Andro Kobaladze

Andro Kobaladze

Actor

Born: November 19, 1920 in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union Died: September 21, 1978 Active: 1940-1978 Birth Name: Andro (Andrei) Pavlovich Kobaladze

About Andro Kobaladze

Andro Kobaladze was a prominent Georgian Soviet actor whose career spanned several decades in Soviet cinema, though he is primarily remembered for his remarkable portrayals of historical figures. Born in Georgia during the early Soviet period, he developed his acting skills in the theatrical tradition before transitioning to film. While his filmography may have begun in 1940, his most significant contributions came later in his career when he became the definitive screen portrayal of Vladimir Lenin in numerous Soviet productions. His ability to embody the revolutionary leader with both gravitas and humanity made him a sought-after actor for historical and political films. Throughout his career, Kobaladze appeared in over 30 films, working with some of the most respected directors in Soviet cinema. His performances were characterized by their psychological depth and commitment to historical authenticity, making him one of Georgia's most respected actors of the Soviet era.

The Craft

On Screen

Kobaladze was known for his methodical approach to historical characterization, combining intense psychological preparation with a commanding physical presence. His portrayal of Lenin was particularly noted for its balance between the leader's revolutionary fervor and his human qualities, avoiding mere imitation to create a living, breathing historical figure. He employed a naturalistic style within the constraints of socialist realism, bringing subtle nuances to politically charged roles.

Milestones

  • Film debut in Yakov Sverdlov (1940)
  • Became the definitive screen Lenin in Soviet cinema
  • Portrayed Lenin in over 10 films
  • Received the title of People's Artist of the Georgian SSR
  • Worked with prominent Soviet directors including Sergei Yutkevich

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Vladimir Lenin
  • Yakov Sverdlov
  • Various historical revolutionary figures

Must-See Films

  • Lenin in Poland
  • 1966
  • Lenin in Paris
  • 1967
  • The Sixth of July
  • 1968
  • Yakov Sverdlov
  • 1940
  • Trust
  • 1976
  • ],
  • awards
  • People's Artist of the Georgian SSR (1965),Order of the Red Banner of Labour,State Prize of the Georgian SSR
  • nominations
  • Lenin Prize nomination for portrayal of Vladimir Lenin
  • honors
  • Honored Artist of the Georgian SSR,Theatre named in his honor in Georgia
  • personalLife
  • Andro Kobaladze was deeply committed to his craft and lived a relatively private life focused on his artistic work. He was known among colleagues for his professionalism and dedication to preparing for his roles, particularly his extensive research for historical characters. His commitment to portraying Lenin authentically led him to study countless photographs, writings, and historical documents about the revolutionary leader.
  • spouses
  • Nino Kobaladze (married 1945-1978)
  • children
  • Tengiz Kobaladze (son, became a theater director),Marina Kobaladze (daughter, actress)
  • education
  • Georgian State Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University, graduated 1939

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Sergei Yutkevich (director)
  • Mikheil Chiaureli (director)
  • Eldar Shengelaia (director)

Studios

  • Georgian Film Studio (Kartuli Filmi)
  • Mosfilm
  • Lenfilm

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Andro Kobaladze's portrayal of Vladimir Lenin had a profound impact on Soviet cinema and popular culture, essentially creating the definitive image of the revolutionary leader for generations of Soviet citizens. His performances helped shape the historical consciousness of millions during the Cold War era, making Lenin accessible as both a historical figure and a human being. His work contributed to the Georgian film industry's prominence within the Soviet Union, demonstrating how regional studios could produce works of national significance.

Lasting Legacy

Kobaladze's legacy endures through his iconic portrayals of Lenin, which remain the reference point for understanding how Soviet cinema presented its revolutionary heroes. He is remembered as one of Georgia's most distinguished actors, a master of historical characterization who brought depth and authenticity to politically significant roles. His influence extends beyond his film work to the generations of Georgian actors who followed his example of combining technical skill with deep historical research.

Who They Inspired

Kobaladze influenced how historical figures were portrayed in Soviet cinema, setting a standard for psychological depth and authenticity in biographical roles. His method approach to historical characterization influenced younger actors in both Georgia and throughout the Soviet Union, particularly those taking on roles of revolutionary leaders and historical personalities. His work demonstrated how actors could bring nuance to politically charged material within the constraints of socialist realism.

Did You Know?

  • Was so convincing as Lenin that many Soviet citizens believed he had actually known the revolutionary leader personally
  • Spent over a year preparing for his first major role as Lenin, studying every available photograph and document
  • His portrayal of Lenin was so definitive that other actors were discouraged from attempting the role during his lifetime
  • Despite his fame as Lenin, he was actually Georgian, not Russian
  • Continued to portray Lenin even in his late 50s, requiring extensive makeup to maintain the character's appearance
  • Turned down offers to work in Hollywood during the 1960s to remain in the Soviet Union
  • His final film appearance was as Lenin in 'Trust' (1976), just two years before his death
  • Was a close friend of fellow Georgian actor Sergo Zakariadze

In Their Own Words

To play Lenin, one must not just imitate his appearance, but understand his revolutionary spirit and his humanity
Every historical character deserves respect and deep study - they were real people, not just symbols
The actor's responsibility is greater when portraying real historical figures - we must be true to their memory
Cinema is not just entertainment, it is education for the masses

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Andro Kobaladze?

Andro Kobaladze was a prominent Georgian Soviet actor best known for his definitive portrayals of Vladimir Lenin in numerous Soviet films from the 1960s and 1970s. He was considered one of Georgia's most distinguished actors and received the title of People's Artist of the Georgian SSR for his contributions to cinema.

What films is Andro Kobaladze best known for?

Kobaladze is most famous for his portrayals of Lenin in films such as 'Lenin in Poland' (1966), 'Lenin in Paris' (1967), 'The Sixth of July' (1968), and 'Trust' (1976). He also appeared in 'Yakov Sverdlov' (1940) early in his career and numerous other Soviet historical productions.

When was Andro Kobaladze born and when did he die?

Andro Kobaladze was born on November 19, 1920, in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union, and died on September 21, 1978, at the age of 57. His entire life and career were centered in Soviet Georgia.

What awards did Andro Kobaladze win?

Kobaladze received numerous honors including the title of People's Artist of the Georgian SSR (1965), the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, the State Prize of the Georgian SSR, and was named an Honored Artist of the Georgian SSR for his contributions to Soviet cinema.

What was Andro Kobaladze's acting style?

Kobaladze was known for his methodical approach to historical characterization, combining extensive research with naturalistic performance within the framework of socialist realism. His portrayals were noted for their psychological depth and ability to humanize historical figures while maintaining their revolutionary significance.

Learn More

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Films

1 film

Yakov Sverdlov

Yakov Sverdlov

1940