Paweł Szajda, a name that might not be instantly recognizable to all, has quietly built a compelling career in film and television, navigating both American and Polish productions with a grounded presence and a dedication to his craft. His story, beginning with a breakout role in ‘s “Under the Tuscan Sun,” is one of balancing heritage, education and the demands of a life in acting.
Szajda was just and a student at Fordham University when he landed the role of a Polish contractor in Audrey Wells’ romantic comedy. The performance garnered “excellent reviews,” according to reports, with American critics describing him as a “charming and sweet modern-day Romeo with Slavic beauty” who possessed the potential for a significant career. This early praise set the stage for a working actor’s journey, one that has seen him appear in a diverse range of projects.
Born in , in Farmington, Connecticut, Szajda’s connection to Poland runs deep. His family’s history is a story of displacement and return. His maternal great-grandfather emigrated from Poland to Chicago in , before World War I, and eventually brought his family back to Poland after the war. Szajda’s mother later returned to the United States, where she met his father and started a family. Following the imposition of martial law in Poland in , the family relocated back to the US, and Szajda and his siblings were immersed in Polish language and culture.
“For eight years, I went to weekend Polish school,” Szajda explained in an interview. “While my friends were playing soccer, I spent my Saturday mornings at school. My parents really wanted us to remember who we are. We only spoke Polish at home.” This commitment to preserving their heritage proved pivotal in his career. He also participated in Polish Boy Scouts.
Szajda’s interest in acting blossomed during his teenage years. He played the title role in Larry Shue’s play, “The Foreigner,” at Farmington High School, graduating in . “After two weeks of performing it, I realized I really enjoyed it. The preparation, performing in front of an audience, and everything that comes with it…” he recalled. He also excelled in other areas, participating in track and field, wrestling (where he was a state champion), and playing the trumpet and serving as the marching band drum major.
His path to “Under the Tuscan Sun” wasn’t direct. While studying English literature and economics at Fordham, he took on commercial work. A fortunate break came with a role in an advertisement for a telecommunications company, specifically seeking a young man who spoke Polish. This led directly to the audition for the film. “I got that job. And right after that, I played a Pole in ‘Under the Tuscan Sun.’ It was all thanks to my parents, who made sure I knew the language,” he said.
Following the success of “Under the Tuscan Sun,” Szajda continued to work steadily, appearing in films like “Venom” () and the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill” (), where he played Cpl. Walt Hasser. His Polish heritage caught the attention of renowned Polish director Andrzej Wajda, who cast him in “Tatarak” (), also known as “Sweet Rush.”
The attention surrounding Szajda’s rising profile in Poland during the production of “Tatarak” led to considerable media interest in his personal life. Reports suggested a connection with actress Marta Żmuda-Trzebiatowska, his co-star in the film “Wygrany,” but Szajda remained private, stating that his personal life was his own affair. He has consistently maintained this boundary.
Despite opportunities in Hollywood, Szajda has remained based in New York City. “I feel good in New York. It’s a place where everyone can feel at home,” he stated. He has continued to work consistently, with recent roles including appearances in “Dying for Sex” (), “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (), and “For All Mankind,” where he played Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Poletov.
Szajda often grapples with questions of identity, navigating his American upbringing and Polish roots. “Honestly, when I’m in the States, I don’t feel fully American, but when I’m in Poland, of course, I’m not treated like a Pole either, and I feel a bit foreign,” he said. He remains committed to his craft, prioritizing interesting roles and compelling projects, regardless of location.
At , at 44 years old, Szajda continues to work, though he generally avoids the spotlight, preferring to let his work speak for itself. He’s a testament to a career built on talent, dedication, and a strong sense of self, a quiet success story in the often-turbulent world of entertainment.
