A dashing cavalryman from the circus arena literally burst onto the big screen, and then disappeared just as quickly. He also got the roles of heroes in life, especially when it came to winning the hearts of beautiful ladies.
Do you remember under what surname Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy brought the hero of the war of 1812 Denis Davydov into the pages of his famous novel "War and Peace"? In the biography of the Soviet actor there was an episode that repeated this unusual find of the classic of Russian literature.
Childhood
Valery was born in February 1929. The young Soviet country opened up wonderful prospects for working people, children dreamed of long journeys, scientific discoveries and sports achievements, dreamed of aviation and polar research. The constant reminders that the enemy was awake seemed like an echo of the Civil War. The attack by Hitlerite Germany on the Soviet Union was a shock to most citizens.
Our hero at the time of the beginning of the war was not even 18 years old, he did not fall under the call. This did not prevent the boy from defending his homeland with weapons in his hands. Almost nothing is known about Denisov's combat path. The underground and partisans did not advertise their activities, many facts confirming their exploits were hushed up for their own safety. In 1944, when the enemy was expelled from the territory of the USSR, the young soldiers were demobilized. Valery Denisov was among them.
Choice of profession
The young man quickly made up for lost time in the school curriculum and prepared for admission to the university. He chose an unusual profession for himself - a front-line soldier wanted to become an actor. In 1945 he entered VGIK. Valera was lucky to be educated on the course of Vasily Vanin, a man who stood at the origins of Soviet theater and feature sound films. In 1949, our student received a diploma confirming his qualifications, and his mentor was awarded the title of professor.
Denisov's first place of work was the Moscow Theater-Studio of the Film Actor. In 1951, the stage debutant mastered several more specialties, one stage was not enough for him. In addition to the gift of acting, he discovered an interest in choreography and acrobatics. The young man performed in the dance ensemble of Igor Moiseyev and at the circus arena. The latter especially attracted the guy. Since childhood, he loved animals, knew how to work with horses, therefore he presented the performances to the audience as a rider.
The circus
Valeria was noticed by the head of the equestrian ensemble Mikhail Tuganov. The retired major, who ended the war in Berlin, invited the talented artist to join his troupe. Our hero had a very piquant reason to join the circus riders who represented the Ossetian art of horse riding. Mikhail Tuganov had a beautiful daughter, Dzerassa. Joint appearances on the stage allowed the couple to get closer, and in 1951 Denisov became the husband of a charming native of the Caucasus.
Inspired by love, the rider worked wonders in the arena. In 1956, he presented his solo program to the audience, which received high marks. Now Valery demonstrated drama and dance exclusively within the framework of performances with his family. His wife gave him a daughter, who was named Nina. This joyful event did not distract her from the life of the circus for a long time. Soon the wife was again in the saddle next to her chosen one. In 1961, the father-in-law handed over the reins of government to Denisov in his ensemble.
Hussar
The young Soviet director Eldar Ryazanov decided to film the popular play "Once upon a time" about the adventures of a damsel dressed as a hussar. For filming, he needed extras who knew how to handle horses. In search of one, he attended a performance called "Iriston" and immediately invited the head of the equestrian circus to take part in the making of the film. Valery Denisov himself was offered the role of Denis Davydov - the legendary partisan during the war with Napoleon.
On the set, our hero met the stars of the Soviet screen, whose work he admired. The job was the most difficult for the cavalrymen. It was spring in the yard, Ryazanov demanded winter landscapes, it was difficult for horses to walk over rough terrain. The pyrotechnics only added to the risk. Valery Denisov, busy in the tape, could not cope on his own. He asked Mikhail Tuganov for help, and most of the riders' scenes were staged by the old master.
Triumph and more
The film "The Hussar Ballad" was released in 1962, and the performer of the role of the commander of the partisans returned to work at the circus arena. In 1966, at the circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, he demonstrated that he was not only a master of horse riding, but also a trainer, making a solo act with a dancing horse. Success on stage coincided with a discord in his personal life. Independent and proud Dzerassa could be the sole leader of the troupe, it was in vain to argue with her. The case ended in divorce in 1970.
Valery was lucky to meet his second love where his career was built, in the circus. Marta Avdeeva performed in the arena and staged numbers for colleagues. Gusar managed to win the heart of the beauty, and in 1970 they got married. After 2 years, the continuer of the circus dynasty, Catherine, was born.
Everyone admired the cheerfulness with which Valery Denisov danced and rode on horseback, taking part in performances, being already in his advanced years. He left the circus arena in 1997. His contribution to the circus arts was recognized as the Honored Artist of the RSFSR, which he received a year before his retirement. The talented artist died in the summer of 2012.
