Kowalski (; feminine: Kowalska, plural: Kowalscy) is the second most common surname in

Poland Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It extends from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains in the south, bordered by Lithuania and Russia to the northeast, Belarus and Ukrai ...

(140,471 people in 2009). ''Kowalski'' surname is derived from the word ''kowal'', meaning " lackmith". " Jan Kowalski" is used as a

placeholder name Placeholder names are intentionally overly generic and ambiguous terms referring to things, places, or people, the names of which or of whom do not actually exist; are temporarily forgotten, or are unimportant; or in order to avoid stigmat ...

in Poland to mean " John Smith", much as "

John Doe John Doe (male) and Jane Doe (female) are multiple-use placeholder names that are used in the British, Canadian, and American legal systems, when the true name of a person is unknown or is being intentionally concealed. In the context of law ...

" is used in English-speaking countries.

Notable people

* Alexander Kowalski (1902–1940), Polish ice hockey player killed in the Katyn massacre * Aleksander Kowalski (1930–2009), Polish Nordic combined skier *

Alexander Kowalski (musician) Alexander Kowalski (born 1978 in Greifswald) is a German techno music artist. Career Kowalski moved to Berlin in the early 1990s, and became exposed to techno music there. Early influences on his work were Joey Beltram and Synewave, though he w ...

(born 1978), German DJ, electronic music artist *

Alfred Kowalski Alfred Jan Maksymilian Kowalski (Alfred ''Wierusz''-Kowalski; 11 October 184916 February 1915) was a Polish painter and representative of the Munich School. Life He was born on 11 October 1849 in Suwałki to father Teofil Kowalski of the Wierus ...

(1849–1915), Polish painter * Annette Kowalski (born 1936), American producer, business partner of

Bob Ross Robert Norman Ross (October 29, 1942 – July 4, 1995) was an American painter and art instructor who created and hosted '' The Joy of Painting'', an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, ...

Bernard Louis Kowalski Bernard Louis Kowalski (August 2, 1929 – October 26, 2007) was an American film and television director of Polish descent, nominated for two Primetime Emmys. Selected filmography * ''Frontier'' (1956) Season 1, Episode 19 ''The Assassin'' ...

(1929–2007), American director *

Bronisława Kowalska Bronisława Kowalska (5 December 1955 – 26 December 2020) was a Polish politician. Biography Born in Starachowice, Poland, she served as a Deputy from 1993 to 2005 and as a MEP in 2004. She was a member of the Democratic Left Alliance. Kowal ...

(1955–2020), Polish politician *

Chana Kowalska Chana (Anna) Kowalska Winogora (1899–c.1942) was a Polish Jewish painter and journalist whose artworks reflect her rural origins. While in Paris during the German occupation, she was active in Jewish Communist organizations and wrote about art i ...

(1899-1942), Polish Jewish painter and journalist *

Craig Kowalski Craig Kowalski (born January 15, 1981) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender who most recently played for the Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL. Playing career Kowalski's Pro career begun on June 25, 2000, when he was selected ...

(born 1981), American ice hockey player *

Daniel Kowalski Daniel Steven Kowalski (born 2 July 1975) is an Australian former middle- and long-distance swimmer specialising in freestyle events. He competed in the Olympic Games in 200-, 400- and 1,500-metre individual freestyle events and in the 4 × 20 ...

(born 1975), Australian Olympic swimmer *

Faustyna Kowalska Maria Faustyna Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, OLM (born Helena Kowalska; 25 August 1905 – 5 October 1938) was a Polish Catholic religious sister and mystic. Faustyna, popularly spelled "Faustina", had apparitions of Jesus Christ whi ...

(1905–1938), Polish Catholic saint, nun and mystic *

Frank Kowalski Frank Kowalski (October 18, 1907 – October 11, 1974) was a career officer in the United States Army, and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. After retiring as a colonel, Kowalski went on to serve as a United States representative ...

