“Does a person have the right to start over once if life misfired the first time?” - asked Zamansky’s hero in the film “Road Check”. The artist himself began life from scratch at the age of 72. He turned 95 on February 5th.
The fate of Vladimir Zamansky was daring. The arithmetic of life turned out to be bizarre.
The father left the family as soon as Volodya was born. The boy grew up with his mother. But in 1941, in the very first days of the war, she died. The evacuation with his aunt to Uzbekistan did not suit the guy. He was eager to defeat the Nazis and avenge his mother. It was only in November 1943 that Zamansky was drafted into the army. And that’s thanks to the fact that he credited himself with an extra year. Six months later, in May 1944, his front-line journey began. He saved the commander from a burning self-propelled gun. He himself was seriously wounded in the head. And I didn’t have the chance to return home immediately after the Victory. His military service lasted almost six years.
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Cold summer of 1953
And so, “just before demobilization, I committed a great sin,” as the actor recalled years later. It seemed crazy to the front-line soldier that a boy who had barely graduated from sergeant school and became an assistant platoon commander was pumping his license. The guy was beaten. And Zamansky was given 9 years in the camps. It’s hard to even imagine how fate would have turned out if he had served his entire sentence. He would have been over 30. And behind him - no education, no work, no family...
He turned out to be one of several thousand prisoners who built the main building of Moscow State University on the Lenin Hills. They say that many died there after falling from a great height. Zamansky was lucky. Stalin died , Voroshilov announced an amnesty, which included Vladimir, having spent more than three years in the camp. It was that same cold summer of 1953, about which a film would later be made: crime then made a terrible leap.
But Zamansky already knew that he wanted to be an artist. Where this desire came from is unknown. It’s unclear when I fell in love with the stage. And the choice was absolutely correct. Just hitting the bull's eye. Only fate again forced him to solve an arithmetic problem: how, and most importantly, why to enter the Moscow Art Theater School at the age of 27?! “Almost pointless,” the actor will say later. A kind man with opportunities knocked off two years for Zamansky. A new date of birth has appeared... Or maybe the actor has begun to live someone else’s life?
Vladimir Zamansky in the film “Lullaby” (1959). Still from the film
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Zamansky has two military awards - the medal "For Courage" and the Order of the Patriotic War, II degree. However, these awards did not help Vladimir Petrovich avoid severe punishment - among other colleagues, he beat the commander of his platoon, rumored to be a rare scoundrel, and was put on trial, which sentenced him to nine years in the camps.
In the photo: Zamansky in the film “Tomorrow there was a war”
The future actor was released after four years - for dangerous work in the construction of high-rise buildings, his prison term was erased, and immediately after returning to a free life, Vladimir Petrovich first graduated from the school for working youth, and then entered the Moscow Art Theater School.
Zamansky on the theater stage
After graduation, the young actor was accepted into Sovremennik, where he served for eight years, and in the early seventies he got a job at the Film Actor Studio Theater.
Of all the good things - a pillow, a blanket and two sheets
However, it was only later, at the end of his creative career, that he would begin to think about such topics. Then it seemed to him: finally everything would be different. Real life begins, where there is study, a favorite profession, a young and fashionable Sovremennik theater. And most importantly, the woman he loves.
And it’s not so important that we had to live in the theater’s warehouse. And there, of all the good things, there was only a pillow, a blanket and two sheets... “Paradise with my dear one in a hut,” the current generation would add the note “orb.” to the proverb. In those years this was absolutely true. For many young families.
In 1962, Vladimir Zamansky and Natalya Klimova got married. And, although they were “homeless,” some colleagues openly envied them: the couple with heavenly-colored eyes were one of the most beautiful couples in Soviet cinema. One could simply dissolve and drown in his bottomless eyes. And careers developed rapidly. In five years after the Moscow Art Theater School, Natalya starred in 9 films, including the delightful role of the Snow Queen. Cold, unfeeling. But it’s so luxurious – you can’t take your eyes off it!
