Likhitchenko Aza Vladimirovna

Celebrities who shone on television in the middle of the last century had a special charm and energy. A well-produced voice, always well-groomed appearance, sincere emotions - this is the first sign of the old school of television. It was during that era that viewers met professional TV presenter Aza Likhitchenko. Black-eyed Azalea with luxurious hair and a truly real Moscow Art Theater voice. Likhitcheno is a true veteran of central television and simply a favorite of Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev and his entire family.

Biography of a TV presenter of the last century

Aza Vladimirovna Likhitchenko, according to her passport Azalea, was born on November 20, 1937. The TV presenter studied at the Moscow Art Theater School, graduating in 1959. It is noteworthy that she studied on the same course with the great Vladimir Vysotsky. Before coming to television, Aza successfully played and developed as an actress on the stage of the Russian Drama Theater in the city of Sevastopol. The debut on television took place in 1960. Aza Likhitchenko proved herself as an actress by starring in one of the episodes of the film “At the Beginning of the Century,” which is dedicated to the life path of V. I. Lenin. She is not proud of this experience, but believes that any skills and knowledge are useful. She began working as a TV presenter in 1968 on the “Time” program. Until 1993, Aza Likhitchenko built her career as an announcer on central television. Her biography is famous not only for her stable and long-term career, but also for her amazing old acquaintances. During her studies, Aza Vladimirovna was friends with Gennady Porter, Gennady Yalovich, and Valentin Nikulin.

Biography of Aza Likhitchenko

On November 20, 1937, a remarkable event took place in the Russian capital - Azalia Likhitchenko was born. Let us immediately note that the nationality of the star is Russian, since many mistakenly consider her an Ossetian.

Since childhood, Aza dreamed of a career in theater or cinema. And she confidently walked towards her dream - in 1959 she graduated from the Moscow Art Theater School, where she studied with Nikulin, Vysotsky, Epifantsev... After completing her studies at the theater, she was called to the Sevastopol Russian Drama Theater.

At the same time, her career as an announcer began. While still studying at the Moscow Art Theater, Aza tried her hand at a competition to become a TV announcer - a fairly high-status job at that time. Is it worth clarifying that there were many participants in the competition?! But Azalea very wisely used the skills she acquired at the Moscow Art Theater and was able to present her incredible voice to the commission in all its glory. She performed Akhmatova’s poems at the competition.

Aza Vladimirovna won the selection, which she didn’t immediately believe. She returned to the theater, but served there for only 25 days... It turned out that the television people were not joking, and she went to Moscow. Arriving on September 10th, just 4 days later she was already filming as the host of a television program. Thus, the year 1960 in the biography of Aza Likhitchenko was marked by the beginning of a career as a TV announcer.

Already in 1961, Aza received a small role in the film about the young Lenin “At the Beginning of the Century”, after which she worked in the films “Interview at Spring”, “Vera” and several others. By the way, in all the films she was given the role of leading television programs.

The next mark in Azalea’s biography is 1968, when our heroine became the host of the popular TV show “ Time ”. This work brought Aza his first widespread fame among television viewers.

Interesting fact: as happens with all announcers, there were funny moments in Aza Likhitchenko’s career. So, in one of the stories she said “moonshine” combine, instead of “self-propelled”.

As an announcer, Azalia Vladimirovna went on air until 1993. We also note that she raised several famous presenters, including Ekaterina Andreeva.

Awards of Aza Likhitchenko

During her work she received many awards, among which special mention must be made of the titles of Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1976) and People's Artist of the RSFSR (1988). Another important point in Aza Vladimirovna’s biography is that in 2011 she was awarded the Order of Friendship.

Failed actress

Initially, TV presenter Aza Likhitchenko dreamed of becoming an actress. But in her arsenal there was only one film work in the film “At the Beginning of the Century,” and Aza Vladimirovna calls it a sin of youth. She got on television through an advertisement. Seeing that a competition for the position of an announcer on central television was starting, she decided to try her hand and did not even hope for success. At that time, the selection was so thorough that it was easier to become an astronaut. But participation in the competition brought her victory. And since then, for thirty-three years, announcer Aza Likhitchenko has been instilling confidence in the future and sharing good news with the audience.

Aza Likhitchenko was born on November 20, 1937. In 1959 she graduated from the Moscow Art Theater School, course P.V. Massalsky, where her classmate was V.S. Vysotsky, and they had a warm relationship. After graduating from the Studio School, Aza was accepted into the Sevastopol Russian Drama Theater, on the stage of which she played in several performances.

By the way, Aza was going to become an actress, but her only film work was a cameo role in A. Rybakov’s film “At the Beginning of the Century,” dedicated to the life and work of young V.I. Lenin, where she played and sang, is called “the sin of youth.”

