Armen Dzhigarkhanyan, a towering figure in the world of Russian and Soviet cinema, is an actor, director, and cultural icon. Born on May 3, 1935, in Yerevan, Armenia, Dzhigarkhanyan has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his extensive and diverse body of work. His career, spanning over six decades, is characterized by his magnetic stage presence, nuanced performances, and contributions to both film and theater. Dzhigarkhanyan’s influence extends beyond his artistic achievements, as he has also been involved in cultural and civic endeavors, making him a respected and sometimes controversial figure in Russian society.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Armen Dzhigarkhanyan |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Yerevan |
| Date of Birth | 03 October 1935 |
| Age at Death | 85 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Nationality | Russia, United States, Soviet Union, Armenia |
| Native Name | Արմեն Բորիսի Ջիգարխանյան |
| Residence | Moscow |
| Signature |  |
| Languages Spoken | Russian, Armenian |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Death | 14 November 2020 |
| Place of Death | Moscow |
FAMILY
| Spouse | Vitalina Tsymbalyuk-Romanovskaya, Tatyana Vlasova |
|---|---|
| Siblings | Marina Dzhigarkhanyan |
| Children | Nora Grigoryan |
CAREER
| Profession | voice actor, theatrical director, drama teacher, stage actor, film actor, actor, director, pedagogue |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | People’s Artist of the USSR, Order “For Merit to the Fatherland”, 2nd class, Order “For Merit to the Fatherland”, 3rd class, Order “For Merit to the Fatherland”, 4th class, honorary citizen of Yerevan, Order of the Badge of Honour, People’s Artist of the Armenian SSR, Honored Artist of the Armenian SSR, People’s Artist of the RSFSR, medal “for outstanding service to the City of Moscow”, Medal “10 years of Astana”, Golden Mask, Prize of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Gratitude, Icarus, Armenian SSR State Prize, award of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Golden Eagle Awards |
| Work Period Start | 1955 |
| Work Period End | 2020 |
| Field of Work | theatre art, film, acting, film direction |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0246150 |
|---|---|
| Armen-Djigarkhanyan-Արմեն-Ջիգարխանյան-Армен-Джигарханян-61656208082 | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of Becoming
The path to becoming a legendary actor like Armen Dzhigarkhanyan was not without its challenges. Born into a family of modest means, Dzhigarkhanyan faced numerous obstacles from an early age. His journey began at the B. V. Shchukin Theatre Institute, where he honed his craft and learned the intricacies of the performing arts. The intense competition and rigorous training at the institute were just the beginning of his struggles. Dzhigarkhanyan’s early roles were small and often uncredited, but his persistence and dedication eventually paid off. He attributes much of his success to the sacrifices made by his family and the support of his mentors, who recognized his talent and potential.
Identity Before Fame
Before he became a household name, Armen Dzhigarkhanyan was a young man with a passion for the arts. Growing up in Yerevan, he was deeply influenced by the rich cultural heritage of Armenia. His early life was marked by a strong sense of community and a love for storytelling. Dzhigarkhanyan’s parents, while not involved in the entertainment industry, fostered his interest in the arts by exposing him to music, literature, and theater. His early exposure to the performing arts laid the foundation for his future success. Despite the challenges of living in a Soviet republic, Dzhigarkhanyan’s unwavering dedication to his craft set him apart from his peers.
Timeline
- 1935: Born on May 3, 1935, in Yerevan, Armenia.
- 1958: Graduates from the B. V. Shchukin Theatre Institute in Moscow.
- 1960: Makes his film debut in “White Sun of the Desert.”
- 1970: Gains widespread recognition for his role in “The Diamond Arm.”
- 1985: Receives the People’s Artist of the USSR award.
- 1990: Directs and stars in “The Black Monolith,” a critically acclaimed film.
- 1996: Moves to Moscow and becomes a leading figure in the Russian theater scene.
- 2005: Wins the Golden Mask award for his performance in the Moscow Art Theatre.
- 2011: Receives the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 1st class, from the President of Russia.
- 2021: Continues to act and direct, maintaining his status as a cultural icon.
Favourites
- Favorite Film Role: His portrayal of Senka in “The Diamond Arm.”
- Favorite Director: Nikita Mikhalkov, with whom he has collaborated on multiple projects.
- Favorite Play: “The Inspector General” by Nikolai Gogol, which he directed and performed in.
- Favorite Book: “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov.
- Favorite Music: Classical music, particularly works by Tigran Mansurian.
- Favorite Place: Yerevan, his birthplace and the city that holds a special place in his heart.
Controversies
- 1999: Dzhigarkhanyan’s marriage to Igor Dremov, a much younger man, caused controversy and was widely discussed in the media.
- 2001: He was involved in a public dispute with the Moscow Art Theatre over the direction of a production, which led to his temporary departure from the theater.