Natalya Klimova as the Snow Queen. Still from the film
Vladimir came to cinema earlier, and a year later, VGIK graduate Andrei Tarkovsky offered him the main role in the subtle and bright film “The Skating Rink and the Violin.” This was his graduation work. Then he will start making a completely different movie. And Zamansky will often be offered a theme that is native to him—military. Company commander, lieutenant commander, division commander, regiment commander, military commissar, military adviser... Although the actor will transform into both an anarchist bandit and a repeat offender nicknamed Mole. But this will be more of an exception to the rule.
Vladimir Zamansky in the film “The Skating Rink and the Violin” (1960). Still from the film
Zamansky never shows that he is playing. Here's another aspiring film actor in the role of a road worker. And it seems as if all his life he did nothing but lay asphalt. And here is the good doctor. Or a wise father... Vladimir Petrovich is always in the “skin” of a hero. This is how he himself once put it: “For me it was not a career, but life in its special turn. If I didn’t think so, I probably wouldn’t have been able to play so... with dignity.”
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Movie
And when he was released, when he was already approaching 30, Zamansky decided to radically change his fate. He enters the Moscow Art Theater School . In 1958, the over-aged student successfully graduated from college and joined the Sovremennik . Later he served at the Film Actor's Theater .
But still, the main activity for Zamansky was filming. Although here he made his debut quite late - in 1960 he took part in Andrei Tarkovsky’s , the short film “The Rink and the Violin” .
“Skating rink and violin” 1960
For 30 years, the actor has been actively appearing in films. He did not have “his own” director; he acted with equal success with a variety of masters. He often played in war films - this topic was familiar to him firsthand.
Zamansky considered his best work to be his work in the film “Road Check” . The picture, as they say, had a difficult fate. Alexey German decided to make a film based on the story of his father Yuri German about the difficult fate of a Russian soldier who was captured by the Germans, served with them, and then ended up in a partisan detachment. The film features many wonderful actors: Rolan Bykov , Oleg Borisov , Maya Bulgakova . And the defector himself was perfectly played by Vladimir Zamansky. The film was supposed to be released in the country in 1971. But film officials did not release it, considering the theme of Russian collaboration inappropriate. Only in 1985 did audiences see the film. The film received many awards.
“Road Check” 1971
Another difficult dramatic role went to Zamansky in 1987 in the film . ” And a wonderful acting team took part here: Sergei Nikonenko , Nina Ruslanova , Vera Alentova , Natalya Negoda , who has not yet become Little Vera.
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“Tomorrow there was war” 1987
In total, Vladimir Zamansky took part in more than 80 films. Like many other Soviet actors, he practically stopped acting in the 90s. The last film with the participation of the actor “Botanical Garden” is dated 1997.
“That’s why I’m not afraid to die”
He started acting at 33 years old. And in 38 years he played almost 90 roles. Vladimir Gostyukhin’s only directorial attempt , Zamansky took on the role of the heroine’s father, who tells her: “You’re a believer, and I’m an atheist. Only you don’t believe in an afterlife, but I do. That’s why I’m not afraid to die...”
A year later, in 1998, having sold everything they could sell in Moscow, Zamansky and Klimova left 300 km away: to ancient Murom. He was 72, she was 60.
Their departure was not immediately noticed. Although Natalya was forced to leave Sovremennik back in the 1970s. They said that after a severe form of tuberculosis and several operations, the theater simply left her without work. She found salvation in the church. She baptized herself. And after her, at the age of 50, Vladimir Petrovich did it.
Natalya was already confidently moving towards leaving the bustling world of the capital. But the popular actor, adored by the audience, was completely unprepared for such a turnaround. “I don’t know what to do,” Zamansky franked with his colleague. Although fate has already taken his hand.
40 years ago, in 1981, the couple got married.
Vladimir Zamansky in the film “Anthracite” (1971). Still from the film
Life's difficulties
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The woman increasingly thought about God and that the profession of an actor is full of sin. In the 1970s, Natalya was diagnosed with a serious blood disease, which forced her to leave the stage .
Soon the artist was baptized. In part, Klimova was even glad that she left the acting profession. And she considered the illness a punishment for past sins.
