Many of the legendary actors of the Soviet period ended up in poverty and oblivion. Among them was the unique actor Nikolai Kryuchkov. But the modern viewer knows his work, with pleasure he watches films with his participation, although for contemporaries they appear in a slightly different meaning and understanding.
Ustin Rykalin from Virgin Soil Upturned, Klim Yarko from Tractor Drivers, Major Bulochkin from Heavenly Slow Walker - these movie heroes were presented to us by Nikolai Afanasyevich Kryuchkov. Despite all the services to the fatherland, high-profile titles and a huge number of awards, the unique actor spent his last years in oblivion, vegetating in poverty, the authorities and the union of filmmakers did not indulge him with attention. Actors like Nikolai Kryuchkov must be remembered, and their biography and career path should serve as an example for contemporaries.
Biography of actor Nikolai Kryuchkov
Nikolai Afanasyevich Kryuchkov was born into a working-class Moscow family at the end of 1910, on December 24, old style. The boy's father worked as a loader, and his mother worked as a weaver and took care of the house and children. Nikolai received his primary education, but at the age of 9 he was forced to start working. His father's health was undermined by injuries during the First World War and the revolution, and the boy, in fact, became the main man and breadwinner in the family.
From the age of 9 to 14, Nikolai Afanasevich worked at the Trekhgornaya Manufactory, then entered the FZU, where he received the profession of an engraver-roller. Simultaneously with his studies, the young man worked. He was loved in the team for his artistry and cheerful disposition. Nikolai loved to entertain his comrades - he played the button accordion, beat tap dance, sang.
The management of the factory noted the talent of the young man, and recommended him for admission from the enterprise to the school-studio of acting at the theater of working youth. In 1928, Nikolai Kryuchkov became a student of acting lessons - this is how his career in the creative direction began.
Career and work of actor Nikolai Kryuchkov
One of the rehearsals at TRAM was attended by the legendary director of the time, Barnet Boris. From the entire troupe of the theater, he singled out only one actor - Nikolai Kryuchkov. The young man was invited to play one of the roles in the film Okraina, which was highly appreciated by both critics and viewers. This became a lucky ticket for Nikolai Afanasyevich, who opened the door for him to the world of cinema, became a kind of pass on the way to fame and popularity.
In the period from 1932 to 1993, Nikolai Afanasyevich Kryuchkov was one of the most sought-after film actors. His filmography includes more than 160 works, and the list includes both main and minor roles, voice acting and dubbing, vocal experience. The audience will remember him for such works:
- "By the very blue sea" (1935),
- "Tractor drivers" (1939),
- "Pig and Shepherd" (1941),
- "Hussar Ballad" (1962),
- "My friend Uncle Vanya" (1977),
- "Stalingrad" (1989) and other films.
After perestroika, many popular Soviet actors fell into a kind of disgrace, they were considered propagandists of communism. Among them was Nikolai Afanasyevich Kryuchkov. This attitude undermined self-confidence, psychological and physical health, and negatively affected the financial situation.
The actors of the Soviet period had no savings, and if there were any savings, they were "eaten" by default. Kryuchkov, like many of his colleagues, spent the last years of his life in poverty and want.
Personal life of actor Nikolai Afanasyevich Kryuchkov
Nikolai Kryuchkov was married four times. His first wife was the actress Maria Pastukhova. Kryuchkov met her during the filming of the film "Tractor Drivers". The couple lived together for a little over 5 years, they had a son, Boris. In 1945, Nikolai and Maria officially divorced.
The second wife of Nikolai Kryuchkov, also an actress - Alla Petrovna Parfanyak. Together with her, Kryuchkov starred in the film "Heavenly Slow". The marriage lasted longer than the first - 12 years, a son, Nikolai, was born. After the divorce, his wife forbade Kryuchkov to communicate and see the child. The relationship between the two Nikolai Kryuchkovs never improved, the son did not understand and accepted his father.
The third wife of Nikolai Afanasevich was the athlete Kochanovskaya Zoya Nikolaevna. The relationship ended in tragedy - three months after the official marriage, Zoya Nikolaevna died in an accident (she was hit by a car).
Two years after the death of Zoya, Nikolai Afanasevich met Lydia. She was an assistant director on the set of the film "I'm Coming to You," where Kryuchkov played the role of Reva's boatswain. Lydia was with Nikolai until his death, became not only a beloved, but also a friend, the closest person to this unique actor. They had a daughter, Elvira.
The disease overtook Kryuchkov precisely during the period of his oblivion in the world of cinema, and he was diagnosed with several problems at once:
- throat cancer
- lung metastases,
- liver problems
- psychological instability.
Until the last day, his wife Lydia was next to the actor. Nikolai Afanasyevich did not receive qualified assistance from specialists in a narrow field, which he needed. He often fell into a state bordering on sleep, and if he was awakened, he was offended, said that this prevented him from dying peacefully.
All the hardships of caring for Nikolai Kryuchkov fell on the shoulders of his wife. The sons did not pay due attention to their father, Nikolai did not want to communicate with him at all. Daughter Elvira with her husband and granddaughter Kryuchkov were also rare guests at the dacha of the elderly. Lydia Nikolaevna, being a very proud person, did not ask anyone for help, and if they tried to provide it, she was reluctant to accept.
