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Jack Black Plays Jan Lewan in The Polka King

Jack Black as the Polka King Jan Lewan

Comedian/actor Jack Black gives us an intriguing look into the life of the the Polka King Jan Lewan.

Premiering on Netflix just a few days ago, The Polka King, starring Jack Black, is one of those movies that you wouldn’t watch hadn’t you known it to be a true story. It tells the unbelievable story of Jan Lewan, the man who built himself a music empire to become the king of polka.

In 1941, during World War II, Jan Lewan was born in Bydgoszcz in northern Poland while the country was occupied b the Nazis. He grew up with a love for music and dreams of stardom in the land of opportunity, the United States of America.

After settling in Pennsylvania, Jan started his own polka band, which he made sure grew no matter what.

Throughout his career he was nominated for a Grammy, fixed a meeting with the Pope and bought his wife the title of Ms. Pennsylvania, but in 2001 he was arrested for fraud.

Jan Lewan’s polka empire was found to be an elaborate ponzi scheme which embezzled millions of dollars from more than 400 people across 22 states.

As a character, Jan is the villain you just love. His crimes were driven by love and not by greed, and just being portrayed by Jack Black makes you the good guy.

It’s one of the most heartwarming-yet-bizarre biographical comedies you’ll ever watch. It premiered on Netflix on January 12, and stars Black alongside Jenny Slate, Jason Schwartzman and Jacki Weaver.

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