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Victoria OstrovskayaSoviet theater and film actresses
Date of Birth: 01.09.1938
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Victoria Ostrovskaya: The Woman Behind the Iconic "Zigel-zigel" Line
- Acting and the Dispensary Years
- A Serendipitous Role
- Post-Film Career
- Personal Life
- The Present
Victoria Ostrovskaya: The Woman Behind the Iconic "Zigel-zigel" Line
Early Life and Career AspirationsVictoria Ostrovskaya was born on September 1, 1938, in Kyiv, Ukraine. She aspired to become a ballerina, influenced by her mother's background as a dance instructor. However, an unfortunate childhood accident halted her ballet dreams.
Acting and the Dispensary Years
After leaving ballet, Ostrovskaya pursued acting and graduated from the Kyiv State Institute of Theatrical Arts. She worked in theaters in Sызран and Dnipropetrovsk, but her professional prospects in Moscow remained limited. To make ends meet, she took jobs as a dispatcher at an auto base and a physical education instructor at a summer camp.
A Serendipitous Role
In a twist of fate, Ostrovskaya was spotted on the street by an assistant of director Leonid Gaidai, who was casting for "The Diamond Arm." She was offered the role of the prostitute without an audition. The film's iconic "Zigel-zigel, ai-liu-liu" line made Ostrovskaya an instant celebrity.
Post-Film Career
Despite her newfound fame, acting opportunities eluded Ostrovskaya. She worked for over 40 years as a librarian at the Russian State Library and also taught joint gymnastics at a rehabilitation center.
Personal Life
Ostrovskaya's personal life faced challenges. Her first marriage ended in divorce. Her second marriage to writer Roman Raigorodetsky produced a son, Kirill, but the union was marred by alcoholism and domestic violence.
The Present
Despite setbacks, Ostrovskaya remains grateful for the support of her son, grandson, and great-grandson. At 84 years old, she continues to work and embrace life's adventures. She appeared as a guest on the TV show "Malakhov" in January 2023, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Leonid Gaidai's birth.
