Vanja Drach's life began in Vinkovci, Croatia, where he was born into a family of a respected doctor. The loss of his father at the tender age of 11 proved to be a significant turning point in his life, as he felt compelled to continue the family tradition by pursuing a career in medicine. Despite this, his journey took an unexpected turn when he relocated to Zagreb and became enamored with the world of theater and cinema.
As fate would have it, Drach's decision to abandon his medical studies after just one year and attempt to enroll in the Drama Academy proved to be a pivotal moment in his life. Initially, Professor Branko Gavella was hesitant to accept him due to his striking red hair, but Drach's exceptional diction ultimately won him over. Following his time at the Academy and a stint with the Gavella Theater, Drach heeded the advice of the renowned director Bojan Stupica and joined the prestigious Croatian National Theater in Zagreb in 1957.
Drach's tenure at the National Theater spanned nearly two decades, from 1957 to 1975, during which time he honed his craft and established himself as a talented actor. In 1975, he joined forces with his friend Relja Basic and his traveling company "Teatar u gostima" for a five-year period. After this stint, Drach returned to the Croatian National Theater, where he continues to work to this day.
Outside of his illustrious acting career, Drach is a devoted family man. He is married and has a son and granddaughter, whom he cherishes deeply.
