In 1954 the film “The Age of Love” was released in Argentina, in which Lolita Torres played the main role. Then, in 1955, the film came to the Soviet Union, where it gained much popularity among viewers, largely thanks to Torres’ brilliant and memorable performance. Coincidentally, one of the Soviet fans of the Argentine actress was then still a young cadet, Yuri Gagarin. The future first cosmonaut in the history of humanity was so captivated by the Argentinean’s voice and the melodies that played in the film that he literally memorized them.
In a comment for RG, KSORS director Silvana Yarmolyuk said that the flash mob participants performed the famous composition “Don’t look at me”, better known among Russian viewers as “Goodbye.” The event was attended by Marcelo, the eldest son of Lolita Torres, her granddaughter Mía, as well as performers from the Argentine Air Force choir “Alas Argentinas”.
The general public became aware of the existence of an unusual connection between Torres and Gagarin after the 2006 publication of the actress’s autobiography, written by journalist Mario Galina. It is claimed that in 1962 Torres was invited to the USSR embassy in Buenos Aires, where she was given a letter from Yuri Gagarin.
“In it he said that he was my fan and asked me to send him a photo with my autograph. I couldn’t believe it and even felt a little uncomfortable, because a world-class hero wrote to me. I wrote to him.” about this in a reply letter. So I sent him a photo and asked him to send me his. And I’ll never forget what he wrote in response: “I’m not a hero, I’m just your number one fan.” Torres said in his autobiography.
In the same response letter, Gagarin told him that during the period of preparation for space flight, he listened to records with his songs every day. This ultimately served as the source of the legend that Lolita Torres became the first female singer-astronaut in history. “That is why the first music that reached space was the one that sounded in my head and in my heart, that is, your voice,” Gagarin wrote in a letter to Torres.
The singer’s son, Marcelo, congratulated all Russian citizens and all the peoples who inhabit our country on Cosmonautics Day. “We send a special greeting to the astronauts who are now in orbit and watching us from there. And on behalf of the entire Torres family we want to express our immense gratitude to all Russians for the incredible love that Mom received on each of her trips.” . “She filled her country with strength, health and life,” said Marcelo.
