In recent years, Russian cinema has been pleased with the arrival of thousands of new names in cinema; unfortunately, many bright actors, directors and cameramen have left this world. One of them is a talented actor, composer, public figure Devotchenko Alexey Valerievich, whose death shocked millions of fans. A little lower is the story of his life, short, but so beautiful, filled with events and creative projects.
Childhood and study
Devotchenko Alexey came to this world in the distant 1965, he was born in Leningrad, a city especially known for its revolutionary past. Like many Soviet schoolchildren, Alex entered the first grade of a regular secondary school No. 179, which was located in the Kalininsky district, not far from home.
The boy, of course, had a penchant for acting, was not afraid to be serious and funny, to speak publicly. That is why as a schoolboy, he came to the Theater of Youth Creativity, which worked at the famous Leningrad Palace of Pioneers. Teachers recognized his talent, advised not to part with the acting, which he did.
The first steps in the profession
Alex decided that he should become a student at the Leningrad Institute of Theater, Music and Cinematography. N.K. Cherkasova. In 1982, the first dream of a talented young man came true, he was accepted into the workshop of Arkady Katsman, intense, but very interesting classes at the institute began.
True, I had to take a break from my studies, to “pay my debt to the motherland” —to serve in the army. Alexey Devotchenko graduated from the institute in another workshop, which was led by Lev Dodin. He graduated from LGTMiK in 1990, but his professional theatrical life began much earlier.
Profession - Theater Actor
Alexey played his first roles at the Theater of Young Spectators named after A. A. Bryantsev, where he worked in 1989-91 and 1993-95. In parallel, he participated in other productions, for example, the theater “On the Neva” (children's drama), “Theater of Generations”. He could be seen in performances staged by teachers of the esthetic center “Family”, a frequent guest of Devotchenko was in the Chamber Philharmonic.
"Adult" performances, too, could not do without a talented actor, he was lucky to go on the stage of the famous theater to them. Lensoviet and theater on Liteiny. He worked for 12 years in the famous Alexandrinsky Theater. Here Alex played the role of Alexander Galibin in the play "The Legend of Tsar Peter and his murdered son Alexei", which became one of the most memorable.
In 2001, the actor decided to emigrate, took advantage of the contingent refugee program, and moved to Germany. But a country rich in material and spiritual terms did not become his second homeland; soon Devotchenko returned to Russia. Upon returning, the actor again chooses Moscow as his place of residence, he believes that in this city he has more chances to make a career as an actor in cinema and theater, more opportunities.
Duet with Grigory Kozlov
Acquaintance with the bright, original director Grigory Kozlov led to the heights of fame. Actor Alexei Devotchenko starred in several of his performances. Glory came after the production of "Crime and Punishment" based on the famous novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
The director entrusted the actor with the role of Porfiry Petrovich and hit the target. The bailiff of the investigative affairs depicted by Devotchenko spoke on equal terms with Raskolnikov, who is considered the first person in the novel. The performance was wildly popular not only among Leningraders, people from other cities came to see Alexey’s game.
With Grigory Kozlov, Devotchenko made a wonderful solo performance, "Sasha Cherny Concert for Piano and Orchestra." It is interesting that in this production he performed not only as the main and only actor, but also as a composer.
Alexey's film career
If you look at the photo of Alexey Devotchenko, you can see that there is nothing outstanding or special in his appearance. At first glance, this is an average man: thin lips, gray eyes, a large stubborn forehead. The actor has light blond hair, not very thick from his youth, in recent years, the actor preferred a hairstyle, like that of Bruce Willis.
But such an inconspicuous appearance helped Devotchenko in the acting, because when making up, he became unrecognizable. He could try on any role: a hero and an antihero, an old man and a young man, an ancient deity, or a modern tramp.
In 1990, a new actor came to Russian cinema - Alexey Devotchenko, the films were different and his roles were different. Among the most striking roles of Stepan Markov in the television series Gangster Petersburg (2000), the underground millionaire Koreiko in the film Golden Calf (2005). The last role of the actor is Lenin in the film "My Grandmother Fanny Kaplan", the film was released in 2015.
Ranks and awards
Taking part in various productions of Leningrad and Moscow theaters, Alexey Devotchenko first of all sought to win the hearts of the audience. But he was praised more than once by his colleagues, in 1994 his brilliant performance led to the fact that the actor was awarded the Golden Spotlights, the highest St. Petersburg Theater Award, and in 1995, the no less prestigious Theater Award. K. S. Stanislavsky.
Alexey Valerievich also had state awards; in 1999 he was awarded the State Prize of the Russian Federation in the field of literature and art. Once again, such a prize was awarded to him in 2003 for the incomparable performance of the role of Khlestakov, staged on the immortal comedy of N.V. Gogol.
Social activity
Devotchenko Alexey had a firm citizenship and was never afraid to express his opinion on the most controversial issues. The actor did not seek to please the authorities, acted as his conscience dictated to him. Devotchenko was actively involved in politics, in St. Petersburg joined the United Civil Party, he could be seen among the participants in many political actions.
In 2010, the actor was among the representatives of the Russian opposition, who demanded the departure of Vladimir Putin from his post. In 2014, Devotchenko signed the letter in support of Ukraine, in the same year he participated in the “March of Truth” and “March of Peace”.
Personal life
As an actor, Devotchenko Alexey was widely known, at the same time his personal life always remained behind the scenes, behind the scenes, in the shade. He met his future wife Svetlana in Leningrad. The wife once studied at the faculty of theater at the same institute as the actor, but the acquaintance occurred later, while working in the Theater for Young Spectators.
The couple had a son, Cyril, but to maintain a cloudless life in a family where there is an actor, and even such a talented one, is very difficult. It is known that the actor moved to Moscow alone, Svetlana and her son remained in St. Petersburg.
Tragic death
Vivid roles in theater and cinema, solo performances and composing music, dubbing and dubbing, intense political activity - this is exactly what Alexey Devotchenko saw his life. The exact date of death of the actor is unknown. Devotchenko was found dead in a rented Moscow apartment on November 5, 2014. The cause of death of Alexei Devotchenko, officially announced - suicide. Devotchenko was lying in a pool of blood, nearby was a bottle of vodka and pills. The sideboard was broken, the furniture was turned upside down. The preliminary investigation was carried out quickly, the employees of the relevant bodies did not seek to attract public attention to this matter.
The causes of suicide were named family relationships, alcohol and pill abuse. But it remains a mystery why the actor decided to die when his career was just picking up speed. Alex was in good physical shape, played in the theater and cinema, was in demand in the profession. Relatives of the actor do not believe that he himself passed away. They believe that this was a murder, which was simply "lowered on the brakes", because Devotchenko often clashed with the official authorities.
The question, was this suicide or murder, remains open. One thing is certain - Russia has lost a great actor, which every performance passed through the heart, through itself. He said that the great creations of world dramatic literature, regardless of the time of creation, are projected onto the present day, they are modern and relevant. Many remember this good actor.