BALKAN

ACTOR’S FAREWELL: To Josip Pejaković, an Inspiration for a 14-Year-Old Boy Who Wanted to Be an Actor!

by Antonije Kovačević24. July 2025.24. July 2025.

A few days ago, Bosnian actor, screenwriter, and director Josip Pejaković passed away. The sad news resonated throughout the Balkans, as Pejaković was loved and respected in all countries of the former Yugoslavia.

This news particularly affected American-Serbian actor Željko Jack Dimich, who is, in a way, Pejaković’s successor. In addition to numerous roles in American and local films, the audience remembers Dimich for his adaptation of Pejaković’s famous monodrama “Oj, Živote!” (Oh, Life!), which he performed multiple times on stages in America and Europe.

Željko Jack Dimich wished to bid farewell to his acting idol through a letter published on our portal…

A Fond Farewell from Željko Jack Dimich

“A great man and artist has departed. My dear friend, collaborator, and esteemed colleague Josip Pejaković.

I was in eighth grade when Josip performed in my hometown of Bosanska Dubica with his monodrama ‘Oj, Živote!’ I sat in the front row, absorbing his words and movements on stage, dreaming that one day I, too, would be in his place – on the ‘boards that mean life.’

When he bowed to the audience, I approached him backstage, shook his hand, and said:

‘Congratulations, colleague… One day, I will perform this wonderful monodrama too!’

He looked at the fourteen-year-old boy and said:

‘I don’t even know your name… and since when are you and I colleagues?’

I instantly replied:

‘Not yet, but give me some time!’

The great Josip stroked my head, smiled paternally, and said:

‘Go for it, lad!’

Many years later, I reminded him of that encounter and took the opportunity to ask him to let me adapt and perform the very same monodrama ‘Oj, Živote!’ in my own way. He, of course, agreed and repeated his familiar words:

‘Go for it, lad!’

I am very sad to be writing this because he is no longer with us, but I am happy that I knew such a great man, writer, and actor, and that I had the opportunity to collaborate with him. I consider myself privileged to have been his friend.

Our Josip has gone somewhere, only he knows where, but he will forever remain in our memory and hearts. His works and roles will endure for generations after him to learn from. His kindness and warmth will serve as an example and a mirror to many who knew him, showing what a true man and artist should be, and remain.

Goodbye, dear Josip. May your glory be eternal and thank you,” Željko Jack Dimich states in his farewell letter.