Vitaly Konyaev is a talented Soviet actor who was remembered by the audience as Sergei Vokhmintsev from the two-part drama Silence. In the movie, this person is not often shot, in the series it is almost impossible to see him, since he prefers to devote his time to the theater and teaching. What is known about this lyceum, who became famous in Soviet times, what path did he go through?
Vitaly Konyaev: childhood
The artist’s hometown is Kronstadt, where he was born in May 1937. It is known that Vitaly Konyaev was very fond of his father, Anatoly Mikhailovich, who was a sailor by profession. Each visit of the pope home was perceived by the boy as a real holiday. The child enjoyed his father's tales of fascinating sea adventures, imagined himself to be their participant.
Initially, Vitaly Konyaev planned to take an example from his father and after school to become a student of the naval school. However, everything was changed by a single film seen by a boy in his teens - “The Man in the Case”. The schoolboy so admired the game of a talented actor, who embodied the image of an official Belikov, that he changed his mind regarding the choice of a profession.
The school theater group, in which he enrolled almost immediately after watching “The Man in the Case”, helped Vitaliy verify the correctness of his intention to become an actor. Surrounding noted the presence in the guy of a fair ability to transform.
Student years
Having received a certificate, Vitaly Konyaev decided to try his luck and join the ranks of applicants of the famous “Sliver”. The talent and experience gained during school years allowed the young man to get into the number of students of the chosen university at the first attempt. Konyaev’s course was taught by the famous teacher Volkov, to whom he is grateful to this day. Vitaliy successfully combined training at Sliver with performing on stage.
It is impossible to list all the plays in the production of which the actor managed to participate as a student. In “Rift” he played Lavrenev, in “Jokers” he tried on the image of Goltsov, and Muratov was in the play “Zykovs”. Konyaev with pleasure recalls the experience gained in his student years, arguing that each new character provided him with an emotional charge. Even then, Vitaly approached the interpretation of his heroes unconventionally, tried to figure out the reasons for their actions, to convey their motives to the audience.
First steps to success
Of course, actor Konyaev Vitaliy also dreamed about the world of big cinema. Fortunately, he did not have to wait for years to get into it. The young man starred in such films as “Knock on any door”, “Our correspondent”. His first roles were nothing special; they were episodic. However, the young man still tried to breathe life into the standard images of the characters.
Especially successful was Vitaly Semyon Slobodkov, the character of the film Our Correspondent. The young combine was portrayed by Konyaev as a restless guy, constantly worrying about the harvest, which is created by the hard work of members of the collective farm. It is difficult for the hero to accept the indifference of others to a common cause, which forces him even to leave the collective farm. The artist managed to convey to the audience the contradictory nature of Slobodkov’s character, combining strength and indecision.
First major role
The role of the central character in the film “Song of Koltsovo” is the success, thanks to which the country learned about the existence of such a talented person as Vitaly Konyaev. The biography, filmography of the star from the moment this picture was released began to be of interest to journalists and first fans. His hero was the famous folk poet Alexei Koltsov, whose works often criticized the critic Belinsky in his works.
Preparing for this difficult role was for Konyaev a task to which he reacted with all responsibility. The actor for many hours absorbed Koltsov's poems, which helped him get an idea of ​​the personality of the creator. This allowed him to understand how the poet treated life, the country, the people who surrounded him. Vitaly presented his hero as an impressionable, kind person, ready to give the latter for the benefit of others.
The best movies
The creators of the drama "Silence" have been looking for a person able to embody the complex image of Sergei Vokhmintsev for a long time. The employees of Mosfilm were amazed when it was decided to dwell on the candidacy of Vitaly Konyaev, which would seem to be an absolutely inappropriate role. However, the actor managed during the first trials to conquer all those present. He brilliantly played the role of a man who devoted his life to the struggle for the triumph of justice. Konyaev for a long time thought over the image of his character, his gait, gestures, manner of communication.
Of course, this is not all the outstanding roles played by Vitaly Konyaev. The actor, whose biography indicates that he openly preferred the theater of cinema, still sometimes agreed to act in film. His characters were different, but almost always interesting. For example, in the film “Shield and Sword” he brilliantly portrayed the German Paul, who was distinguished by such qualities as arrogance and complacency. By the way, it was this image that allowed the actor to earn a reputation as an excellent comedian.
Spectators also remembered such vivid characters of Konyaev as Stepan from the picture “About the Miracles of Man”, Peter from “Clear Sky”.
Life behind the scenes
Work is what Vitaly Konyaev devoted his whole life to. The personal life of the star is probably why it was not cloudless. The only woman he was officially married to is Nina Drobysh, the marriage ended in divorce. The actor has two children: a son and a daughter. Interestingly, the daughter followed in the footsteps of the famous father, works at the Moscow City Council Theater. The lyceum has friendly relations with children, they often meet.
However, the star is not a classic workaholic, does not forget about the rest. For example, Konyaev enjoys spending time riding horses, and even has the rank of equestrian sport. Vitaly enjoys visiting other countries, speaks German and French. If we talk about the musical preferences of the actor, then his heart is forever given to the classics: Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Schubert.
Unfortunately, he played the last role in the movie in 2007. However, the 78-year-old actor feels great, so fans should not lose hope.