Aleksandr Shirvindt is an outstanding person who has mastered more than one profession and reached incredible heights in every endeavor he undertook. He is an actor, theater director, TV presenter, author of books, teacher, dubbing artist. Whatever Alexander started to do, he is always accompanied by success. Among his merits there are many titles, honorary awards, orders. But the main assets can be called about a hundred theater roles, more than 25 of his own productions, filmography, consisting of more than 50 items, 18 voiced cartoons, 5 author's books. And more TV programs, where he appeared as a presenter, audiobooks and audio plays, active social activities ... His life is not boring to call.
Childhood and youth
Alexander Anatolievich was born on July 19, 1934 in Moscow. But most of his childhood he lived in the town of Cherdyn with his grandmother. The reason for this was the employment of parents. His father was a musician, played the violin in the Bolshoi Theater, taught. His mother worked in the Moscow Philharmonic. They toured a lot, always surrounded by music. It seemed that a child born into such a family was bound to follow in his parents' footsteps, but the boy found himself in a slightly different matter.
After junior high school in the countryside, he went to secondary school in the capital. Prestigious educational institution, which went mainly children of party leaders, brought up a real intelligent and educated guy. Shirvindt after school studied at a music school, engaged in ballroom dancing. And in the evenings his house became a meeting place for famous artists and theater figures. It was they who awakened in Alexander's interest in acting and predetermined the choice of profession.
After school, Shirvindt submitted documents to the Shchukin Theater School. He had no experience in productions, but musical and dance skills helped him a lot. His talent was so obvious that the teachers immediately paid attention. During the period of study, the diligent student showed great hope.
Acting career
After brilliant performances in diploma productions "Labor Bread" and "Night of Mistakes" the artist was invited to the main cast of the troupe of the Theater-Studio of Film Actor. Having played in several performances, a year later he already performed on the stage of the Lenin Komsomol Theater. Insignificant debut roles quickly grew into more serious and large. His skill struck the directors, caused admiration among the public.
In 1968, he was on the staff of the troupe of the Drama Theater on Malaya Bronnaya. And a couple of years later he got a job at the Moscow Academic Theater of Satire. It was on this stage he was able to fully realize himself. A subtle sense of humor, self-irony, and wit helped him become a real star. He was inimitable, his phrases were often picked up by the whole of Moscow. For 30 years of service in the Satire Theater, he played dozens of roles. He began to independently direct productions, took the post of artistic director. This place became for him a second home, brought him fame, national recognition, fame and boundless love of the public. And even today, at the age of 85, he does not part with the theater.
Cinema and other activities
Alexander Shirvindt did not bypass Alexander Shirvindt and cinematography. Immediately after graduating from college, the actor combined performances in the theater with filming. Debut happened in the film "She Loves You" back in 1956. It was an insignificant role, which came to him almost by accident. After several episodic appearances on the screen in his movie career came a small lull. Totally absorbed in the theater, he gave himself to him. But the directors could not bypass such a talent. Therefore, all forces tried to pull him to the set.
In 1967, Alexander appeared in the movie "Major Whirlwind". A bright and memorable character caused positive reviews. But the real success and nationwide recognition came after the release of the cult picture, which became a masterpiece of Soviet cinema. It is, of course, about "The Irony of Fate, or With Easy Steam!". In it, the artist performed the role of Pavlik, a comrade of the main character. Director Eldar Ryazanov was delighted with the actor's game, however, as well as viewers and critics. This project spawned a long collaboration between Ryazanov and Shirvindt.
80-ies became for the movie actor saturated. During this period, he appeared on the screens very often. Although the main roles he practically did not perform, but was considered the "king" of the second plan. His episodic appearance in the frame was able to decorate any picture. Charismatic and with a subtle sense of humor artist easily attracted attention and never went unnoticed. After the release of the movie "Three in a Boat, Not Counting the Dog" trio Shirvindt-Mironov-Derzhavin became a benchmark in the comedy genre.
For the last 20 years, Alexander did not often star in films, devoting more time to theater and other activities.
Since the 2000s, he began to teach at acting universities. He managed to build a good television career. "Morning Mail", "Terem Teremok", "Seven Us and Jazz", "Theater Lounge", "Bravo, Artist!", "I Want to Know" - in these projects he worked as a TV presenter.
At different periods of life Shirvindt was engaged in voice-over cartoons, books, participated in the recording of audio plays.
A separate page in the biography of the artist should be emphasized his writing achievements. Alexander's bibliography consists of 5 books, which are written in a peculiar to the actor cynical and ironic manner.
Personal life
The first and only wife of Shirvindt was Natalia Belousova. With her they have been married since 1957. Although there were many rumors about his novels at different times and with many women, he remains faithful to his wife.
Their son Mikhail realized himself as a TV presenter. He gave Alexander and Natalia two grandchildren. Now there are already in a large family and great-grandchildren.
Today, the great film actor and maestro of the Russian theater continues to direct the Satire Theater, attend various TV programs, write books. Read about his further achievements in the catalog of artists on the website kontramarka.de.
Filmography (favorites):
1956 - "She loves you!"
1963 - "Come Tomorrow"
1967 - "Major Vortex"
1968 - "Once More About Love"
1975 - "The Irony of Fate, or With Easy Steam!"
1976 - "Heavenly Swallows."
1979 - "Three in a Boat, Not Counting the Dog."
1982 - "Circus Princess"
1982 - "Station for Two".
1987 - "Forgotten Melody for the Flute"
1990 - "The Womanizer"
1994 - "Simple-minded"
2004 - "Greetings from Tsyurupa!"
2007 - "The Irony of Fate. Continued
2009 - "Variegated Twilight"
2013 - "Moliere"
2019 - "Moscow Romance"
