Joanna Kołaczkowska was a beloved Polish cabaret performer, actress, and radio host known for her unique humor, unforgettable characters, and deep emotional storytelling. She led Kabaret Hrabi for over two decades and left a permanent mark on Polish comedy. Whether it was on stage, in films, or behind a microphone, Joanna brought wit, charm, and a rare honesty to everything she did. Her passing in July 2025 was a heartbreaking moment for fans across the country.
Joanna Kołaczkowska Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Joanna Dorota Kołaczkowska (née Chuda, primo voto Matysik) |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1966 |
| Date of Death | July 17, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 59 |
| Profession | Cabaret & theater actress, writer, radio presenter |
| Known For | Kabaret Hrabi, Kabaret Potem, Spadkobiercy |
| Hometown | Polkowice, Poland |
| Residence | Warsaw, Poland |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Nicknames | Aśka, Asior |
Joanna Kołaczkowska Early Life
Joanna was born in Polkowice, but she grew up in Lubin, in a close-knit family with roots in the Lwów region. Her father passed away when she was just five years old, and her mother—an accountant—raised her and her sister Agnieszka with help from extended family. As a child, Joanna was highly observant and introspective, often hiding behind curtains to eavesdrop on adult conversations. These early habits helped shape her unique comedic voice later in life.
She trained in folk dance, figure skating, and speed skating during her youth and eventually pursued pedagogy. However, comedy and acting found their way into her life during her university years.
Joanna Kołaczkowska Education
| School | Horticultural Technical School, Głogów |
| Other Training | Two-year teacher’s program, Legnica |
| College | Higher Pedagogical School, Zielona Góra (Pedagogy) |
Though her formal education was in cultural-educational pedagogy, Joanna credited her real training to experience and intuition. She learned performance on the go, encouraged by people like Adam Nowak from Raz, Dwa, Trzy.
Joanna Kołaczkowska Family Details
| Father | Deceased (when Joanna was 5) |
| Mother | Accountant at a mining firm in Lubin |
| Sibling | Agnieszka (married to Dariusz Kamys) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (twice) |
| First Husband | Krzysztof Kołaczkowski (cabaret performer) |
| Second Husband | Unnamed (met during studies) |
| Daughter | Hania Kołaczkowska (born 2000) |
Joanna was deeply devoted to her daughter, Hania, and maintained respectful relationships with her ex-husbands. Her sister Agnieszka is married to Dariusz Kamys, one of Joanna’s closest professional partners.
Joanna Kołaczkowska Career Highlights
Joanna began her journey in 1988 with Kabaret Drugi Garnitur and became a household name through Kabaret Potem (1989–1999). She co-founded the cult cabaret Hrabi in 2002, which became a landmark in Polish comedic theatre.
She also starred as Dorin in the improvised series Spadkobiercy, gaining a strong TV following. In addition to stage and screen, Joanna worked on radio, presenting shows like Koncert Życzeń and voicing original characters in her crime-comedy Porucznik Jagoda Hyc. She also lent her voice to Polish versions of major films like Coco and Finding Dory.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Career Start | Kabaret Drugi Garnitur (1988–1989) |
| Notable Groups | Kabaret Potem, Kabaret Hrabi |
| Signature Roles | Dorin (Spadkobiercy), Ela (Nakręceni), Mrs. Zerżniewska |
| Theater Appearances | Teatr Polonia, Teatr Dramatyczny, Teatr Kamienica |
| Radio Work | Radio Nowy Świat (Koncert Życzeń, Porucznik Jagoda Hyc) |
| Voice Acting | Finding Dory, Coco |
| Awards | DebeŚciaK (2006, 2008) at Dąbrowska Ściema Kabaretowa |
Joanna was especially known for sketches like “Egzamin” and “Anka”, which resonated with millions thanks to their emotional honesty and absurd humor. Her comedy avoided politics, focusing instead on universal truths and human behavior.
Joanna Kołaczkowska Net Worth and Income
| Field | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100,000–$300,000 (approx., 2025) |
| Income Sources | Cabaret, theater, film, radio, book sales, voice acting |
Her income came primarily from Kabaret Hrabi performances, radio work, and film projects with A’Yoy. She also earned from her published book HRABI Duszkiem tak! and various guest performances across Poland.
Joanna Kołaczkowska, Final Years & Legacy
2023–2024
- Performed regularly with Kabaret Hrabi.
- Continued radio shows on Radio Nowy Świat.
- Celebrated her 58th birthday with public fan tributes.
2025
- In April, Kabaret Hrabi announced Joanna’s cancer diagnosis.
- By July, artists and fans organized online support campaigns.
- On July 17, 2025, Joanna passed away at age 59, surrounded by loved ones.
Her passing sparked nationwide mourning. Artists like Artur Andrus and Magda Umer paid tribute to her legacy, calling her “Poland’s brightest smile” and a “champion of the absurd.”