Cast and Crew of The Pianist

Cast of
The Pianist

About The Pianist

The Pianist is a powerful and moving film that tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a talented Polish-Jewish pianist, and his harrowing experiences during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw in World War II. Directed by Roman Polanski, the film is based on Szpilman's memoirs and features a stellar cast, including Adrien Brody in the lead role as Szpilman. The film is a poignant and affecting portrayal of the human spirit's resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The film opens with Szpilman and his family living a comfortable life in Warsaw, unaware of the impending danger that lies ahead. However, as the Nazi occupation of Poland begins, the Jews of Warsaw find themselves forced into a ghetto, where they are subjected to harsh living conditions and brutal treatment by the Nazis. Szpilman, who had been playing piano in a café before the war, finds work there again, using his talent to earn a living in the midst of chaos and despair. The ghetto sequences in the film are particularly powerful, capturing the grim reality of life for Jews in occupied Poland.

When Szpilman's family is deported in 1942, he manages to stay behind, thanks to the help of a few compassionate friends. He works for a while as a laborer, but as the situation worsens, he is forced to go into hiding in the ruins of the war-torn city. For the next two years, Szpilman lives in hiding, moving from one place to another, always one step ahead of the Nazis. Throughout this time, he is sustained by his love for music and his determination to survive. The film's climax is particularly moving, as Szpilman is discovered by a German officer, Captain Wilm Hosenfeld, played by Thomas Kretschmann, who recognizes his talent and helps him to survive the final days of the war. The Pianist is a must-watch film that will leave you moved and inspired by the human spirit's ability to endure even in the most challenging circumstances.

Full Cast of The Pianist

Adrien Brody
plays Władysław 'Władek' Szpilman

Adrien Brody as Władysław 'Władek' Szpilman
Adrien Brody delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance as Władysław 'Władek' Szpilman in 'The Pianist'. His portrayal of the Polish-Jewish pianist and composer, who struggles to survive the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto during World War II, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Brody's dedication to the role is evident in his remarkable transformation, both physically and emotionally, as he embodies the character's resilience and determination. His nuanced performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the youngest actor to ever win the award in that category. See Adrien Brody's other roles

Thomas Kretschmann
plays Captain Wilm Hosenfeld

Thomas Kretschmann as Captain Wilm Hosenfeld
Thomas Kretschmann delivers a powerful performance as Captain Wilm Hosenfeld in 'The Pianist'. His portrayal of the compassionate German officer is both nuanced and impactful, as he skillfully navigates the complexities of Hosenfeld's character. Kretschmann's ability to convey the officer's internal conflict between duty and morality adds depth to the film, making his character a memorable and essential part of the narrative. See Thomas Kretschmann's other roles

Frank Finlay
plays Father

Frank Finlay as Father
Frank Finlay's portrayal of Father in 'The Pianist' is a standout performance, imbuing the character with a deep sense of compassion and resilience. Despite the bleak circumstances of the film, Finlay's Father remains a beacon of hope and humanity, providing solace and support to the protagonist. His nuanced performance, full of subtle gestures and expressions, adds layers of complexity to the character, making him a memorable and impactful presence in the film. See Frank Finlay's other roles

Maureen Lipman
plays Mother

Maureen Lipman as Mother
Maureen Lipman delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance as Mother in 'The Pianist'. Her portrayal of a woman struggling to protect her family amidst the horrors of the Holocaust is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Lipman's ability to convey a range of emotions, from fear and despair to hope and determination, is truly remarkable. Her performance is a testament to her talent as an actress and adds depth and humanity to this already moving film. See Maureen Lipman's other roles

Emilia Fox
plays Dorota

Emilia Fox as Dorota
Emilia Fox delivers a compelling performance as Dorota in the movie 'The Pianist'. Her portrayal of the character, a young Polish woman who helps shelter the protagonist, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Fox's ability to convey the fear, desperation, and hope that her character experiences in the midst of World War II is truly commendable. Her performance adds a layer of humanity to the film, making it all the more impactful. See Emilia Fox's other roles

Ed Stoppard
plays Henryk Szpilman

Ed Stoppard as Henryk Szpilman
Ed Stoppard delivers a compelling performance as Henryk Szpilman in the movie 'The Pianist'. His portrayal of the talented pianist is both sensitive and powerful, capturing the character's resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Stoppard's nuanced acting, coupled with his skillful piano playing, brings a sense of authenticity to the role. His performance is a standout in the film, adding depth and emotion to the story of survival and hope during World War II. See Ed Stoppard's other roles