(1907–1974), American US Army soldier and United States Representative *

Gary A. Kowalski Gary A. Kowalski (born 1953) is an American Unitarian Universalist and author noted for his books on ecospirituality, science, history, and animal welfare. Career A graduate of Harvard College and the Harvard Divinity School, Kowalski was the ...

(born 1953), American author *

Gerry Kowalsky Gerry Kowalsky (born March 19, 1922) is a Canadian automobile salesman. He is known for working in the car sales industry for over 60 years. Early life Kowalsky was born on March 19, 1922 in Doon, Ontario. Career At age 19, Kowalsky enlis ...

(born 1922), Canadian car salesman *

Grzegorz Kowalski (disambiguation) Grzegorz Kowalski may refer to: * Grzegorz Kowalski (artist) (born 1942), Polish sculptor, designer of interior decoration *Grzegorz Kowalski (footballer, born 1963) Grzegorz Kowalski (born 12 January 1963) is a Polish professional football man ...

James Kowalski James M. Kowalski (born October 30, 1957) is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant general (United States), lieutenant general who served as the Deputy Commander, United States Strategic Command from 2013 to 2015. Military career Kowal ...

(born 1954), United States Air Force Lieutenant General, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command Barksdale AFB *

Janusz Kowalski Janusz Kowalski (born 8 June 1952) is a Polish former racing cyclist. He won the Tour de Pologne The Tour de Pologne (; ), officially abbreviated TdP, is an annual, professional men's Race stage, multiple-stage cycle sport, bicycle rac ...

(born 1952), Polish cyclist *

Jerzy Kowalski (disambiguation) Jerzy Kowalski may refer to: * Jerzy Kowalski (athlete), Polish sprinter * Jerzy Kowalski (rower), Polish rower * Jerzy Adam Kowalski Jerzy Adam Kowalski (born 1958) is a Polish researcher and popular science author in the field of human sexualit ...

Jochen Kowalski Jochen Kowalski (born 30 January 1954) is a German alto or mezzo countertenor, noted for his very rich timbre. Early life Jochen Kowalski was born in Wachow, Nauen District, Bezirk Potsdam, in East Germany (now a small village belonging to th ...

(born 1954), German singer *

John Kowalski John Kowalski (born December 22, 1951, in Miłków, Poland) is a former coach of the professional United States soccer clubs Tampa Bay Mutiny (Major League Soccer), Pittsburgh Riverhounds ( NASL) and Pittsburgh Spirit (MISL). He also briefly ma ...

(born c. 1951), American soccer coach * Józef Kowalski (1900–2013), Polish supercentenarian and second-to-last Polish-Soviet war veteran * Józef Kowalski (1911–1942), Polish Roman Catholic priest killed at Auschwitz, beatified *

Józef Wierusz-Kowalski Józef Wierusz-Kowalski (16 March 1866 – 30 November 1927) was a Polish physicist and diplomat. He discovered the phenomenon of progressive phosphorescence. He served as Rector of the University of Fribourg, and helped to establish the section f ...

(1866–1927), Polish physicist and diplomat *

Kasia Kowalska Katarzyna "Kasia" Kowalska (; born 13 June 1973) is a Polish singer, songwriter, producer, and actress. She belongs to the top rung of most frequently broadcast Polish rock artists. Kowalska is one of the best-known Polish vocalists. The estimat ...

(born 1973), Polish pop rock singer and songwriter *

Katarzyna Kowalska Katarzyna Kowalska (born 7 April 1985 in Lipno) is a Polish long-distance runner who specialises in the 3000 metres steeplechase. She represented Poland at the 2008 Olympic Games and 2012 Olympic Games and reached the final of the 2009 World Ch ...

(born 1985), Polish long distance runner * Kazimierz Kowalski, Polish singer *

Ken Kowalski Kenneth Reginald Kowalski (born September 27, 1945) is a politician and former teacher from Alberta, Canada. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, where he served from 1979 to 2012, sitting with the governing Progressive Conse ...

