On This Day 75 Years Ago, Vladimir Vyssotsky Was Born3 photos

On this day, 75 years ago, Vladimir Vyssotsky was born! Vladimir Semenovich Vyssotsky was born on January 25, 1938, in Moscow. During the war, Vladimir's father left for another woman, and his mother remarried. Since the relationship with his stepfather was difficult, the boy asked to live with his father. For almost three years (from January 1947 to October 1949), they lived in Germany, and then again in Moscow. In 1955, he enrolled at the Moscow Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture, but soon left to attend the School-Studio of the Moscow Art Theater. In 1959, Vyssotsky played his first minor role in V. Ordynsky's film "Sverstniczy." That same year, he performed his songs for the first time on stage at the MGU Student Club.

Later, he appeared in about 30 films, including some leading roles. These films included "Striapuka," "Vertikal," "Don Juan," "Intervention," "Dangerous Tours," "The Only One," and "The Tale of How Tsar Peter Married an Arab." Of course, there was also his famous role as Zheglov in the series "The Place of Meeting Cannot Be Changed." His theater became the Taganka Theater, where he performed many of his most memorable roles, working closely with director Yuri Lyubimov to bring great popularity to the theater. His performances in plays such as "Hamlet," "Pugachev," "Hero of Our Time," "The Cherry Orchard," and "Crime and Punishment" are still remembered by audiences today.

His songwriting became just as important to him as acting. He wrote and performed over 700 songs that were extremely popular, so much so that many people bought tape recorders specifically for them. His concerts attracted huge crowds, and his energy, sincerity, and variety of themes kept everyone engaged. His songs covered a wide range of topics, reflecting everyday life, as well as more serious subjects like war and crime. Many of his songs challenged censorship restrictions. Vladimir was married three times, and his third wife, Marina Vladimova, became his muse and support throughout the last 12 years of his life.

He was a truly exceptional talent, and the stagnant atmosphere of Soviet society could not contain his creativity. Alcohol and drug abuse severely damaged his health. On July 25, 1980, Vladimir Semenovich Vyssotsky passed away at the age of 42. At that time, the Olympics were taking place in Moscow, so his death was barely reported in the media. As a result, the editor of "Evening Moscow" newspaper was fired for publishing this news. Despite the lack of official information, millions of people attended his funeral, and his songs continued to be loved by audiences around the world.

To this day, his songs live on, and he remains an iconic figure in Russian culture.