A dispute has emerged between the daughter of celebrated Polish actor Andrzej Kopiczyński and her stepbrother, years after Kopiczyński’s 2016 death following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Katarzyna Kopiczyńska alleges she was estranged from her father in his final years and that he died in poverty, claims vehemently denied by rafał Olbrychski, son of Kopiczyński’s last wife. The escalating public disagreement centers on the actor’s final years, financial situation, and the circumstances surrounding his care.
A family dispute has emerged years after the death of Andrzej Kopiczyński, a beloved Polish actor best known for his role in the iconic series “Forty-Year-Old.” His daughter, Katarzyna Kopiczyńska, recently revealed a difficult account of her father’s final years, alleging limited contact and financial hardship. These claims have been strongly contested by Rafał Olbrychski, son of Kopiczyński’s last wife, who paints a very different picture of the actor’s care and financial situation.
The Final Years of Andrzej Kopiczyński: Daughter Speaks Out
Table of Contents
Andrzej Kopiczyński passed away in October 2016 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was a household name in Poland, particularly remembered for his portrayal of Stefan Karwowski, the engineer from the hugely popular show “Forty-Year-Old.” The series remains a cultural touchstone in Polish television history.
However, Kopiczyński’s personal life was complex, marked by four marriages and one daughter, Katarzyna Kopiczyńska, from his third marriage to Ewa Żukowska. In his later years, the actor was with Monika Dzienisiewicz-Olbrychska.
In an interview with RDC, Katarzyna Kopiczyńska described how contact with her father was, according to her, obstructed. She claims meetings were held in secret, away from his wife’s knowledge. The actor reportedly expressed feelings of being controlled and overwhelmed. Despite the progression of his illness, she says there were moments of clarity when, she believes, he suffered the most. — “I remember that day. That experience is terribly difficult, it makes my throat tighten. When my father called me for the last time, he told me it was the last time we would speak, that we would never hear from each other again, that he loved me very much, and that was the end,” she shared.
Shocking Details Emerge About Andrzej Kopiczyński’s Death
“My Father Died in Poverty.” Unexpected Words About Kopiczyński’s Estate
Katarzyna Kopiczyńska also alleges that the celebrated Polish actor died without any financial resources. — “My father died as a poor man. As an absolute pauper. He had nothing. He had an old leather bag containing some pajama pants, a razor, and a little bit of cologne. And that is all,” she stated.
According to her, the actor was residing in a care facility for Alzheimer’s patients and left behind no possessions or savings. When she attempted to contact Rafał Olbrychski regarding her father’s belongings, she claims she was told she had no access to his mother’s home and any items could only be “packed up” for her.
Where Did “Forty-Year-Old” Live and Work? The Location of the Cult Series
Rafał Olbrychski Responds to Katarzyna Kopiczyńska’s Claims: “99 Percent Pure Fantasy”
Rafał Olbrychski vehemently responded to these allegations in an interview with “Fakt.” His words clearly indicate his outrage. — “Regarding the interview with Ms. Katarzyna Kopiczyńska on RDC radio, I state that the claims contained therein are untrue and deeply hurtful, especially to the memory of my beloved mother,” he emphasized.
He claims Katarzyna Kopiczyńska was largely absent from her father’s life for years. — “Ms. Katarzyna, initially by choice of her mother and then by her own, practically did not exist in the life of Andrzej Kopiczyński. The story she presented about her relationship, contacts, and joint vacations is 99 percent pure fantasy. I spent my childhood and youth living under the same roof and being raised by this fantastic man,” he said.
Rafał Olbrychski says he repeatedly witnessed Kopiczyński’s pain over the lack of contact with his daughter. — “Ms. Katarzyna was not interested in either contacting her father or supporting him during his illness. All the burden of care and fighting for him remained on my mother’s shoulders. She took on a superhuman effort to cope with the illness of her beloved husband, until the end of her life. She provided him with care and warmth, refusing to place him in a nursing home,” he added.
The Star of “Forty-Year-Old” Was Afflicted with Alzheimer’s. It Was a Great Trial for His Wife
Monika Dzienisiewicz-Olbrychska passed away in June 2016, just four months before Kopiczyński.
Dispute Over Kopiczyński’s Estate: Rafał Olbrychski Responds Directly
Rafał Olbrychski also addressed the suggestions regarding the alleged takeover of the actor’s estate. — “Regarding the insinuations about the estate: all financial decisions of Andrzej and my mother were made only by them, long before Andrzej’s illness. I had no part in this, I do not have, and will not have any,” he stated. — “I consider all accusations and insinuations directed at my family to be highly immoral and I do not consent to them,” he concluded.
/5
Jacek Herok / Newspix.pl, JAN KUCHARZYK/DDTVN/EAST NEWS, RDC Kultura / YouTube
Andrzej Kopiczyński, Rafał Olbrychski and Katarzyna Kopiczyńska.
/5
Jan Kucharzyk / DDTVN / East News
Rafał Olbrychski.