In 1959, Likhitchenko read an announcement about a broadcasting competition. And she went, not really counting on success; in those years it was more difficult to get on television than to join the cosmonaut corps. But she was lucky, she passed the competition and in 1960 became an announcer on Central Television. At that time, on radio and TV, great importance was attached to the culture of speech. The department's employees have always been in close contact with such experts in the Russian language as Irakli Andronikov and Dietmar Rosenthal.

To the questions of young Aza, the no longer young Rosenthal usually answered affectionately: “Azochka, you can say whatever you want, everything will be correct.” On January 1, 1968, the information program “Time”, the main and most serious television program in the country, was broadcast on Central Television for the first time, one of the presenters of which was Aza Likhitchenko.

An emotional person, she always read the news vividly and competently, which quickly won the love and recognition of the audience. In 1970-1980, Likhitchenko was one of the most popular presenters of the Vremya program. Along with Likhitchenko, Igor Kirillov, Anna Shatilova and Vera Shebeko worked on the program.

The most important issues were entrusted only to them. The professionalism of announcers now seems incomprehensible, because often, at their own peril and risk, they had to edit the text on the fly, including information of national importance. Many years of experience and intuition taught Aza Vladimirovna to feel the reaction of the “audience” - her multimillion-dollar audience.

In 1980, Likhitchenko became the director of the broadcasting department of the Central Television, and she worked as the presenter of the “Time” program until 1993. In the early 1990s, the new Ostankino leadership replaced announcers with journalists, and the unique profession was abolished. Today, People's Artist of the RSFSR, holder of the Order of Friendship, Aza Vladimirovna Likhitchenko, is retired and lives in Moscow.
19.11.2017

According to Dietmar Rosenthal

Aza Likhitchenko, having started working as an announcer on central television, met a variety of people. She was interested in both talented experienced specialists and young ordinary employees. She once recalled a girl whose job it was to ensure her speech was correct. She was not distinguished by false modesty and, whenever necessary, called the embassies of countries to clarify the placement of accents in the initials of representatives. In addition, Likhitchenko was in close contact on issues of correctness of Russian speech with such experts as Irakli Andronnikov and Dietmar Rosenthal. Announcer Aza Likhitchenko recalled that when she asked Rosenthal questions about pronunciation, he certainly answered that such a lovely girl could say anything, and it would all be correct.

Announcer Aza Likhitchenko showed what conditions she lives in

Azalia Likhitchenko // Photo: PhotoXpress.ru

The legendary announcer Aza Likhitchenko wanted to become an actress as a child. But she only managed to work in the theater in Sevastopol for a few months: out of curiosity, Azalia Vladimirovna took part in the presenting competition. A letter with an invitation to television made her settle in Moscow forever.

The public adored the charming host of the Vremya program. Having achieved fame, Likhitchenko needed to take care of housing for his family. She found a house in the capital that the artist liked because of its antique atmosphere. The 1934 building stands at an intersection where there once was a church. The apartment had not been renovated for many years, and the living room served as a nursery for grandson Dmitry, who brought friends there. Now Azalia Vladimirovna has decided to make changes.

Azalia Likhitchenko’s room has not been renovated for a long time // Photo: Still from the program

“I always owed someone, but now it turns out that I only owe it to myself. This is not a living room, but I would like to create a salon here where my friends would come and drink coffee from beautiful cups,” the presenter shared in the “Ideal Renovation” program.

In Azalia Likhitchenko’s living room there has been a 19th century chest of drawers for many years // Photo: Still from the program

In Azalia Likhitchenko's room there was a lot of old furniture: a sideboard, a table, a sofa. But what especially stood out was an antique chest of drawers from the 19th century, which the show’s staff decided to use in the new interior. The speaker's living room area is only 15 square meters. The presenter had long complained about crooked walls and old wallpaper in the apartment.

To make the artist’s dream come true, the designer created an interior that combines elements of the 19th and 21st centuries. “Lately I’ve fallen in love with the color blue,” the presenter admitted. Her preference was taken into account by creating a salon in soothing colors. The coffee service for Likhitchenko was brought from Prague. Also in the room there was a cabinet imitating a stove in the French style and an Indian carpet. And Azalia Vladimirovna’s daughter Ekaterina gave her mother a new TV.

Azalea Likhitchenko's salon after renovation // Photo: Still from the program

As a child, the heir to the presenter was raised by her grandmother, since Likhitchenko was constantly busy on the set. “In the camp, I ran to the TV because I knew that now I would see my mother on the news. Now a new round of life begins for her, in her living room she will watch whatever she wants,” said Ekaterina.

The TV presenter is already looking forward to meeting her friends at the salon. “This is amazing, beyond all expectations,” Likhitchenko emphasized. “15 years ago parties were held here, now only baroque concerts are possible here,” noted the announcer’s grandson Dmitry.