(born 1945), Canadian politician * Kerstin Kowalski (born 1976), German rower * Ludwik Kowalski (born 1931), Polish-American nuclear physicist and professor emeritus *

Łukasz Kowalski Łukasz Kowalski (born 1 December 1980) is a Polish professional football manager and former player who played as defender. He is currently in charge of Arka Gdynia's reserve team. Honours Managerial KP Starogard Gdański * Polish Cup The P ...

, Polish footballer *

Manja Kowalski Manja Kowalski (born 25 January 1976 in Potsdam Potsdam () is the capital and largest city of the Germany, German States of Germany, state of Brandenburg. It is part of the Berlin/Brandenburg Metropolitan Region. Potsdam sits on the H ...

(born 1976), German rower *

Lech Kowalski Lech Kowalski (born 1951) is an American film director of Polish descent. He was born in London to Polish parents. His most notable film is the documentary, '' D.O.A.'', subtitled ''A Rite of Passage'', which chronicled the burgeoning UK punk s ...

(born 1951), American film director *

Maria Kowalska Maria Kowalska (born 19 May 1929) is a Polish alpine skier. She competed at the 1952 Winter Olympics and the 1956 Winter Olympics. Her brother was Aleksander Kowalski and her sister-in-law was Maria Gąsienica Bukowa-Kowalska Maria Gąsieni ...

, Polish alpine skier *

Marian Albertovich Kowalski Marian Albertovich Kowalski (; 15 August 1821 or 15 October 1821 – 28 May 1884 or 9 July 1884) was a Poland, Polish-Russian astronomer. Biography He was born in Dobrzyń nad Wisłą (called Добжинь in Russian) in Congress Poland, ...

(1821–1884), Polish astronomer *

Myron Kowalsky Peter Myron Kowalsky (July 11, 1941 – June 8, 2022) was a Canadian politician, teacher, and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. Biography Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan in 1941, he attended high school in North Battl ...

(1941–2022), Canadian politician *

Natalia Kowalska Natalia Kowalska (born 31 December 1989 in Koszalin) is a Polish racing driver. Career Kowalska started her career in Kart racing in Poland. In 2007, she moved to formula racing, driving a partial program in the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern Eu ...

(born 1989), Polish racing driver *

(1918–unknown), Polish chess master *

Piotr Kowalski Piotr Kowalski (2 March 1927 – 7 January 2004) was a Polish artist, sculptor, and architect. Kowalski worked in non-traditional materials including electronic and mechanical devices, neon art, large earth works, explosions and other natural phe ...

(1927-2004), French-Polish artist *

Richard Kowalski Richard A. Kowalski (born 1963) is an American astronomer who has discovered numerous asteroids and comets, among them, many near-Earth objects. Kowalski has had a lifelong interest in astronomy with an emphasis on planetary science. As an amate ...

(born 1963), American astronomer *

Robert Kowalski Robert Anthony Kowalski (born 15 May 1941) is an American-British logician and computer scientist, whose research is concerned with developing both human-oriented models of computing and computational models of human thinking. He has spent most ...

(born 1941), British logician * Sharon Kowalski, subject of groundbreaking disability and LGBT legal rights case * Tadeusz Kowalski (1889–1948), Polish orientalist, expert on Middle East Muslim culture and languages *

Thomas Schmidt-Kowalski Thomas Schmidt-Kowalski (21 June 1949 – 5 January 2013)Death notice
(also has birthdate)

(1949–2013), German composer *

Wacław Kowalski Wacław Kowalski (2 May 1916 – 27 October 1990) was a Polish actor. He appeared in more than eighty films from 1947 to 1983. Selected filmography References External links * 1916 births 1990 deaths Polish male film actors Polish ...