In turn, Vladimir Petrovich began filming even more often in order to provide his ill wife with everything she needed. During this period, the actor played in such famous films as “Liberation”, “Road Check”, “Flight Delayed”, “Two Captains”.
© Kino-teatr.ru
The doctors' forecasts were disappointing. But, fortunately, after several years in hospitals, Natalya Ivanovna still defeated the disease .
We settled in a former bathhouse
Today, only fragments of news are heard about the lives of Zamansky and Klimova, more often rumors and speculation. 22 years have passed since they left their apartment in the center of Moscow, on Herzen Street, and settled in the former extension of the “manor’s house”, which served as a bathhouse. During this time, the couple only once allowed a person with a camera into their life. And, most likely, they immediately regretted it.
They don’t need interviews, filming, or public attention today. At the same time, Vladimir Petrovich was certainly present at city events, especially on Victory Day. While I could. Everything related to war is sacred to him. He can only talk about her. Yes about faith. Mostly he tries to remain silent.
22 years ago, the couple’s life took on meaning. From the corner of their house to the entrance to the centuries-old Church of St. Nicholas of the Embankment, no more than 50 meters. From the attic window there is a marvelous view of church bells and the leisurely Oka River. There is a small plot of land where they managed to plant apple trees and cherries. And the most valuable thing in the house are numerous icons and books. No more is needed.
Vladimir Zamansky in the film “Tomorrow there was a war.” Still from the film
It would be pointless to regret that in his life there were the Moscow Art Theater School, Sovremennik and strong roles (“He played a lot of worthless ones”). But all this, according to the actor, is momentary. For him, it was a feat that with the help of his wife he came to Orthodoxy. However... “I’m not an example,” says Vladimir Petrovich sadly. “I myself am crawling on my belly to the Lord.”
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A significant part of their life went the same way as many actors: tours, filming, breakups, meetings, fans, sins, grievances... “Everything happened,” admits Natalya Ivanovna. They were angry, offended, and forgave each other. Only the Lord could forgive them. Have you forgiven me? They still seem to have doubts. They pray day and night for the sin of their youth, when they abandoned their unborn child.
Fourth year, graduation performance is just around the corner. Well, what kind of diapers? And everyone around them kept saying: “You will have more children!” Natalya resigned herself: “Next time...” And there was no next time.
“I did something stupid...” she now repents. All he can say is: “Selfishness...” Sad blue eyes, which have retained their former beauty, fill with tears. And there is such pain in them, such bitterness... It seems that it was easier during the war...
“I’m alive, essentially, because Natalya Ivanovna is dragging me,” Zamansky admits. Problems with blood pressure, severe headaches and weakened memory are the consequences of an injury and one wild story that happened while still studying at the Studio School. One day, classmates went to the teacher’s dacha. And one of them, lifting a heavy stump from the ground, suddenly said to Volodya: “Catch it!..” It’s hard to believe in this stupidity, but the skull was broken...
Vladimir Zamansky in the film “Earthly and Heavenly” (2002) Photo: Still from the film
Vladimir Zamansky and his Snow Queen
The whole country knew and loved these actors. Vladimir Zamansky became famous after the release of the film “Road Check,” and after that his popularity grew steadily. His wife, Natalya Klimova, was also recognized on the streets, because she played the Snow Queen in the fairy tale of the same name and the Mistress of the Copper Mountain in Tales of the Ural Mountains.
The name of People's Artist of the RSFSR Vladimir Zamansky is well known to film lovers - after all, his filmography includes about 100 roles. The most famous: Sergei Bakchenin in “Flight Delayed”, Doctor Ivan Ivanovich in “Two Captains”, Master Palych in “Melody for Two Voices” and the actor’s favorite role is Lazarev in the film “Road Check” directed by Alexei German.
But in the late 1990s, the couple disappeared from the screens and stopped appearing in public. What made Vladimir Zamansky and Natalya Klimova completely change their lifestyle?
Student novel
Natalya Klimova. / Photo: www.24smi.org
They met at the Moscow Art Theater School, where Natalya Klimova and Vladimir Zamansky did not enter immediately after graduating from school.
