Otto Šimánek was a renowned Czech mime, film, and theater actor, born on April 28, 1925, in Třešť, and passed away on May 8, 1992, in Prague.
Initially, Šimánek trained as an electrician at Tesla in Prague, but later pursued his passion for acting, starting with amateur performances at the Theater on May 5. He gained valuable experience in various theaters, including those in Zlín, Ostrava, and the Municipal Theaters of Prague, where he remained from 1958 to 1990.
Throughout his illustrious career, Šimánek played numerous prominent roles on stage, including the iconic character of Jean Debureau in the dramatization of Kožík's novel The Greatest of the Pierots, where he showcased his exceptional pantomime skills. This experience also led to film and television opportunities, with Šimánek appearing in around forty films, often in smaller but memorable roles.
One of his most notable roles was as the titular character, Mr. Tau, in the co-production series directed by Jindřich Polák and written by Ota Hofman. This character not only resonated with European audiences but also gained international recognition.
In addition to his acting career, Šimánek taught pantomime at the Prague Conservatory and DAMU, mentoring notable actors like Petr Čepek. His legacy lives on, and in 2011, a bronze statue of an actor in the role of Mr. Tau, complete with a characteristic hand movement near his hat, was installed on the site of his birthplace, a pharmacy in Třešť. The statue was created by Daniel Stejskal.
