Jiří Kodet's family background was steeped in Czech theatrical tradition, hailing from the esteemed Steimar family and the artistic Kodet family. His parents, Jiřina Steimar, a renowned Czech actress, and Jan Kodet, a skilled sculptor, were both deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. However, their marriage was not meant to be, and they eventually parted ways. Following the divorce, Jiří's mother remarried Jaroslav Juhan, a charismatic car racer, who, despite his many talents, ultimately made the difficult decision to emigrate, leaving a lasting impact on Jiří's educational journey.
This significant event had far-reaching consequences, as Jiří struggled to find his footing in grammar school, ultimately leading to his expulsion. Undeterred, he persevered, applying to the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) on his first attempt, only to be met with rejection. Undaunted, Jiří refused to give up on his dreams, and after a brief setback, he was accepted into the prestigious institution on his second attempt, marking a significant turning point in his life and career.
Jiří Kodet embarked on his theatrical journey at the esteemed East Bohemian Theatre in Pardubice, where he honed his craft from 1961 to 1962. Following his stint at the Pardubice theatre, Kodet joined the prestigious Artistic Military Ensemble, based in the picturesque Prague district of Pohořelec, in 1962. As a member of this esteemed troupe, Kodet had the opportunity to tour extensively throughout the former Czechoslovakia, sharing his talents with audiences across the region. Interestingly, Kodet's future colleagues from the Drama Club, a group that would later play a significant role in his career, included notable individuals such as Jiří Hrzán, Jiří Zahajský, and Petr Skoumal, all of whom were also part of the ensemble during this period.
Jan Kačer, a renowned individual, sought out Kodet's exceptional talent,
Kodet joined the Petr Bezruč Theatre in Ostrava in 1963,
where he worked alongside a talented troupe until 1965,
Later, in 1966, he transitioned to the prestigious Prague Drama Club,
where some members of the Ostrava ensemble had also made the move,
In the year 1991, Kodet became an esteemed member of the National Theatre's drama company in Prague,
Jiří Kodet's acting career was marked by a plethora of small and episodic parts in both film and television, with the majority of his early work consisting of fleeting appearances on the big and small screens. It wasn't until later in his life that Kodet was afforded the opportunity to take on more substantial roles, a development that can be largely attributed to the visionary director Jan Hřebejk, who recognized the actor's potential and cast him in several of his most notable films, including the critically acclaimed Divided We Fall and the phenomenally successful Cosy Dens, the latter of which remains Kodet's most successful film to date.