Julia Rayner
plays Regina Szpilman

Jessica Kate Meyer
plays Halina Szpilman

Michał Żebrowski
plays Jurek

Wanja Mues
plays SS Slapping Father

Richard Ridings
plays Mr. Lipa

Nomi Sharron
plays Feather Woman

Anthony Milner
plays Man Waiting to Cross

Lucy Skeaping
plays Street Musician

Roddy Skeaping
plays Street Musician

Ben Harlan
plays Street Musician

Thomas Lawinky
plays Schutzpolizei

Joachim Paul Assböck
plays Schutzpolizei

Joachim Paul Assböck as Schutzpolizei

Joachim Paul Assböck was born on October 26, 1965 and is currently 58 years old.

See Joachim Paul Assböck's other roles

Roy Smiles
plays Itzak Heller

Paul Bradley
plays Yehuda

Daniel Caltagirone
plays Majorek

Daniel Caltagirone as Majorek

Daniel Caltagirone was born on June 18, 1972 and is currently 52 years old.

See Daniel Caltagirone's other roles

Andrzej Blumenfeld
plays Benek

Zbigniew Zamachowski
plays Customer with Coins

Detlev von Wangenheim
plays SS Officer

Popeck
plays Rubenstein

Zofia Czerwińska
plays Woman with Soup

Udo Kroschwald
plays Schultz

Uwe Rathsam
plays SS Shooting the Woman

Joanna Brodzik
plays Woman Shot in the Head

Katarzyna Bargiełowska
plays Wailing Woman

Maja Ostaszewska
plays Woman with Child

John Bennett
plays Dr. Ehrlich

Cyril Shaps
plays Mr. Grün

Wojciech Smolarz
plays Boy with Sweets

Lech Mackiewicz
plays Fellow Worker

Ruth Platt
plays Janina

Peter Rappenglück
plays SS Making a Speech

Ronan Vibert
plays Janina's Husband

Krzysztof Pieczyński
plays Marek Gębczyński

Katarzyna Figura
plays Neighbour

Valentine Pelka
plays Dorota's Husband

Andrew Tiernan
plays Szalas

Andrew Tiernan as Szalas

Andrew James Tiernan is an English film and television actor.

See Andrew Tiernan's other roles

Tom Strauss
plays Dr. Luczak

Cezary Kosiński
plays Lednicki

Paweł Burczyk
plays Polish Workman

Nina Franoszek
plays Polish Woman

John Keogh
plays Polish Officer

Rafał Mohr
plays Schutzpolizei

Andrzej Pieczyński
plays Prisoner

Morgane Polanski
plays Girl

Morgane Polanski as Girl

Morgane Polanski was born on January 20, 1993 and is currently 31 years old.

See Morgane Polanski's other roles

Grzegorz Artman
plays Other part

Adam Bauman
plays Other part

Andrzej Szenajch
plays Other part

Zbigniew Dziduch
plays Other Part

Marian Dziędziel
plays Other part

Jerzy Góralczyk
plays Other part

Jarosław Kopaczewski
plays Other part

Patrick Lanagan
plays Other part

Dorota Liliental
plays Other part

Norbert Rakowski
plays Other part

Piotr Siejka
plays Other part

Tomasz Tyndyk
plays Other part

Andrzej Walden
plays Other part

Zbigniew Waleryś
plays Other part

Maciej Winkler
plays Other part

Tadeusz Wojtych
plays Other Part

Andrzej Zieliński
plays Other part

Paweł Małaszyński
plays Man in Ghetto (uncredited)

Axel Prahl
plays German Soldier - Rummage Bags (uncredited)

Borys Szyc
plays Young Gestapo (uncredited)

Rafał Dajbor
plays Soldier (uncredited)

Adrian Hood
plays Piano Buyer (uncredited)

Ryszard Kluge
plays Jew Working on the Bulding Site (uncredited)

Maciej Kowalewski
plays SS Officer (uncredited)

Paweł Zdun
plays (uncredited)

Jacek Wolszczak
plays Man in Ghetto (uncredited)

Malgorzata Trybalska
plays Zydówka (uncredited)

Dawid Szurmiej
plays Man in Ghetto (uncredited)

Izabella Szolc
plays Women in Ghetto (uncredited)


Crew of The Pianist

Discover the backstage crew of The Pianist →