Karel Effa, originally named Karel Effenberger, was a renowned Czech actor born on May 23, 1922, in Prague, and passed away on June 11, 1993, also in Prague.
During World War II, Karel Effa served as a professional soldier in the Government Army, deployed to Italy, where he later joined the Czechoslovak troops fighting alongside the Western Allies. After the war, he remained in the army with the rank of sergeant, playing and singing for two years in the Army Art Ensemble of Vít Nejedlý.
Karel Effa's illustrious career spanned various theaters, including the Theater of Satire, the Theater of State Film, the Music Theater in Karlín, the ABC Theater, and the Karlín Theater. He joined the Semafor Theater in 1979, where he showcased his exceptional comedic talent.
As a prolific actor, Karel Effa created 71 film roles throughout his life, including memorable characters such as Pancho Kid in Lemonade Joe or Horse Opera, Gustav in Zeman's The Stolen Airship, and the treasure keeper in the fairy tale film Proud princess. He worked with the Czechoslovak State Film Ensemble, Film studio in Barrandov, the Theater in Fidlovačka, the former musical theater in Prague's Nusle, and the post-war Theater of Satire.
In addition to his work in theater and film, Karel Effa gave six thousand touring performances during his lifetime, showcasing his folk humor, guitar-playing, and singing tramp songs. He remained an avid hiker throughout his life, often visiting the Brdy and the settlement of Ztracenka.
In 1964, Karel Effa became a founding member of the Department of Friends and Supporters of Slavia, which aimed to save and promote football Slavia, which was struggling in the Second Football League at the time.
