Bořivoj Čermák on Breaking Away from His Father’s Shadow: “I’ve Always Tried to Let My Work Speak for Me”
In the competitive world of Czech cinema and theater, carrying a legendary surname can be both a golden ticket and a heavy burden. For Bořivoj Čermák, the son of renowned actor Hynek Čermák and Daniela Choděrová, the path to professional identity has been a deliberate journey of self-reliance. Bořivoj Čermák has consistently maintained that he wants his work, rather than his family name, to define his career.
Whereas some might view a famous parent as an immediate advantage, the young actor admitted that the Čermák name initially felt like a hindrance. Navigating the perceptions of “protekce” (nepotism) and the high expectations that come with his lineage, Bořivoj has focused on building a resume based on merit and versatility.
The actor’s introduction to the screen happened early; he made his camera debut at just seven years old in the television film Anděl, playing the role of “Kamarád 3.” Over the years, he has appeared in various films and series, including the show Rapl, which featured his father in a lead role. This overlap of their careers highlights a unique professional dynamic, as the two have now shared the screen together.
Bořivoj’s commitment to his craft is evident in the bold choices he made during his education. Despite being born in Prague on April 16, 2003, he chose to leave the comfort of his hometown to pursue his studies. After being accepted into conservatories in both Prague and Ostrava, he opted for the latter—a move that required him to move out of his family home and live independently at the age of 15.
Beyond acting, Bořivoj has shown a keen interest in the technical and creative side of production. While he once dreamed of becoming a pilot—a goal he eventually dismissed as “utopia” due to his struggles in school—he pivoted his focus toward directing. This ambition culminated in his 2020 directorial debut with the fairy tale Tučnáci na arše. His versatility extends to the theater, where he has collaborated with Theatre Mír and the Three Tigers (Třemi tygry), contributing to production efforts to gain a broader range of industry experience.
Despite the pressures of the industry, Bořivoj describes his relationship with his father as nearly ideal. He notes that the two have managed to avoid conflicts, stating that they have never fought or yelled at one another, largely because they are both capable of acknowledging when the other is right.
Off-screen, the actor has likewise found stability in his personal life. He has been in a relationship with his partner, Maria, for five years, introducing her to the public as he continues to balance his rising profile with a grounded private life.
By diversifying his skills from acting to directing and production, Bořivoj Čermák is successfully transitioning from “the son of a star” to a multi-faceted artist in his own right. His trajectory suggests a growing influence in the Czech arts scene, driven by a desire for autonomy and professional integrity.