Azalia Likhitchenko appreciated the new interior // Photo: Still from the program

Aza Likhitchenko was married twice. From Alexander Mendeleev, with whom she spent 17 years, the artist had a daughter, Ekaterina, who became a chemist. Azalia Vladimirovna considers herself a happy person with a rich past and believes that life is just beginning.

Didn't consider Genius

This incident occurred during a tour of the Moscow region. Back then, ordinary students were accommodated in an ordinary rural school. There weren’t enough places for everyone, and Vysotsky came to Likhitchenko with the words that he had nowhere to sleep, and they would have to spend the night in one sleeping place. Aza Vladimirovna, of course, was against it, but there was nothing to be done. She wrapped herself in a raincoat, very fashionable at that time, and threatened Vysotsky that the slightest touch would threaten him with a loud cry from a young beauty. But sighing loudly until the middle of the night, Vysotsky decided to go to sleep in the hayloft. Such a refusal hurt him, and then he constantly tried to make sure that Aza Likhitchenko was always nearby. Thanks to this, her personal life was enriched with a marriage proposal from a modern genius. But it also ended in refusal, since Aza Vladimirovna had a completely different man in her thoughts. Despite this, the then unknown genius carried her in his arms, lifted her to the fifth floor, and took her to photo sessions that were so rare at that time. Vladimir Vysotsky was short-lived in his courtship and within two months he married Iza Meshkova. But, according to Vysotsky’s mother, Aza Likhitchenko always lived in his heart. Her personal life was eventful, because all the men in the country were in love with her. But the journalist Alexander Georgievich Mendeleev, who became her first husband, was able to win the beauty.

Personal life

While studying at the Moscow Art Theater, Vladimir Vysotsky courted Likhitchenko and even proposed marriage to the girl. But young Azalea was then infatuated with another man. A short period after the refusal, he married Iza Meshkova.

Vladimir Vysotsky and Aza Likhitchenko

Later, many years later, Aza Vladimirovna said that she fell in love with him and suffered greatly, precisely when he left for another world. She attended the artist’s funeral and after that she was tormented by the same dreams for two years.

Usually it was either his birthday or the day of his death. And every morning the woman went to church to light a candle.

Her first husband was officially Alexander Mendeleev, a screenwriter and part-time journalist. It was his script that became the basis for the film “A Song Urgently Needed.” By the way, Vysotsky was involved there.

The biography of Aza Likhitchenko shows her as a modest person who prefers to avoid questions about her personal life, husband and children.

“Time” by Aza Likhitchenko

For the first time, viewers saw the “Time” program on their television screens in 1968, on January 1. But, despite all the seriousness, the program had plenty of funny and curious moments. For example, once the polar pilot Papanin was visiting the TV presenter, who, addressing the TV viewers, called them televisions. In those days, announcers were truly the stars of central television. They were discussed, imitated, looked up to. Brezhnev and his family did not miss a single episode of the “Time” program, and he singled out Aza Likhitchenko. After the broadcast, he even asked to give her a compliment regarding her successful image. He said that Azochka had a very good wig, although everyone knows that the announcer had his own hair and was very thick. The manner in which the news was read also fascinated the audience. Aza Likhitchenko read the news vividly, energetically, as if it were her own. Every viewer's family was inspired by her. It was not difficult for the TV presenter; there was a short rehearsal before the broadcast and then reading good and very good news to the audience.

Working on television

During her studies at the Moscow Art Theater, Azalea acquired her professional skill - a membrane-spewing, beautiful low voice, which for an announcer of those times was a necessary condition for working on Central Television. Black-eyed and dark-haired Aza Likhitchenko: her biography, interesting personal life, husband, and children is an example of a simple woman from the people who became a successful announcer, an excellent wife and mother. During her studies, the young girl was lucky to meet amazing people with whom she subsequently did not lose contact, and their friendship continued throughout her life.

Aza Likhitchenko was the announcer of the Vremya program

In 1968, a young woman joined the Vremya information program as an announcer. In 1976, Azalea was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR, and in 1988 she was given the well-deserved award of People's Artist of the RSFSR. Until 1993, Likhitchenko worked on television and successfully built a career as an announcer. During her career, she trained wonderful presenters, like Ekaterina Andreeva, who hosts the News program on Channel One.

She met such famous people as I. Andronnikov, D. Rosenthal and others. When Azalea asked Rosenathal about the pronunciation of a particular word, the expert in the Russian language told her that such a lovely girl like her could speak the way she wanted and everything would be correct. Young and promising Aza Likhitchenko became one of those who raised the country after the war from television screens.