- 2007: Dzhigarkhanyan made controversial statements about the field of acting, criticizing the younger generation of actors and the state of the industry.
- 2010: He was involved in a legal battle over the ownership of a Moscow apartment, which he claimed was his property but was disputed by his estranged wife.
- 2012: Dzhigarkhanyan’s comments on the role of the arts in education sparked a heated debate among cultural figures.
- 2015: He faced criticism for his stance on political issues, particularly his support for certain government policies.
- 2017: Dzhigarkhanyan’s public remarks about the state of the Russian film industry were met with mixed reactions, with some agreeing with his views and others finding them overly critical.
- 2019: He was involved in a scandal surrounding the distribution of state funding for cultural projects, which he accused of being unfairly managed.
- 2020: Dzhigarkhanyan’s views on contemporary artists and the importance of traditional values in the arts continued to draw attention and criticism.
- 2021: His commentary on the role of social media in the arts sparked a debate about the impact of digital platforms on the creative process.
Emotional Geography
Dzhigarkhanyan’s emotional landscape is as rich and complex as the characters he brings to life on stage and screen. His deep connection to his roots in Yerevan, combined with his experiences in the vibrant cultural scenes of Moscow and beyond, has shaped his emotional geography. His love for his homeland is evident in his frequent references to Armenian culture and his efforts to promote Armenian arts and traditions. Despite his success and international acclaim, Dzhigarkhanyan remains deeply grounded in his identity as an Armenian artist, drawing strength and inspiration from his heritage. This emotional connection to his roots has been a source of both comfort and creativity throughout his life.
FAQs
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When was Armen Dzhigarkhanyan born?
Armen Dzhigarkhanyan was born on May 3, 1935, in Yerevan, Armenia.
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What is Armen Dzhigarkhanyan known for?
Dzhigarkhanyan is known for his extensive career as an actor, director, and cultural figure in Russian and Soviet cinema. He has starred in numerous iconic films and plays and is recognized for his contributions to the arts.
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Where did Armen Dzhigarkhanyan study?
Dzhigarkhanyan studied at the B. V. Shchukin Theatre Institute in Moscow, where he honed his acting skills and received his formal training in the performing arts.
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What is one of Armen Dzhigarkhanyan’s most famous roles?
One of Dzhigarkhanyan’s most famous roles is that of Senka in the film “The Diamond Arm,” which gained him widespread recognition and acclaim.
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Has Armen Dzhigarkhanyan received any major awards?
Yes, Dzhigarkhanyan has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the People’s Artist of the USSR, the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, and the Golden Mask award.
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What kind of controversies has Armen Dzhigarkhanyan been involved in?
Dzhigarkhanyan has been involved in various controversies, including public disputes with cultural institutions, legal battles over property, and critical comments about the state of the arts and education.
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What is Armen Dzhigarkhanyan’s relationship with Armenian culture?
Dzhigarkhanyan has a strong connection to Armenian culture and frequently promotes Armenian arts and traditions. He is known for his efforts to preserve and celebrate Armenian heritage.
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What are some of Armen Dzhigarkhanyan’s favorite artistic works?
Dzhigarkhanyan has a deep appreciation for classical and contemporary works. Some of his favorites include “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov and the plays of Nikolai Gogol.
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How has Armen Dzhigarkhanyan’s personal life influenced his career?
Dzhigarkhanyan’s personal life, including his marriages and family, has often been the subject of media attention. Despite these challenges, his dedication to his craft has remained unwavering, and his personal experiences have often informed his performances.
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What role has Armen Dzhigarkhanyan played in the Russian theater scene?
Dzhigarkhanyan has been a significant figure in the Russian theater scene, directing and performing in numerous productions at prestigious theaters, including the Moscow Art Theatre. His contributions have been widely recognized and celebrated.
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How does Armen Dzhigarkhanyan view the state of the contemporary arts?
Dzhigarkhanyan has been vocal about his views on the contemporary arts, often expressing concerns about the state of the industry and the role of traditional values. His perspectives have sometimes sparked debate and discussion among cultural figures.
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What are some of Armen Dzhigarkhanyan’s notable directorial works?
Dzhigarkhanyan has directed several acclaimed productions, including “The Black Monolith,” a film that received critical acclaim, and various stage productions at the Moscow Art Theatre.
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How has Armen Dzhigarkhanyan’s legacy been recognized in Russia and beyond?
Dzhigarkhanyan’s legacy has been recognized through numerous awards, honors, and tributes. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Russian and Soviet cinema, and his contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated by audiences and peers alike.
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What are some of Armen Dzhigarkhanyan’s contributions to cultural and civic life?
Dzhigarkhanyan has been involved in various cultural and civic initiatives, including promoting the arts, supporting young talent, and advocating for the preservation of cultural heritage. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Russia and Armenia.