, Polish actor *

William Kowalski William John Kowalski III (born August 3, 1970) is an American-Canadian novelist and screenwriter best known for his debut novel ''Eddie’s Bastard'' (1999). Other literary works include ''Somewhere South of Here'', ''The Adventures of Flash Jac ...

(born 1970), American author * Wladek Kowalski (AKA "Killer" Kowalski) (1926–2008), Polish-Canadian professional wrestler, trainer *

Władysław Kowalski (politician) Władysław Kowalski (26 August 1894 – 14 December 1958) was a Polish communist politician, writer and journalist who served as the Minister of Art and Culture and the Sejm Marshal during the first postwar parliament Sejm of the Polish Peopl ...

(1894–1958), Polish trade union activist, writer and politician (PSL, ZSL) *

Yelizaveta Kovalskaya Yelizaveta Nikolayevna Kovalskaya (; 17/29 June 1851 – 1943) was a Russian revolutionary, narodnik, and founding member of Black Repartition. Early life Kovalskaya was born near Kharkiv. Her mother was a serf, who belonged to her father, ...

(1851–1943), Russian revolutionary *

Stanisław Kowalski Stanisław Kowalski (14 April 1910 – 5 April 2022) was a Polish supercentenarian masters athlete who, aged 105, became the oldest ever competing athlete in the newly formed M105 age division (ages 105–109) in sprinting, shot put, and discu ...

(1910–2022), Polish supercentenarian masters athlete.

Fictional characters

* Kowalski, character in the 1991

parody film A parody film or spoof film is a subgenre of comedy film that lampoons other film genres or films as pastiches, works created by imitation of the style of many different films reassembled together. Although the subgenre is often overlooked by cri ...

Hot Shots! ''Hot Shots!'' is a 1991 American comedy film directed by Jim Abrahams, co-writer and co-director of ''Airplane!'', and written by Abrahams and Pat Proft. It stars Charlie Sheen, Cary Elwes, Valeria Golino, Lloyd Bridges, Jon Cryer, Kevin ...

'', played by

Kristy Swanson Kristy Swanson (born December 19, 1969) is an American actress. She is best recognized for having played Buffy Summers in the 1992 film ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and appeared in the 1996 film ''The Phantom''. Her first starring role was in ...

* Kowalski, main character in the 1971 film ''Vanishing Point'', played by

Barry Newman Barry Foster Newman (November 7, 1930 – May 11, 2023) was an American actor of stage, screen, and television known for his portrayal of Kowalski in ''Vanishing Point'', and for his title role in the 1970s television series '' Petrocelli''. He ...

* Kowalski, character in the

PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October, in Europe on 24 Novembe ...

game ''

Syphon Filter 2 ''Syphon Filter 2'' is a 2000 third-person shooter video game developed by Eidetic and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation (console), PlayStation. It is the second installment in the ''Syphon Filter'' franchise and a seq ...

'' *

Kowalski Kowalski (; feminine: Kowalska, plural: Kowalscy) is the second most common surname in Poland (140,471 people in 2009). ''Kowalski'' surname is derived from the word ''kowal'', meaning " lackmith". " Jan Kowalski" is used as a placeholder name ...

, character in ''

Madagascar Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country that includes the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Lying off the southeastern coast of Africa, it is the world's List of islands by area, f ...

'' and the TV series ''

The Penguins of Madagascar ''The Penguins of Madagascar'' is an American animated television series produced by DreamWorks Animation in collaboration with Nickelodeon Animation Studio. It stars nine characters from DreamWorks' animated film ''Madagascar'': the penguin ...

'' * Mr Kowalski, original owner of Kowalski's, Rosie Duncan's florist store in the novel ''

Fairytale of New York "Fairytale of New York" is a song written by Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan and recorded by their London-based band the Pogues, featuring English singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl on vocals. The song is an Irish folk-style ballad and was writ ...

