Konstantin Raykin is an outstanding Soviet and Russian theater and film actor, head of Satirikon, founder of the Theater School, public figure and fighter for the inviolability of censorship of Russia's creativity. He can be safely called "the main maestro of the theatrical art of the country". After all, such a number of roles that he played, and the colossal contribution to the development of this sphere, which he made, can not be compared with the achievements of others.
Childhood and early age
Konstantin Arkadyevich was born in Leningrad on July 8, 1950. His father was a well-known personality in theater circles. Arkady Raikin directed the Leningrad Theater of Variety Miniatures, played in performances there. Together with his wife (Konstantin's mother) they often toured. The upbringing of the son was taken care of by his grandmother and nanny.
From an early age, the boy did not show much talent and creative talent. He attended a gymnastics club. At school he studied in a class with a physical and mathematical bias, showed good results. He loved biology, zoology. He planned to enter the biology department. I never seriously thought about a career as an actor. Though deep in his soul such thoughts had been brewing since childhood.
During the exams at the Leningrad State University to Konstantin came to the realization that everything is done wrong. Then the young man snapped out of his seat, rushed to the capital to have time to submit documents to the theater school. For the admissions committee he made a real show: recited poetry, danced, portrayed animals. He did everything at once and at breakneck speed, as if he was afraid not to have time to show his talents. The teachers appreciated this gesture and sent him straight to the third round of creative selection. With ease passed the exams, Raikin joined the ranks of students "Shchuka" on the course of Yuri Katin-Yartsev. Interestingly, about all these "machinations with the admission" parents of the future actor and had no idea, because they were on another tour. Learning that his son chose Shchukinsky, his father was not surprised. He always believed that Konstantin will continue the family dynasty.
Being already a student, the young man faced a new problem: many considered him a "protégé of his father". Achievements and successes of children of famous parents were always perceived through the prism of "great daddy". But soon Konstantin proved that he was talented. He diligently studied, independently performed makeup, made costumes, helped with scenery, was disciplined, rehearsed a lot. His organizational skills were appreciated in the first year. Teachers called him an exemplary student, and he, in turn, could not afford not to justify their trust.
Business, which became the meaning of life
During his studies at the Shchukinsky Raikin turned into a real actor. Immediately after receiving his diploma, he was invited by Galina Volchek in the theater "Sovremennik". There he played many roles. The most outstanding performances with his participation were "Valentine and Valentine", "Balalaikin and Co", "Fantasies of Faryatiev", "Lorenzaccio", "Etudes on Hamlet" and others. On this stage, he not only showed the full range of his talent, versatility, acting skills, but also managed to get out of the shadow of his father, to get sincere recognition of the public, to find his own way. For 10 years he served "Sovremennik" faithfully and faithfully.
In 1981, Konstantin Raikin moved to the Leningrad Theater of Variety Miniatures. His new head was his father. This period coincided with big changes in the institution - it moved to Moscow, became the State Theater of Miniatures. And in a few more years it was recognized by everyone as the Moscow Theater "Satyricon". This is how it is called to this day.
"Satirikon" became for Raikin Jr. a new home. On this stage were played his best roles in the productions "His Majesty Theater", "Peace to your home", "Faces". In 1985 Konstantin organized an author's program called "Come on, artist!". In the same year he received the title of "Honored".
After the death of his father, the leadership of the theater passed into the hands of his son. But it did not happen through their kinship, but because Konstantin knew the whole background of the actor's shop, was able to organize colleagues, was aware of all the managerial affairs. He was trusted, and he never failed.
With the arrival of a new head of the theater has been transformed. The performances became more spectacular, more expressive, more modern. A great interest in the public woke up. The actors began to go on tour around the world. Their team was considered one of the first-class repertory ensemble theaters.
Managing "Satirikon", Konstantin Raikin did not leave acting, tried himself and in the field of directing. For his excellent performance 4 times he was awarded such a prestigious award as "Golden Mask". Winner of the Crystal Turandot, Stanislavsky, Georgy Tovstonogov, The Seagull and Triumph awards. He has the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland". He tried on about 80 roles, staged more than 30 performances. Talent cannot be hidden!
Films and teaching activities
Raikin made his debut in the movie while still a student in 1969. It was the picture "Tomorrow, April III." An insignificant role went unnoticed by the audience. Two years later, he got a more significant character in the TV play "The Kid and Carlson, who lives on the roof". Followed by several more episodic appearances in the frame. Nationwide love came to the artist after the release of the movie "Truffaldino of Bergamo" in 1976.
Since most of his life the actor devoted to the theater, he had little time for cinema. But directors could not resist the artistry of Konstantin, many times he sent him to review the scripts and offered roles. But he was filmed little. K / f "Shadow, or maybe everything will be fine" and "The Failure of Poirot" were the most popular in the cinematic biography of Raikin.
Since 2001, Konstantin Arkadyevich became a teacher at the Moscow Art Theater Studio School. In 2012 a private institution of higher professional education "Higher School of Stage Arts. Theater School of Konstantin Raikin". Every year the university expands, new departments appear.
Personal life
Konstantin concluded marriages three times. The first union was with Elena Kritsina. He lasted three years. The second wife was a youthful love - Alagez Salakhova. But with this girl they did not build a large and strong family. The third time he met the woman of his life - the artist of "Satirikon" Elena Butenko. Soon after the meeting, they tied themselves in marriage, and those proved to be strong. In 1988 they had a daughter Polina, who continued the family business, became a famous actress of cinema and theater.
On the further development of Raikin's career, read in the catalog of artists on the website kontramarka.de.
Filmography (favorites):
1969 - "Tomorrow, the third of April..."
1971 - "The Clown"
1971 - "The Kid and Carlson Who Lives on the Roof".
1972 - "The Commander of the Lucky Shchuka".
1973 - "Much Ado About Nothing"
1974 - "Mr. Dombey and Mr. Karker"
1974 - "A stranger among strangers, a stranger among his own."
1976 - "Truffaldino from Bergamo."
1987 - "The Island of Lost Ships."
1989 - "The Maid of Rouen, nicknamed Puffy."
1989 - "The Comedy of Lysistrata."
1991 - "The Shadow, or Maybe Everything Will Be All Right."
1993 - "Shooting Angels"
1993 - "Russian Ragtime"
1996 - "Twenty Minutes with an Angel".
2002 - "Poirot's Failure"