Natalya Klimova, after receiving a certificate of secondary education, was going to become an engineer, and therefore entered the construction institute and successfully studied there for a year. This period was enough for her to understand: construction was not her calling. The girl resolutely took the documents from the institute, successfully passed all the tests and became a student at the Moscow Art Theater School.
Vladimir Zamansky. / Photo: www.yandex.net
Vladimir Zamansky's fate was much more dramatic.
Vladimir Zamansky grew up without a father, and in the very first days of the war he lost his mother. They wanted to send him to evacuation, but the 15-year-old boy considered it a disgrace to sit in the rear. Having added two years to himself, in a few months he completed accelerated courses for radio operators and went to the front.
In 1944, in a battle near Orsha, a self-propelled artillery vehicle in which Zamansky was a radio operator was knocked out. Despite being seriously wounded in the head, Vladimir got out of the burning car and even managed to pull his commander out of it.
In February 1945, while carrying out a combat mission, Zamansky’s self-propelled gun held an important section of the road for several hours. During this time, the crew of the vehicle destroyed 50 fascists, two transports with ammunition and knocked out an enemy tank.
For courage and bravery in battles, Vladimir Zamansky was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, II degree, and the Medal “For Courage.”
After the Victory, Zamansky was not demobilized, but continued to serve in the ranks of the Soviet army. In 1950, he and several other servicemen beat up an assistant platoon commander. For this offense, the military tribunal sentenced Zamansky to 9 years in prison.
True, he was released after 4 years for performing particularly dangerous work. By the time of his release, Vladimir Zamansky already knew that he would enter the Moscow Art Theater School, and was able to persuade the boss to “write off” two years of age when issuing documents to become a student. For many years, the actor’s documents indicate that he was born in 1928, although in fact he was born in 1926.
Vladimir Zamansky in the film “Road Check”. / Photo: www.cont.ws
He was 12 years older than Natalya Klimova, but this did not stop the beautiful student from paying attention to him. Moreover, Vladimir Zamansky was very different from his fellow students. Natalya Klimova later recalled: their love story was completely prosaic. Vladimir Zamansky had nowhere to live, and he lived in the warehouses of the theater. Natalya gave her very first gloves to her future husband, thinking that he must be very cold.
The actors began dating, and in 1962 they decided to legalize their relationship. And after marriage, Natalya Klimova and her husband began to live in the same warehouse premises of the theater. Much later, the couple got their own home.
Natalya Klimova in the film "Engineer Garin's Hyperboloid". / Photo: www.mafab.hu
They were both successful and in demand, acted in films, served at the Sovremennik Theater. Vladimir Zamansky later worked at the Film Actor's Studio Theatre, often leaving for filming. They had to live in anticipation of meeting each other, but this did not spoil their relationship; on the contrary, every minute spent together was of great value.
Natalya Klimova in the film "The Snow Maiden". / Photo: www.yadoma.tv
At a time when they were not yet scheduled, Natalya Klimova became pregnant. And she decided to get rid of the child for the sake of a theatrical career. Unfortunately, then no one told the actress that she would not have any more children.
Road to the Temple
Vladimir Zamansky. / Photo: www.blogspot.com
Despite her success and demand, Natalya Klimova very quickly realized that the acting profession was weighing her down. On the one hand, Natalya Ivanovna enjoyed filming, but on the other hand, she was embarrassed to admit even to herself that she desperately did not like all this fuss. Many years later, the actress will say that the terrible diagnosis given to her by the doctors even made her somewhat happy.
Natalya Klimova as the Snow Queen. Photo: www.livejournal.com
In the early 1970s, doctors discovered Natalya Klimova had a blood lymph disease, a severe form of tuberculosis. The actress began to undergo treatment and underwent several complex operations. Naturally, she left the theater and stopped acting in films. And then she was baptized.
Vladimir Zamansky continued to act in films, worked in dubbing, but over the years he began to think more and more about the meaning of life. His wife’s lifestyle gradually led him to an Orthodox church. In 1981, the actors legalized their marriage before God by getting married in a temple.
