Zuzanna Szadkowski, a Polish-American actress, has captivated audiences with her ability to seamlessly blend her Polish heritage and American training. Best known for her role as the endearing Dorota Kishlovsky on Gossip Girl, Szadkowski turned a supporting character into a fan favourite, even inspiring a spin-off web series, Gossip Girl: Chasing Dorota. Her authenticity shone in the role, as she infused Dorota’s accent and personality with inspiration drawn from her own Polish family.
From Polish Roots to Hollywood Stardom
Born in Warsaw, Poland, on October 22, 1978, Szadkowski moved to the United States at the age of three. A gifted student, she earned national recognition as a YoungArts alumna and Presidential Scholar of the Arts in 1997 before pursuing acting at Barnard College and Harvard University’s Institute for Advanced Theater Training. This foundation prepared her for a diverse acting career that spans television hits like The Sopranos,The Knick, Girls, The Good Wife, and Search Party.
Zuzanna Szadkowski: A Multifaceted Talent Shaping Both Stage and Screen
In addition to her television success, Szadkowski is a celebrated theatre performer. She made her New York stage debut in Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore and has appeared in critically acclaimed productions such as Uncle Romeo Vanya Juliet and The Crucible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she further showcased her creativity with a one-woman show, highlighting her versatility and commitment to the stage.
Beyond her acting career, Szadkowski co-founded the Sam Weisman Studio in New York, where she mentors aspiring performers. Despite her Hollywood success, she remains deeply connected to her Polish roots and Brooklyn community. Whether on screen or on stage, Szadkowski’s talent, resilience, and cultural pride make her a standout figure in the entertainment industry.