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November 2, 2009

Poland superstar comes to Plattsburgh

Polish beauty on threshold of success

By STEPHEN BARTLETT

PLATTSBURGH — Jolanta Rutowicz admits she wants too much out of life — but she plans to get it.

Called by some the "Paris Hilton of Eastern Europe" and by others Princess Jollie, she is the winner of the reality television show "Big Brother 4" in Poland and a rising star in that country.

Rutowicz recently spent time in Plattsburgh between appearances in New York City and Connecticut.

"I like it here," said Rutowicz, slender fingers adorned with silver rings. "It is a small place. It is nice to shop in New York City but better to have a house in Plattsburgh."

The 25-year-old arrived in Montreal, and on her way to this area, traveling south in a Rolls Royce, was delayed at the border a few hours while inspectors determined whether she had the correct papers.

"The trip was interesting," she said, her r's purring with her Polish accent.

Born and raised in Poland, Rutowicz's first break came after she applied for the fourth season of "Big Brother Poland," which aired in 2007. She outwitted her house mates and won the show.

The experience strengthened her, though what came next took her by surprise.

Suddenly, everyone seemed to know her, calling her name when she emerged from the "Big Brother" house.

"I was stuck in my house for a week and didn't want to come out."

She found herself fielding requests for appearances as a special guest or judge for an array of parties, events and television programs.

She participated in magazine shoots as well as a reality-television show with her then-boyfriend, an actor in Poland.

Rutowicz won a SWIRY award in 2009 for her influence on popular culture in Poland and now makes jewelry that can be purchased online.

"It's cool," she said of jewelry making. "I get to express myself."

Her father was a strong man who told her to never give up, and family and friends told her she was different and would one day be famous.

"I think I'm special, but I don't feel like a star," Rutowicz said. "I'm a normal person."

She loves horses and fast cars and was recently given a Ferrari to drive for a year.

Rutowicz left Plattsburgh for New York City and the Miss Poland USA pageant, to serve as a special guest and judge.

After that, she returns to Poland, where she'll start making a disco album in December.

She's also preparing for a role in a film about her life and may play a nurse in a movie about the Polish-Soviet War, 1919-1920.

Plans are in the works for a Princess Jollie doll, cartoon and computer game.

Rutowicz sometimes is criticized for her style of dress, but she says it's OK to look sexy, dress sexy and be sexy and still be a "good girl."

"And you don't have to take your clothes off," stressed Rutowicz, who, despite being asked, has not participated in nude photo shoots.

She'd like to pursue a graduate degree in college, have her own television show and participate in film and television roles in the United States.

"We will see what happens, but that would be cool."

Amid all the lights, cameras and appearances, Rutowicz said one of the things she enjoys most is spending time with children. She visits orphanages, handing out gifts and playing with the kids.

"I love the kids, but it makes me upset they don't have parents."

She has advice for young women who might want to pursue a career in film and television.

"You need to be strong and not let people tell you what to do. Dress how you want, be an individual, and say your opinion. But most important, work hard and be good to people."

E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com

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