How often do you watch movies? Are there Soviet ones among them? Maybe some of you prefers exclusively the cinema of the last century. In this case, the surname Druzhnikov should tell you something. Vladimir Vasilyevich Druzhnikov is a well-known actor of Soviet cinema, who has many regalia in his bosom (not only professional).
Childhood, adolescence, youth …
June 30, 1922. Moscow. In the family of the military, the hero of our story was born - Vladimir Druzhnikov. While still a pupil of a kindergarten, little Volodya could boast of outstanding artistry. And a little later, he played his first amateur role - Chekhov's Vanka Zhukov.
Vladimir combined his studies at school with a visit to the drama club. It was at this time that the boy's love for the acting field was formed. In life, it happens when parents want their child to steadily follow the traditions of the dynasty. So it was in the life of Vladimir, who in the eyes of his father was also a military man. But it didn’t grow together. Not because “I tried it and it didn’t work,” but because the impending surge of audience sympathy for the talent of Vladimir Druzhnikov passed the military regulations on the scales.
Eh, front-line path …
It would seem that in the life of the future actor everything went very well, but the Great Patriotic War, which began in 1941, confused Vladimir's plans a little. In November 1941, the Central Children's Theater (now the Russian Academic Youth Theater), in which Vladimir Druzhnikov worked at that time, was forced to evacuate to Siberia. In Kuzbass, the CDT staged performances for wounded soldiers, home front workers, as well as for those who still had to go to the front.
The ups and downs of wartime did not knock the actor off the intended path, and already in 1943 Vladimir stood on the threshold of the Moscow Art Theater School. True, not alone, but with a friend. A friend of Vladimir, who also served at the Central Theater School, decided to enter the famous theater university, although a partner was required for the entrance exam (etude). Thus, two young people found themselves in Moscow again. True, in the end, Vladimir did not have to leave the capital - the selection committee took him on the course.
Film, film, film
By the way, Vladimir did not manage to fully taste student life - he studied at the Moscow Art Theater school for only a year. Already in the first year of study, he received an offer to play in a film, which, according to the rules of the university, was strictly prohibited. However, during a conversation with the director of the educational institution, Vladimir firmly said: "I am leaving the institute and will act in films." Since 1944, the university continued to exist without Druzhnikov.
The actor's debut motion picture was titled Guilty Without Guilt (1945). In it, Vladimir had a chance to play one of the main roles, which brought him the status of a movie star.
The artist's career took off. His filmography includes about 40 paintings. In addition, many of you have heard the phrase "There is such a profession - to defend the Motherland", which was uttered by the character of Vladimir Druzhnikov in the film "Officers" (1971).
It is worth noting that since the mid-60s, Vladimir more and more often had to play secondary roles in films, but this did not diminish his talent at all.
Hall of Labor Glory
Throughout his acting career, his loving husband and father, Vladimir Druzhnikov, has received a number of awards. In his arsenal there is the Stalin Prize of the 1st and 3rd degrees, two Orders of the Badge of Honor, the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR and many other honors. And all this thanks to his remarkable acting talent.
Moreover, behind Vladimir Druzhnikov's back are dozens of dubbed foreign films, including such films as "Tutsi", "TASS is authorized to declare …", "Life is beautiful."In particular, in the film Justice for All (1979), in which the main role is assigned to Al Pacino, Druzhnikov voiced all the lines of Judge Henry Fleming (because of whom, according to the plot of the film, the hero of Al Pacino was forced to fight with his principles).
Afterword
Vladimir Vasilyevich Druzhnikov passed away on February 20, 1994. Buried at the Troekurovsky cemetery. Little is known about the actor's personal life - that's why it is personal. It is only known that he was married to the beautiful Nina Chalova, who was an actress. In a joint marriage, they had a daughter, Natalia, who decided not to follow in her parents' footsteps (a familiar story, isn't it?).
In the life of this man, perhaps, there was everything: the bitterness of defeat, and the joy of being. Having followed the biography of this undoubtedly outstanding actor, we can say with confidence that he lived, if not a happy, then certainly a fruitful life. From an extraordinary child to everyone's favorite folk artist.
April 27, 2017. Moscow. A memorial plaque to the Soviet actor Vladimir Vasilyevich Druzhnikov is installed on the facade of house No. 28 on 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya Street. He lived in this house for 40 years.
And who knows, perhaps this person deserves to write a whole book about him, but this is a completely different story …