'' * Mrs. Kowalski,

Miriam Margolyes Miriam Margolyes ( ; born 18 May 1941) is a British and Australian actress. Known for her work as a character actor across film, television, and stage, she received the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mrs. Mingott in Marti ...

' character in the film '' How to Lose Friends & Alienate People'' (2008) * Kowalski, supporting character in ''

The Ren & Stimpy Show ''The Ren & Stimpy Show'', commonly referred to as simply ''Ren & Stimpy'', is an American animated Comedy film, comedy television series created by John Kricfalusi for Nickelodeon. The series follows the misadventures of Ren Höek, an emotion ...

'' * Benjamin "Ben" Kowalski in the comic series ''

Templar, Arizona ''Templar Arizona'' is a webcomic written and drawn by Charlie Spike Trotman. It was hosted on Webcomics Nation. Trotman describes ''Templar, Arizona'' as "a story about a town, and the people who live there", specifically referring to the city ...

'' * Major

Charles Kawalsky Over its decade of existence, science fiction TV series ''Stargate SG-1'' developed an extensive and detailed backdrop of diverse characters. Many of the characters are members of alien species discovered while exploring the galaxy through the S ...

, a character in the science fiction movie ''

Stargate ''Stargate'' is a military science fiction media franchise owned by Amazon MGM Studios. It is based on Stargate (film), the film directed by Roland Emmerich, which he co-wrote with producer Dean Devlin; production company StudioCanal owns the ...

'' and subsequent television series ''

Stargate SG-1 ''Stargate SG-1'' (often stylized in all caps, or abbreviated ''SG-1'') is a military science fiction Adventure fiction, adventure television series within Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Stargate, ''Stargate'' franchise. The show, created by Brad Wrig ...

'' * Dick Kowalsky, character in the French animated series ''

Funky Cops ''Funky Cops'' is an animated series about two cops in San Francisco during the 1970s. The show was created by brothers Christophe and Benoit Di Sabatino and produced by Antefilms Production. In the US, it was licensed by 4Kids Entertainment an ...

'' (2003) *

Felix Kawalski The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 1995, by order of first appearance. Tiffany Mitchell Tiffany Mitchell (also Raymond) is played by Martine McCutcheon from 1995 until 1998. The ...

, character in the British television series ''EastEnders'' * Jacob Kowalski,

Dan Fogler Daniel Kevin Fogler (born October 20, 1976) is an American actor, comedian and writer. He had his breakout in theatre, winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as William Barfée in the Broadway production of '' ...

's character in the film ''

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them may refer to: * ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'' (book), a 2001 book by J. K. Rowling * ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'' (film), a 2016 film by David Yates ** ''Fantastic Beasts and Wher ...

'' (2016) * Joe Kowalski, character in ''SIGMA Force'' book series by author

James Rollins James Paul Czajkowski (born August 20, 1961), better known by his pen name of James Rollins, is an American veterinarian and writer of action-adventure/ thriller, mystery, and techno-thriller novels who gave up his veterinary practice in Sacra ...

* Kitty Kowalski, Lex Luthor's companion in 2006 film ''

Superman Returns ''Superman Returns'' is a 2006 American superhero film directed by Bryan Singer, and written by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris from a story by Singer, Dougherty and Harris, based on the DC Comics character Superman. It serves as a homage ...

'', played by

Parker Posey Parker Christian Posey (born November 8, 1968) is an American actress. Known for playing eccentric characters in independent films, she was named "Queen of the Indies" by ''Time'' in 1997. She has received nominations for a Primetime Emmy Awa ...

* Leon Kowalski, character in the 1982 film ''

Blade Runner ''Blade Runner'' is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. Starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos, it is an adaptation of Philip K. Di ...

'' played by

Brion James Brion Howard James (February 20, 1945 – August 7, 1999) was an American character actor. He portrayed Leon Kowalski in '' Blade Runner'' and appeared in '' Southern Comfort'', '' 48 Hrs.'', ''Another 48 Hrs.'', '' Silverado'', '' Tango & Cash'', ...

