A leading figure in Polish cabaret, Kołaczkowska was buried in the Avenue of the Meritorious, near legendary comedian and her longtime friend and mentor, Stanisław Tym.
“Asia didn’t want a pompous farewell,” said Father Lech Dorobczyński at a funeral mass held at St. Charles Borromeo Church. “We are all experiencing difficult emotions, but we come here full of hope that Asia did not end her life, but began a new one.” The ceremony concluded with a round of spontaneous applause from mourners - a symbolic farewell to the artist.
Poland pays tribute to Joanna Kołaczkowska, the queen of comedy
Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
A civil ceremony followed at the cemetery, where Polish writer and performer Artur Andrus remembered Kołaczkowska as someone who welcomed people from all walks of life. “She made time for everyone,” he said. “Whether you were conquering the world or struggling with it, she never judged - she sought the good in people, not the reasons to turn away.”
Tributes also came from fellow members of the comedy group Hrabi, television host and podcaster Szymon Majewski, and Kołaczkowska’s sister. Singer Edyta Bartosiewicz performed a heartfelt rendition of the song Ostatni (“The Last One”).
A large crowd gathered for the funeral, including prominent figures from Poland’s cabaret scene, such as Dariusz Kamys, Robert Motyka, and Robert Górski, as well as journalists and fans. Kołaczkowska’s ashes were placed near Tym’s, underscoring her significance in Poland’s cultural landscape.
In line with her wishes, the Hrabi group asked mourners not to bring flowers or offer condolences. Instead, donations were encouraged to Fundacja Avalon, a charity supporting people with disabilities.
Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
Laughter through tears: remembering a star of Polish cabaret
Joanna Kołaczkowska died peacefully on the night of 16–17 July at the age of 59, following a long battle with cancer. In a statement, her colleagues described her as having fought bravely and with dignity.
Originally from Polkowice in southwestern Poland, she began her stage career in the 1980s, performing with cabaret groups Potem and Hrabi. She also founded the independent film company A’Yoy and appeared in films and theatre productions in Warsaw.
POŻEGNANIE NASZEJ ASI Kochani, wiemy, że wielu z Was chciałoby pożegnać Asię – po swojemu, z uśmiechem i wzruszeniem,...
Opublikowany przez Kabaret Hrabi Piątek, 18 lipca 2025
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Source: IAR/PAP/Facebook.com/KabaretHrabi/YouTube.com/@EdytaBartosiewiczYT
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