Vladimir Zamansky. / Photo: www.museum.ru
Already at that time, Natalya Ivanovna began to think about changing her place of residence. She managed to find a small room in Murom, from the window of which there was a stunning view of the temple. This extension was once a bathhouse, but through the efforts of the former actress it turned into a cozy home for her and her husband.
In 1998, Vladimir Zamansky also completely retired. Since then, the couple have lived permanently in Murom, led a reclusive life, and attended church.
Vladimir Zamansky and Natalya Klimova. / Photo: www.mycdn.me
For 15 years, they carefully maintained a vow of silence and did not tell anyone about what prompted them to completely change their lifestyle. As the actors later admitted, they are atonement for a sin committed in their youth, when they did not allow their baby to be born. However, now for many things that happened in a past life, they ask God for forgiveness.
Today, Vladimir Zamansky and Natalya Klimova are at a very respectable age: the actor is 94 years old, his wife is 82. Financially, they feel quite secure. At the same time, the couple live very modestly.
Vladimir Zamansky and Natalya Klimova. / Photo: www.yandex.net
Natalya Ivanovna tries to support her husband in everything and carefully monitors his health. And she is very afraid to be left alone, not imagining life without her beloved Volodyushka. Vladimir Petrovich understands his responsibility to his wife and stays in this world, by his own admission, thanks to the efforts of his wife. He really doesn’t want to leave her alone with all the problems and hardships of worldly life.
Vladimir Zamansky and Natalya Klimova. / Photo: www.mycdn.me
The spouses try to talk little, read spiritual literature, pray, and take care, to the best of their ability, of their home and the area near it. They hope that they will atone for all their sins and will then be able not to part ways even after they leave this mortal world.
Vladimir Zamansky recalls his acting past with light sadness and hopes that he was able to awaken some high feelings in the audience, make them think about the meaning of life, about honor, kindness, and decency.
Films with the participation of Natalya Klimova: I'm Going into a Thunderstorm (1965), Tchaikovsky (1970) and The Snow Queen (1966). Natalya Klimova appears in films and TV series as an actress from 1963 to 1970. Comrade Arseny (1964) - role: Olga and I'm Going into a Storm (1965). The latest films and projects to date where actress Natalya Klimova is involved are Tchaikovsky (1970), The Snow Maiden (1968) - role: Spring and Tales of the Ural Mountains (1968) - role: mistress of the Copper Mountain.
Natalya Klimova and Vladimir Zamansky do not know how long they have left to live, but they want to walk the rest of their journey with dignity.
On February 6, 2021, Vladimir Zamansky will turn 95 years old
Based on articles:
https://femmie.ru/93-letnij-vl…
https://zen.yandex.ru/media/ku...
https://www.kino-teatr.ru/kino...
His wife doesn't even call him to the phone
They have long become one. The thought that she might be left alone is simply unbearable for Natalya Ivanovna. That’s why she stands guard all the years, protecting her husband from unnecessary attention: from journalists and fans. He doesn't even call me to the phone. “Thank you for your attention, for remembering,” that’s the whole conversation.
By the way, if you look at the couple’s house from the street, on one side you can see the church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which has already become their home. On the other, a little further away, is the Trinity Convent, where the relics of Saints Peter and Fevronia, especially revered by the Orthodox patrons of the family, rest.
Vladimir Petrovich and Natalya Ivanovna lived in Murom for several years before the day of remembrance of these saints was made a national holiday. A little later, a monument to Peter and Fevronia was erected. Right there, not far from the house of Zamansky and Klimova.
Everything is no coincidence...
Participation in World War II
The biography of the actor Zamansky says that he fought heroically during the Great Patriotic War. In 1944, the young man took part in the battles near Orsha and served as a radio operator. Vladimir was wounded in the head, but this did not stop him from saving his own commander from certain death.
Zamansky spent some time in the hospital, he needed to recover from a serious injury. Then he returned to the front again and took part in the hostilities. The crew of his self-propelled gun managed to disable a German tank, eliminate fifty enemies and defend a crossroads of great strategic importance for a long time.
