Jaroslava Schallerová—yes, that name still carries a certain magic in the world of Czech cinema. Born on February 1, 1956, in Děčín, which was then part of Czechoslovakia and is now in the Czech Republic, Jaroslava Schallerová began her journey into the spotlight at an incredibly young age. It all started when director Jaromil Jireš discovered her when she was just eight years old. That chance meeting would shape her destiny. He cast her in his 1969 film The Joke, and not long after, gave her the iconic role that would define her career: Valerie in the 1970 surreal horror fantasy Valerie and Her Week of Wonders.

And really, it’s hard to overstate how much that film changed everything for Jaroslava Schallerová. Almost overnight, she became a sensation. The movie—a haunting blend of gothic fairy tale, dreamlike surrealism, and eerie horror—follows a young girl named Valerie as she uncovers the truth about her adoption and navigates a strange, symbolic coming-of-age journey. Jaroslava Schallerová’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Critics praised her depth and ethereal presence, and over time, the film earned its status as a cult classic. For many, Jaroslava Schallerová wasn’t just the star—she became a symbol, often hailed as the queen of 1970s Czech cinema.

Throughout the rest of that decade, Jaroslava Schallerová continued to impress with powerful roles in films like The Ear, Wolf’s Hole, and Adelheid. Each performance added to her growing reputation as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation. But in 1983, Jaroslava Schallerová made the decision to step away from the cameras, choosing instead to focus on her family and personal life. It was a quiet exit from the public eye, but certainly not the end of her creative journey.

Beyond acting, Jaroslava Schallerová has also made her mark as a writer. She authored several books, including a deeply personal memoir titled The Joke: My Life with Jaromil Jireš, which offers intimate reflections on her complex relationship with the director who launched her career. It’s a testament to her introspective nature and enduring connection to the art that shaped her early years.

Even today, Jaroslava Schallerová remains a cherished figure in Czech cultural history. Her legacy lives on not just through her films, but in the way she captured the imagination of audiences with grace, mystery, and emotional honesty. As for her personality, Jaroslava Schallerová fits the Enneagram type 3w4—driven, ambitious, yet deeply individual. This combination gives her a unique balance between achievement and authenticity. While she may adapt to different environments or relationships, there’s always a core desire to be seen as distinct, to create a lasting impression. Sometimes, this can lead her to take on roles—both literal and metaphorical—that don’t always feel entirely true to herself. But perhaps that’s part of what made Jaroslava Schallerová such a captivating performer: the ability to embody complexity, even when it’s not easy.