Piroska Molnár

Biography

Piroska Molnár, born on October 1, 1945, in Ózd, is a distinguished Hungarian actress who has been honored with the title of "National Actress," along with being a recipient of the prestigious Kossuth and Jászai Mari Awards. Regarded as a meritorious and outstanding artist, she is also a permanent member of the Immortals Company and a teacher at the University of Theatre and Film Arts. Notably, she was married to the renowned composer, Péter Eötvös.

Growing up in challenging circumstances, Piroska's father did not return from Soviet captivity, leaving her mother, Viktória Andrássi, to raise her alone. Despite the hardships, her formative years in Kunágota shaped her resilience. Following her mother's advice to pursue a profession, she completed her studies at a business technical school in Szeged.

After graduating from the University of Theatre and Film Arts in 1968, Piroska embarked on a successful acting career. She graced the stages of various theaters, including the Szeged National Theatre, Csiky Gergely Theatre in Kaposvár, National Theatre, and the founding ensemble of the Katona József Theatre in Budapest. Her talent also shone in musical productions, such as Mohácsi János' "Csárdáskirálynő" and "Ármány és szerelem," earning her critical acclaim.

Piroska Molnár's versatility as an actress was further showcased when she collaborated with contemporary composer György Kurtág on the production "What is the Word (Op. 30)" based on Beckett's fragments. Her performances extended beyond Hungary, with shows in Salzburg, Berlin, and Zurich, alongside appearances on Eötvös Péter's "Vocal Works" album. She was also a contributor to Kurtág's "Mese" piece on his CD.

In addition to her theatrical contributions, Piroska Molnár has been actively involved in the cultural scene. Since 2005, she has served on the jury of the Aase Award. Notably, in 2010, she established the Nagymama Award to recognize promising young actors in Kaposvár, a city close to her heart. Her dedication to nurturing talent was further acknowledged when she was appointed as a National Actress in 2011.

Piroska Molnár's passion for acting transcends the stage, as she took on the lead role in the television series "Munkaügyek" in 2011. Portraying the character of Sipeki Elvira, a department head at the Employment Office, she captivated audiences with her compelling performance. Despite personal challenges, including her divorce from Péter Eötvös, with whom she shared a son, Eötvös György, Piroska Molnár's commitment to her craft and nurturing young talent remains unwavering.