Artists) award in 2016 for the same production.

News of Pesta’s death has been met with shock and sadness within the Polish acting community. Actor Borys Szyc expressed his devastation, according to Jastrząb Post, indicating the profound impact Pesta had on those who knew him. Details regarding his funeral arrangements have been released by his family, as reported by Onet.

Maciej Pesta’s passing represents a loss for Polish theatre and cinema. His versatility and dedication to his craft will be remembered by audiences and colleagues alike. His contributions to the arts, spanning both established institutions and innovative collaborations, leave a lasting legacy.