Valentin Gaft

Gaft started his work for the cinema in 1956, in Mikhail Romm's film Murder on Dante Street. Later he starred in the movies The First Courier (1968), Mad Gold (1977), Centaurs (1979), Black Hen, or Underground Villagers (1981), Fuete (1986). Prominent roles were played by Gaft in the musical comedy The Sorceress (1982), the tragicomedy Through Main Street with an Orchestra (1986), the action film Thieves in Law (1988), The Visit of the Lady (1989), Night Fun (1991), Encore, Once More Encore! (1992). In 1994, Gaft played Woland in Yuri Kara's film The Master and Margarita, which was only released in 2011. However, the real popularity came to Gaft only after cooperation with Eldar Ryazanov. In 1979, he played the chairman of the garage cooperative Sidorkin in the comedy The Garage, in 1980, starred in the tragicomedy Say a Word for the Poor Hussar, in 1987, starred in the movie Forgotten Melody for a Flute, and in 1991 in the film Promised Heaven. In addition to theater and cinema, Gaft played many roles on television – the main character in the television series based on Thomas Mann's novel Buddenbrooks, Lopatin in Lopatin's Notes, Jasper in the four-part film Edin Druid's Secret, Kramin in the television movie For the Rest of His Life, Prince Borescu in the television show The Archipelago Lenoir, The Kid in Kings and Cabbage, Butler in the television film Hello, I'm Your Aunt! and others. Teleplays with Gaft's participation included Just a few words in honor of M. de Moliere, Widow's Home, Players, Aesop, and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Order "For Merit to the Fatherland": 4th class (15 February 2016) – for outstanding contribution to the development of culture and many years of creative activity 2nd class (2 September 2010) – for outstanding contribution to the development of domestic theatrical art and many years of creative activity 3rd class (2 September 2005) – for outstanding contribution to the development of theatrical art, and many years of creative activity Order of Friendship (11 August 1995) – for services to the state and achievements in work and significant contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between nations Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1978) People's Artist of the RSFSR (1984)