Václav Havel Would Be 90 This Year: From Playwright to President
Václav Havel was one of the defining figures of modern Czech history. Playwright, writer, dissident, political prisoner and, ultimately, the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic, his life reflected some of the country’s most dramatic changes of the 20th century. Born into a prominent Prague family, Havel experienced both privilege and political persecution. He became one of the leading voices of the opposition to communist rule and played a central role in the Velvet Revolution of 1989. On October 5th, 2026, Havel would have turned 90. Here is a look at his life, political career and some of the places in Prague and beyond connected to him. From a privileged Prague family to a banned writer Havel was born in Prague on October 5, 1936, into a wealthy and well-connected family. His uncle, Miloš Havel, founded Barrandov Studios, while his grandfather was involved in construction and real estate. His family’s position changed dramatically after the Communist Party took power in Czechoslovakia in 1948. Their property was confiscated, and Havel faced restrictions on his education and career because of his family background. During the political liberalisation of the 1960s, Havel became increasingly involved in Prague’s... The post Václav Havel Would Be 90 This Year: From Playwright to President appeared first on Prague Morning .