* Matt Kowalsky,

George Clooney George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is an American actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. Known for his leading man roles on screen in both blockbuster and independent films, Clooney has received numerous accolades, including two Ac ...

's character in the movie ''

Gravity In physics, gravity (), also known as gravitation or a gravitational interaction, is a fundamental interaction, a mutual attraction between all massive particles. On Earth, gravity takes a slightly different meaning: the observed force b ...

'' * Peter "Petey" Kowalski in the video game ''

Bully Bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing, comments, or threats, in order to abuse, aggressively dominate, or intimidate one or more others. The behavior is often repeated and habitual. One essential prerequisite is the perc ...

'' * Private Kowalski, character in the video game '' Fallout: New Vegas'' * Roch Kowalski, character in Sienkiewicz's novel ''

With Fire and Sword ''By Fire and Sword'' () is a historical novel by the Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz, published in 1884. It is the first volume of a series known to Poles as The Trilogy, followed by '' The Deluge'' (''Potop'', 1886) and '' Fire in the Step ...

'' * Roxanne Kowalski,

Daryl Hannah Daryl Hannah (born December 3, 1960) is an American actress and environmental activist. She made her film debut in Brian De Palma's supernatural horror film ''The Fury (1978 film), The Fury'' (1978). She has starred in various films across the ...

's character in '' Roxanne'', the 1987 remake of ''

Cyrano de Bergerac Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac ( , ; 6 March 1619 – 28 July 1655) was a French novelist, playwright, epistolarian, and duelist. A bold and innovative author, his work was part of the libertine literature of the first half of the 17th ce ...

'' with

Steve Martin Stephen Glenn Martin (born August 14, 1945) is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. Known for Steve Martin filmography, his work in comedy films, television, and #Discography, recording, he has received List of awards a ...

* Seaman Kowalski, crewman assigned aboard the submarine ''

SSRN Seaview ''Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'' is a 1961 American science fiction disaster film, produced and directed by Irwin Allen, and starring Walter Pidgeon and Robert Sterling. The supporting cast includes Peter Lorre, Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, ...

'', on the 1964–68 TV series ''

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea ''Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'' is a 1961 American science fiction disaster film, produced and directed by Irwin Allen, and starring Walter Pidgeon and Robert Sterling. The supporting cast includes Peter Lorre, Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden ...

'', played by

Del Monroe Del Monroe (April 7, 1932June 5, 2009) was an American film, television and stage actor. He is best known for his role as Seaman Kowalski in the television series ''Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'', which was broadcast on ABC from September 14, ...

* Sergei Kowalski, the titular character in the

Spaghetti Western The spaghetti Western is a broad subgenre of Western films produced in Europe. It emerged in the mid-1960s in the wake of Sergio Leone's filmmaking style and international box-office success. The term was used by foreign critics because most o ...

'' The Mercenary'', played by

Franco Nero Francesco Clemente Giuseppe Sparanero (born 23 November 1941), known professionally as Franco Nero, is an Italian actor. His breakthrough role was as the title character in the Spaghetti Western film '' Django'' (1966), which made him a pop cul ...

. * Sgt. Kowalski, character in ''

Raising Arizona ''Raising Arizona'' is a 1987 American crime comedy film written, directed and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen. It stars Nicolas Cage as H.I. "Hi" McDunnough, an ex-convict, and Holly Hunter as Edwina "Ed" McDunnough, a former police officer ...

'' * Sgt. Kowalski, character in video game ''

Call of Duty 3 ''Call of Duty 3'' is a 2006 first-person shooter game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision. It is the third major installment in the ''Call of Duty'' series. It was released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and W ...

'' * Sophie Kowalski,

Marion Cotillard Marion Cotillard (; born 30 September 1975) is a French actress who has appeared in both European and Hollywood productions. She is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received by Marion Cotillard, various accolades, including an Ac ...

