Valentin Gaft Soviet and Russian theater and film actor, People's Artist of the RSFSR Date of Birth: 02.09.1935 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Theater and Film Debut
3. Acclaimed Theater Career
4. Prolific Film Career
5. Personal Life
6. Health and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Valentin Gaft was born in Moscow on September 2, 1935, to Iosif Gaft, a veteran of World War II and lawyer, and Gita Gaft, a homemaker. Growing up in a vibrant neighborhood that included a prison, psychiatric hospital, student dormitory, and market, Valya, as his family called him, was fascinated by the colorful characters and stories that surrounded him.

His passion for theater ignited at a young age when he attended a play as a fourth-grader. Eager to pursue his dream of becoming an actor, Gaft participated in school performances and joined an amateur drama group. While he often played female roles due to the separation of boys and girls in schools at the time, his parents were aware of his theatrical ambitions.

Theater and Film Debut

Despite his parents' support, Gaft decided to apply to drama schools in secret. He auditioned for both the Shchukin Theater School and the Moscow Art Theater School (MKhAT). On the day of his MKhAT audition, he had a chance encounter with famed actor Sergei Stolyarov, who offered invaluable guidance.

Valya successfully passed the first round at Shchukin but failed the second. However, at MKhAT, he impressed the admissions committee and became a student in the renowned studio of Vasily Toporkov. Among his classmates were Oleg Tabakov, a lifelong friend, and Mikhail Kozakov.

After graduating in 1957, Gaft made his professional theater debut at the Mossovet Theater. A year earlier, he had his first film appearance as a murderer in "Murder on Dante Street." His villainous characters quickly gained popularity, establishing his reputation as a charismatic and enigmatic actor.

Acclaimed Theater Career

Despite his success in film, Gaft remained committed to the stage. He joined the Moscow Drama Theater on Malaya Bronnaya and later worked under the direction of legendary theater director Anatoly Efros at the Lenkom Theater. His performances in plays such as Bulgakov's "Molière," Chekhov's "Three Sisters," and Shakespeare's "Othello" received critical acclaim.

In 1969, Gaft became a member of the Sovremennik Theater, where he remained until his death. His iconic roles included Glumov in "Balalaikin and Company," Firs in "The Cherry Orchard," George in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," Higgins in "Pygmalion," and Lyudovic XIV in "Cabal of Hypocrites." He also played Stalin in his own play, "Gaft's Dream Retold by Viktyuk," directed by Roman Viktyuk.

Prolific Film Career

Throughout his extensive cinematic career spanning almost six decades, Gaft starred in numerous films and television series. He initially played minor or undemanding roles but gradually appeared in iconic Soviet films such as "Seventeen Moments of Spring," "Hello, I'm Your Aunt!," "Yeralash," "Garage," and "The Poor Hussar Forget the Words." His collaboration with director Eldar Ryazanov, particularly in "Garage," "A Forgotten Melody for Flute," and "Promised Heavens," became a significant turning point in his career.

In the post-Soviet era, Gaft continued to be a prominent actor, gracing the screen in "Charodei," "Vertical Race," "Visit to the Minotaur," and "Thieves-in-Law." He collaborated with Ryazanov in "Old Nags" and Peter Todorovsky in "Encore, Once More!" and "Down Main Street with an Orchestra." He also appeared in two adaptations of "The Master and Margarita" and Nikita Mikhalkov's film and television series "12."

Personal Life

Gaft was married three times. His first wife was Yelena Izorgiya, a fashion model and actress, whom he met in his youth. They had a brief marriage that ended due to Izorgiya's affair with film critic Dal Orlov.

After his divorce, Gaft had a short-lived relationship with artist Yelena Nikitina, which resulted in the birth of his son, Vadim. Vadim also became an actor and pursued poetry. They established a close relationship in 2014 when Vadim and his mother visited Moscow.

Gaft's second marriage was to Inna Yelizseyeva, a woman from an affluent background. They had a daughter, Olga, who aspired to become an actress but failed her entrance exams to drama school. Olga's personal struggles contributed to her tragic suicide in 2002.

Gaft was single for many years after his second marriage. He had brief relationships, including one with cellist Alla, but none materialized into a long-term commitment. His personal life took a positive turn when he met actress Olga Ostroumova on the set of "Garage." They began dating in 1996 and married in 2003.

Health and Legacy

In his later years, Gaft faced health challenges, including a heart attack in 2011 and a brain operation in 2014. In 2017, he fell and required further medical attention. Despite these setbacks, he remained optimistic and continued to work as much as his condition allowed.

Valentin Gaft passed away on December 12, 2020, in Moscow. He is remembered as a master of the stage and screen, a gifted epigrammist, and a talented performer who captivated audiences with his charisma and unforgettable characters.