January 12, 2024: Today marks the 95th anniversary of the birth of Guram Sagaradze, one of the most celebrated and versatile actors in Georgian history. Sagaradze, who passed away in 2013, left behind a rich theatrical and cinematic performance legacy that spanned over six decades and earned him numerous awards and honours.
Sagaradze was born in Tbilisi in 1929 into a family of theatre actors. He graduated from the Tbilisi State Theatrical Institute in 1951. He joined the Rustaveli Theatre troupe, where he played some of his most memorable roles, such as Soso in Otar Ioseliani’s “A Man is Born Once”, Tezeus and the Joker in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Julius Caesar in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”, and Shu Fu and the Head Kazbegi in Bertolt Brecht’s “The Caucasian Chalk Circle”. He also performed on the stage of the “Theatrical Cellar”, where he portrayed Kurt in Strindberg’s “The Dance of Death” and Claudius in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”.
Sagaradze was a master not only of drama but also of fiction. He recited some of the best examples of Georgian and foreign poetry with his distinctive voice and expression, captivating several generations of listeners. He also appeared in more than a dozen films, such as “The Last Day of Pompeii”, “The Legend of Suram Fortress”, and “The Eccentrics”.
Sagaradze was recognized as the Meritorious Artist of Georgia in 1961 and the People’s Artist of Georgia in 1973. He received the Shota Rustaveli State Prize in 1976, the USSR State Prize in 1979, and the State Prize of Georgia in 1999.
He was awarded the Order of Honor of Georgia in 1998 for his unique personal contribution to developing Georgian theatre art and his productive, creative, and pedagogical achievements.
He also won the Lviv International Theatre Festival Prize for the best performance of a male role in the same year. In 2001, he was granted the title of Honorary Citizen of Tbilisi. 2006, a star named after him was unveiled before the Rustaveli Theatre.
The Georgian Ministry of Culture and Sports honours Guram Sagaradze’s memory and outstanding contribution to developing Georgian acting art.
He is remembered as a legend of Georgian theatre who inspired and influenced many generations of actors and audiences with his talent and charisma.
