János Koltai, born in Budapest on June 8, 1935, is a highly versatile Hungarian actor, director, and artist. A graduate of the Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest in 1958, his name is associated with some of the country's most important theaters. He became a key figure at the Csokonai Theatre in Debrecen and the National Theatre of Pécs, and was a founding member of the celebrated company of the Csiky Gergely Theatre in Kaposvár. His film career is equally significant, featuring roles in iconic Hungarian films such as 'The Witness' (A tanú, 1969) and in major international productions like István Szabó's 'Mephisto' (1981). In addition to acting and stage direction, he has also successfully pursued the visual arts, particularly painting. For his exceptional contribution to Hungarian culture, he has received the nation's highest honors, including the Jászai Mari Prize (1966, 1978) and the prestigious Kossuth Prize in 2016.