Actor Vladimir Simonov Jr. Photo: vakhtangov.ru
When it comes to acting dynasties, disputes always arise: is it cronyism or were they children of famous parents chosen for their talent?
The other day, the group of apprentices of the Vakhtangov Theatre received the young artist Vladimir Simonov Jr. The clarification “junior” is necessary because his father, People’s Artist of Russia Vladimir Simonov, works in the same theatre and, therefore, is the eldest.
Son Vladimir is busy in the play “The Barber of Seville”. He plays two small roles. He is a graduate of the Shchukin Theatre Institute. The most interesting thing is that his elder brother on his father’s side, 35-year-old Vasily Simonov (also a graduate of Shchuka), works in the same theatre. He has proven himself very well. At one time he even had the honour of collaborating on stage with People’s Artist of the USSR Yulia Borisova in the play “Pier”. Currently he is busy with 4 titles.
The half-brothers Simonov and their father Vladimir Simonov are not the only representatives of this glorious family at the Vakhtangov Theatre.
The stage career of Vladimir Simonov (father) began at this theatre when it was directed by Evgeny Simonov, the son of the outstanding Ruben Nikolaevich Simonov, who headed the Vakhtangov Theatre for almost thirty years (from 1939 to 1968). Moreover, Vladimir Simonov is not a relative of them, but simply a namesake. But even during his student years, he fell in love with Olga, the daughter of Evgeniy Rubenovich, married her, and they had a daughter, Asya. To avoid rumors that he was a criminal, that he was the son-in-law of the chief director, Vladimir Simonov left the Vakhtangov Theatre for six years. “I did not want rumors to arise that I was getting roles just because I was married to Olga. Therefore, he moved from the Vakhtangov Theatre to the Moscow Art Theatre. I felt very proud and proud,” the actor said. When he divorced Olga, he started an affair with actress Ekaterina Belikova, and Vladimir Simonov returned to the Vakhtangov Theatre. A whirlwind romance led to the birth of a son, Vasily, who, as we know, continued the creative dynasty.
But this marriage of Vladimir Simonov also fell apart ten years later due to a new affair with a young student: “Nadezhda came to write her term paper. I was already 44, and she was in her second year. She was no more than 20 years old.”… Soon their son Vladimir was born (the same one who was included in the group of trainees this year). Alas, Vladimir Alexandrovich quickly realized that he and Nadia were separated not only by years, but also by their outlook on life. The couple broke up, which did not prevent Vladimir Simonov from communicating with his children and instilling in them a love of theater. In 2012, on the set of the film “Under the Gun of Love,” Vladimir Simonov met the young actress Yana Sobolevskaya. In the film he played their father. In life, a romance broke out between them. Yana is 23 years younger. They got married and a daughter was born. Yana Sobolevskaya soon also became an actress at the Vakhtangov Theater. For the first time she appeared on the legendary stage with her husband in the play “Minetti”.
So, Vladimir Simonov, his son Vasily, and now his son Vladimir, his fourth wife Yana Sobolevskaya, as well as the brother of Vladimir Simonov’s first wife, actor Ruben Simonov (representative of the legendary Simonov dynasty) all now work under the same roof of the Vakhtangov Theatre. That is why they rightly say: the theatre is a home, a family…
Whether acting dynasties are good or bad, critics never stop arguing. This is an endless topic of discussion. Meanwhile, child actors continue to enter drama colleges, graduate and get jobs in theaters.
33-year-old theater actor Vakhtangov Vyacheslav Gandrabura performs on the same stage, and sometimes in the same performances, with his mother, People’s Artist Maria Aronova. If at first Vyacheslav played small roles and was known mainly as the son of Maria Aronova, he quickly established himself as an interesting artist with a sharp character. A worthy son of his famous mother. The audience appreciated his comic talent, natural charm and innate artistry. In fairness, it should be noted that the Vakhtangov Theater has been his home since childhood. Now he is busy in 7 performances. In “Mademoiselle Nitouche” and “Dead Souls” he plays with his mother. Their joint work in the play “Dead Souls” (directed by Vladimir Ivanov) received theater awards for the best acting duet. Vladislav plays many characters in this performance, such a transformation takes place that you will not be able to immediately guess where Maria Aronova is and where her son is. “The main thing for me is work with my son. “I have been dreaming about this for a long time. I am very proud of Vladik. When the audience applauds him, it makes me proud,” Maria Aronova admitted.
Olga Tumaikina and Polina Bondar, also close relatives – mother and daughter, perform at the same Vakhtangov Theatre. Polina has many roles, she is engaged in 10 titles. She showed herself as a sharp-tempered actress, in a completely different role than her mother.
So if these examples are anything to go by, acting dynasties are great.