's character in the 2005 French film ''Jeux d'Enfants'', also known by its English title, '' Love Me If You Dare'' *

Stanley Stanley may refer to: Arts and entertainment Film and television * ''Stanley'' (1972 film), an American horror film * ''Stanley'' (1984 film), an Australian comedy * ''Stanley'' (1999 film), an animated short * ''Stanley'' (1956 TV series) ...

and

Stella Kowalski Stella Kowalski (née DuBois) is one of the main characters in Tennessee Williams' play ''A Streetcar Named Desire''. She is the younger sister of central character Blanche DuBois and wife of Stanley Kowalski. In the play The play begins when Bla ...

, characters in the

Pulitzer Prize The Pulitzer Prizes () are 23 annual awards given by Columbia University in New York City for achievements in the United States in "journalism, arts and letters". They were established in 1917 by the will of Joseph Pulitzer, who had made his fo ...

–winning play by

Tennessee Williams Thomas Lanier Williams III (March 26, 1911 – February 25, 1983), known by his pen name Tennessee Williams, was an American playwright and screenwriter. Along with contemporaries Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller, he is considered among the three ...

and 1951 film, ''

A Streetcar Named Desire ''A Streetcar Named Desire'' is a play written by Tennessee Williams and first performed on Broadway on December 3, 1947. The play dramatizes the experiences of Blanche DuBois, a former Southern belle who, after encountering a series of pe ...

'' * Detective Stanley Kowalski, character in the 1994–1999 television series ''

Due South ''Due South'' is a Canadian crime comedy-drama television series created by Paul Haggis, and produced by Alliance Communications from its premiere on April 23, 1994, to its conclusion after four seasons on March 14, 1999. The series starred P ...

'' (named after the above ''Streetcar'' character) * Steve Kowalski, character in the 2007 film ''

Devil's Diary ''Devil's Diary'' is a Canadian horror television film A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie, telefilm, telemovie or TV film/movie, is a film with a running time similar to a feature film that ...

'' * Viktor Kowalski, member of the OAS in '' The Day of the Jackal'' by

Frederick Forsyth Frederick McCarthy Forsyth ( ; 25 August 1938 – 9 June 2025) was an English novelist and journalist. He was best known for thrillers such as ''The Day of the Jackal'', ''The Odessa File'', ''The Fourth Protocol'', ''The Dogs of War (novel), ...

Walt Kowalski Walter Kowalski is a fictional character portrayed by Clint Eastwood in the 2008 American film ''Gran Torino''. Walt is depicted as an irritable and prejudiced Korean War veteran whose aging Metro Detroit neighborhood has become home to Hmong imm ...

, protagonist of the 2008 film ''

Gran Torino ''Gran Torino'' is a 2008 American drama film directed, produced by and starring Clint Eastwood. It features a significant Hmong American cast, a first for mainstream American films. The score was composed by Kyle Eastwood and Michael Steve ...

'' played by

Clint Eastwood Clinton Eastwood Jr. (born May 31, 1930) is an American actor and film director. After achieving success in the Western (genre), Western TV series ''Rawhide (TV series), Rawhide'', Eastwood rose to international fame with his role as the "Ma ...

* Meryl Lee Kowalski, character in the Gary D. Schmidt book ''

The Wednesday Wars ''The Wednesday Wars'' is a 2007 young adult historical fiction novel written by Gary D. Schmidt, the author of '' Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy.'' The novel is set in suburban Long Island during the 1967–68 school year. The Vietna ...

Other uses

Kowalski's Markets Kowalski's Markets is an American supermarket operator, headquartered in Woodbury, Minnesota. It owns the supermarket chain "Kowalski's Markets". The company opened its first supermarkets on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota ...

, supermarket chain

References

{{surname Polish-language surnames Occupational surnames

Notable people

Fictional characters

See also

Other uses

References