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Valeri Zolotukhin, a beloved figure in Russian cinema who overcame childhood disability and walked with crutches, has established himself as a renowned actor, singer, and writer.
Born Valeri Sergeevich Zolotukhin on June 21, 1941, in Bystry Istok village, Altai region, Russia, his father was the chairman of a local collective farm, a prominent figure in that remote Siberian area, while his mother was a homemaker. At age seven, Zolotukhin suffered a serious injury after falling from a window, resulting in years of wearing a cast and using crutches. Despite this, he dreamed of becoming an actor, inspired by a touring drama troupe. After finishing village school, he moved directly to Moscow. Although physically challenged, he was accepted into the Department of Musical Comedy at the Moscow Theatre Institute (GITIS). During his studies, he gained recognition as a singer of popular folk songs, known for their playful, colloquial lyrics and humor, which made him one of Russia’s most popular singers. On February 14, 1963, Valentine’s Day, he married his acting class girlfriend, Nina Shatskaya, and graduated from GITIS that same year.
Zolotukhin was recruited by Yuriy Lyubimov around the same time as famed singer-songwriter Vladimir Vysotskiy, with whom he formed a close friendship. From 1964 onward, he became a permanent member of the legendary Taganka Theatre troupe, frequently collaborating with director Yuriy Lyubimov. His notable stage roles include leads in productions such as 'Medeya,' 'Marat i Markiz de Sad,' 'Dobry chelovek is Sezuana,' 'Tsena,' 'Teatrlny roman,' 'Faust,' 'Pavel Pervy,' and 'Vladimir Vysotsky.' Zolotukhin demonstrated remarkable versatility and depth both on stage and screen, particularly proud of his performances in 'Sharashka,' adapted from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s work, and 'Zhivago,' based on Boris Pasternak’s novel.
When Taganka director Yuriy Lyubimov asked Zolotukhin to step in as Hamlet in place of the busy Vladimir Vysotskiy, who was often on tour abroad, Zolotukhin rehearsed the role. However, Vysotskiy confronted him, warning that he would leave the theatre on the day of Zolotukhin’s Hamlet premiere and join a lesser company if he took the part. Though Hamlet was a coveted role, Zolotukhin graciously stepped aside. Vysotskiy later remarked, "Zolotukhin knows he is the best. That’s why he is never jealous."
Zolotukhin rose to prominence in films such as 'Khozyain taygi' (1968) and 'Interventsiya' (1969), alongside Vladimir Vysotskiy. He is best remembered for his lead role in the TV film 'Bumbarash' (1971). His recent screen appearances include the father-vampire in 'Nochnoi Dozor' (The Night Watch, 2004) and its sequel 'Dnevnoi Dozor' (The Day Watch, 2006). He also delivered a memorable performance as Bosoy in the acclaimed TV series _Master i Margarita_ (2005), based on Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel and directed by Vladimir Bortko. Zolotukhin’s portrayal shone amid a stellar cast including Oleg Basilashvili, Aleksandr Abdulov, Kirill Lavrov, Anna Kovalchuk, Aleksandr Galibin, Sergey Bezrukov, Aleksandr Filippenko, Valentin Gaft, Vladislav Galkin, Aleksandr Bashirov, and other Russian film luminaries.
Recently, Zolotukhin published a two-volume memoir offering candid insights and striking revelations. His well-written volumes provide sincere, sharp, and generous reflections on his career and relationships with colleagues such as Vladimir Vysotskiy, Venyamin Smekhov, Leonid Filatov, Anatoli Efros, Yuriy Lyubimov, and many other Russian cultural figures. As Vysotskiy’s closest friend, Zolotukhin was entrusted with delivering the final words at his funeral, honoring the greatest star of 1960s and 70s Russia.
Following Yuriy Lyubimov’s resignation in 2011, Valeri Zolotukhin was appointed artistic director of the Taganka Theatre. Honored as People’s Artist of Russia in 1987, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to film and theatre. Over his career, he has appeared in more than 40 feature films, 20 television productions, and performed over 60 stage roles. Valeri Zolotukhin is a proud father of three sons and continues to live and work in Moscow, Russia.
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