Jernej Šugman Bio: Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Wife, Children, Death, Films

Jernej Šugman was a celebrated Slovenian theater actor, widely recognized for his powerful performances on stage and his contributions to Slovenian performing arts.

A permanent member of the Ljubljana City Theatre (MGL) ensemble from 1994 until his death, he delivered over a hundred unforgettable stage performances, earning multiple awards and the unofficial title of Slovenia’s finest dramatic actor of his generation.

Known for his ability to inhabit complex characters—from tragic kings to broken everymen—Šugman left an indelible mark on national culture before his sudden passing at age 48.

Profile

• Full Name: Jernej Šugman
• Stage Name: Jernej Šugman
• Born: December 23, 1968
• Died: December 10, 2017
• Age: 57 years old
• Birthplace: Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Nationality: Slovenian
• Occupation: Theater Actor
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Zlatko Šugman, and Maja Šugman
• Siblings: Lea Šugman
• Spouse: Andreja Šugman (until 2017)
• Children: Sofija Šugman
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $400,000

Early Life and Education

Jernej Šugman was born on December 23, 1968, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, into a family deeply rooted in the arts.

His father, Zlatko Šugman, was one of Slovenia’s most legendary actors, while his mother, Maja Šugman, worked as a costume designer.

He grew up alongside his sister Lea Šugman in an environment saturated with theater.

Šugman trained at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television (AGRFT) in Ljubljana, graduating in 1993 under mentors like Jožica Avbelj and Boris Cavazza, and immediately joined the Ljubljana City Theatre ensemble, where he would spend his entire professional life.

He is of Slovenian heritage, though his religion is not publicly known.

Career

Jernej Šugman made his professional debut while still a student, appearing in minor roles at MGL before securing a permanent contract in 1994.

He quickly rose through the ranks, earning acclaim for performances in classics such as Hamlet, King Lear, Richard III, and Oedipus Rex, where his physical intensity and vocal power electrified audiences.

Critics and peers alike praised his ability to fuse intellectual precision with raw emotional force, making him the go-to interpreter of Shakespearean tragedy and modern Slovenian drama.

Over two decades he collected nearly every major Slovenian theater honor: multiple Borštnik Awards (including Best Actor in 2001, 2005, and 2012), the Prešeren Fund Prize in 2008, and the prestigious Župančič Award for lifetime achievement in 2016—rarely bestowed on an actor still in his forties.

His signature roles included the tormented Ivan Karamazov in The Brothers Karamazov, the ruthless Creon in Antigone, and the tragic title figure in Tartuffe.

Though primarily a stage actor, he occasionally appeared in film and television, most notably in the series Naša mala klinika and the film Outsider (1997).

Jernej Šugman continued to dominate Slovenian stages until his final season in 2017, preparing for a new production of Faust when he passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2017, from a heart attack while hiking near Podljubelj.

His death sent shockwaves through the cultural community; theaters dimmed lights nationwide, and thousands attended memorial events honoring a performer many regarded as irreplaceable.

Social Media

Jernej Šugman did not have personal social-media accounts.

Personal Life

Jernej Šugman married Andreja Šugman and together they raised their daughter Sofija Šugman, who was 12 at the time of his passing.

He led a quiet, family-centered life outside the spotlight, dividing time between Ljubljana and the countryside, where he enjoyed long mountain hikes and reading philosophy.

Jernej Šugman died on December 10, 2017, at the age of 48. His death was caused by a heart attack he suffered while on a ski trip in Zelenica, Slovenia.

Filmography

• Outsider (1997)
• Naša mala klinika (TV series, recurring role)

Notable Theater Roles

• Hamlet (Hamlet)
• King Lear (Lear)
• Richard III (Richard)
• Oedipus Rex (Oedipus)
• The Brothers Karamazov (Ivan Karamazov)
• Tartuffe (Tartuffe)

Net Worth

Jernej Šugman had an estimated net worth of $400,000 at the time of his death. He earned his income primarily through his permanent contract with Ljubljana City Theatre, state awards, and occasional film and television appearances.