Evgeniy belousov biography of michael

Michael Belousov

People's Artist of the Ukrainian SSR
Date of Birth:
Country: Ukraine

Content:
  1. Mikhail Belousov: A Legendary Actor and a Gentle Soul
  2. Early Career and Rise to Stardom
  3. The "Don Juan" of Kyiv
  4. Artistic Brilliance and Unmatched Talent
  5. Zhadovin Ostrovsky's "A Lucrative Post"
  6. Political Peril and Unwavering Integrity
  7. Unfulfilled Ambitions and the Rivalries of Theater
  8. A Legacy of Inspiration and Admiration

Mikhail Belousov: A Legendary Actor and a Gentle Soul

Childhood and Family Background

Mikhail Mikhailovich Belousov was born in Kazan, Russia, into a large family of nine children. His father was a military engineer who had been mobilized into the White Army during the Russian Civil War. After the defeat of White forces, Belousov's family faced poverty and persecution due to his father's association with the anti-Bolshevik movement.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom

Belousov began his acting career in Kazan and later worked in several regional theaters in Russia and Ukraine. In , he joined the Kyiv Russian Drama Theater, where he established himself as a leading actor. Belousov excelled in the role of the romantic hero, known in French theater as the "jeune premier" and in Russian theater as the "gero-lyubovnik."

The "Don Juan" of Kyiv

Belousov's magnetic stage presence, striking appearance, and impeccable style made him a heartthrob in Kyiv. He became known as a consummate "Don Juan," embodying the romantic ideal of a charismatic and irresistible lover. However, close friends attested to Belousov's genuine humility and kindness behind his captivating exterior.

Artistic Brilliance and Unmatched Talent

Over the decades, Belousov portrayed dozens of unforgettable characters. His signature roles included:

Zhadovin Ostrovsky's "A Lucrative Post"

Beluginin Ostrovsky's "Belugin's Marriage"
Glumovin Ostrovsky's "Each Wise Man Suffers in His Own Way"
Milovidovin Ostrovsky's "A Busy Place"
Don Juanin Lesya Ukrainka's "The Stone Host"
Krechinskyin Sukhovo-Kobylin's "Krechinsky's Wedding"
Ferdinandin Schiller's "Intrigue and Love"
Chatskyin Griboedov's "Woe from Wit"
Personal Life and Relationships

Belousov married Margarita Pobedonostseva, whose mother was a dressmaker. Their son, Mikhail Jr., became a doctor of historical sciences and a professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

While Belousov's romantic stage roles and public persona often evoked a sense of intrigue, he was a devoted husband and father. His relationships with his fellow actresses were characterized by a playful flirtation on stage but remained largely platonic in real life.

Political Peril and Unwavering Integrity

Despite his immense popularity, Belousov avoided political games and intrigue. His "questionable" social background forced him to maintain a low profile. However, in , he narrowly escaped a potentially fatal confrontation when he accidentally insulted a fellow actor who was playing the role of Joseph Stalin.

Unfulfilled Ambitions and the Rivalries of Theater

Belousov's success was not without its challenges and disappointments. Rivalries among actors were common, and Belousov occasionally faced attempts to undermine his career. His lifelong dream of performing Zhadov in Moscow was shattered when his invitation to the Maly Theater was mysteriously canceled.

A Legacy of Inspiration and Admiration

Belousov's extraordinary talent and dedication made him an inspiration to generations of theater artists. His performances captivated audiences, and his unwavering professionalism and kindness set a high standard for his colleagues. Even today, the legacy of Mikhail Belousov continues to inspire actors and theatergoers alike.