Valentin Gaft: A Life of Talent, Wit, and Regret

Valentin Gaft: A Life of Talent, Wit, and Regret

Valentin Gaft, a renowned actor with nearly a hundred film credits, often expressed dissatisfaction with his work, feeling he had “spat into eternity.” He regretted missing out on iconic roles like those in “Kin-dza-dza!” by Daneliya and “That Very Munchausen” by Zakharov, attributing these missed opportunities to his contentious nature. His biting epigrams, which often offended colleagues like Liya Akhedzhakova and Oleg Tabakov, were a testament to his sharp wit. Despite the turmoil and hurt feelings, his peers held him in high regard due to his immense talent and surprising vulnerability.

The Early Days and Rise to Fame

Gaft’s passion for acting began in childhood, where he participated in school plays, often cast in female roles. For many years, he struggled to find roles in cinema, with critics labeling him as “stiff, unnatural, and unartistic.” However, his collaboration with Eldar Ryazanov changed his fortunes. Films like “Garage,” “A Forgotten Melody for a Flute,” and “The Promised Heavens” brought him widespread acclaim.

The Birth of Poetry

Gaft’s poetic journey began in the company of the artist Mikhail Shemyakin, a close friend of Vladimir Vysotsky. During a discussion about Gogol, Gaft was inspired to write a poem, which he recited to Shemyakin. Moved by the poem, Shemyakin decided to create ten illustrations for a collection of Gaft’s poetry. The book, published in Moscow, was a heavy and expensive volume, which Gaft found uncomfortably priced.

In today’s digital age, Gaft often found himself attributed with poems and epigrams he did not write. The situation became so absurd that he had to deflect inquiries from law enforcement agencies.

The Art of Epigrams

Gaft’s epigrams were born out of a spontaneous moment during a theater performance. Witnessing a powerful monologue by Valery Nikulin, Gaft was moved to write:

You spoke of love so passionately today,
The entire audience felt a spark.

This marked the beginning of Gaft’s epigram writing, which soon became a staple in the theater’s “cabaret” performances. These late-night shows allowed actors to express thoughts too daring for daytime.

What is Gaft?

Gaft’s epigrams often reflected his observations of colleagues and friends. For instance, he wrote about Mikhail Kozakov, an intelligent and unfortunate man often confused with Vasily Livanov:

Everyone knows Misha Kozakov,
Always a father, always a widower.
Much masculinity in his start,
But no masculine end in his heart.

Gaft’s wit often led to humorous and sometimes tense exchanges, as seen in his interactions with Rolan Bykov and other contemporaries.

Reflections on Life and Career

Gaft’s career spanned various roles and experiences, from playing Voland in “The Master and Margarita” to reflecting on the nature of politics and art. He admired the works of Eldar Ryazanov and cherished his collaborations, which he believed gained quality with time, like fine wine.

In one of his memorable epigrams, Gaft captured the essence of Ludmila Gurchenko, his co-star in “Old Nags”:

She didn’t have to wait long
For her lucky break.
“Carnival Night” arrived just in time,
She was the lucky unlucky one.
Everything in Lyusya is “five minutes short.”

Gaft’s reflections on life, art, and his contemporaries provide a glimpse into the mind of a man who lived passionately and expressed himself fearlessly through his craft.

For more insights into the lives of legendary actors, you can explore Britannica, a comprehensive resource on notable figures in various fields.