Aza Likhitchenko and Igor Kirillov

The TV presenter was the favorite of the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee Brezhnev, who singled her out among all the announcers. His entire family never missed a single broadcast with their favorite. However, the entire family of the Secretary General loved the charming announcer.

The announcer is the first person in society

Announcers in Soviet times were loved and respected. It is important that they were even allowed out of line at the buffet, so as not to upset their morale. The most important issues were hosted by the best of the best - Igor Kirilov, Anna Shatilova, Vera Shebeko and, of course, Aza Likhitchenko. The TV presenter’s biography and general experience show that reservations are typical for men, while women make them extremely rarely. Aza Vladimirovna, working on central television, gained vast experience and accurate intuition. She worked hard, and the audience loved her very much for this. But time passed, and my health did not improve. And times and morals became different. People stopped trusting the announcers so unquestioningly and began to judge them and say rude things.

Biography[ | ]

Aza (Azalia) Vladimirovna Likhitchenko was born on November 20, 1937 in Moscow. From early childhood I dreamed of becoming an actress. In 1959 she graduated from the Moscow Art Theater School, course of P. V. Massalsky - her classmates were Vladimir Vysotsky, Valentin Nikulin, Georgy Epifantsev.

While still a student at the Moscow Art Theater School, she passed a competition for television announcer, which became fateful. But immediately after graduating from the studio, she left for Crimea, where she was accepted into the troupe and played for some time on the stage of the Sevastopol Russian Drama Theater. However, in September she was called to work on television and had to leave the theater. And already on September 14, 1960, she became a full-time employee of the USSR State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.

In 1961, she starred in a cameo role in Anatoly Rybakov’s film “At the Beginning of the Century,” dedicated to the life and work of the young V. I. Lenin. Later she appeared on screen several times in films and plays - “Interview with Spring”, “Can You Play the Piano?”, “Vera”, “Institute of Grandmothers”. In each film she played TV show hosts.

Since 1968, when the information program “Time” appeared, Aza Likhitchenko became one of its main presenters. Aza Vladimirovna worked as an announcer of the Central Television of the USSR State Television and Radio until 1993, at the same time she was appointed director of the announcer department and was a mentor for early-career announcers and TV presenters who later became famous, in particular, her student Ekaterina Andreeva[1].

Currently retired, lives in Moscow.

Personal life

Husband 1: Alexander Georgievich Mendeleev, journalist and screenwriter; The divorce from him occurred after 17 years, the marriage was childless.
Husband 2: Alexander (last name unknown). From the second marriage, which also lasted 17 years, a daughter was born (a chemist by education and profession); there is a grandson - Dmitry[2].

Profession of non-professionals

Before 1990, only professional announcers read the news. In the nineties they were replaced by journalists, which was the death of a unique profession. First, the employee who was responsible for literacy was fired. After this, the presenters stopped reading from the piece of paper; a line began to run before their eyes, which creates the effect of “reading from oneself.” Some manage to do this a little better than others, some worse, but the effect of the news is no longer the same. Aza Vladimirovna is a pensioner, but the desire to share her experience arises in her head every time she watches the news.

Creator of the President

Aza Vladimirovna Likhitchenko shares with great pleasure on the topic “How to make a president out of an ordinary person.” In those distant times, many condemned and scolded Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, plus there was a situation when he almost drowned in the river. But one fine day he ended up on Echo of Moscow. Likhitchenko at that time worked in the “Time” program. And she invited her management to invite him to her broadcast. And everyone, as one, refused her, saying that there was nothing to talk about with him. But the announcer Aza Vladimirovna is an enterprising woman, so she decided to talk to Boris Nikolaevich in the winter garden. Then she went to report on her news program, and after reading it she met Yeltsin at the wardrobe. They struck up a conversation, and the future president shared with the TV presenter that he would just like to win the elections. To which Likhitchenko replied that he would not only pass, but would also become the Russian Tsar. And so it happened, which Aza Vladimirovna greatly regrets.

Early years

Aza (Azalia) Likhitchenko was born on November 20, 1937 in Moscow. Her nationality is Russian, although because of her appearance many took her for an Ossetian. From early childhood I dreamed of becoming an actress. In 1959 she graduated from the Moscow Art Theater School, course of P. Massalsky. Her classmates were Vladimir Vysotsky, Valentin Nikulin, Georgy Epifantsev. After graduating from drama school, she was accepted into the Sevastopol Russian Drama Theater, where she played in the play “Drummer”.

Didn't consider Genius

In one of her interviews, Aza Likhitchenko said that she was a very modest girl and did not attend student parties. But, despite such a difference in views on entertainment, she has her own story connected with Vladimir Vysotsky. The incident was innocent and interesting, but previously she had not considered it necessary to share it. But many years later, the story, starring Aza Likhitchenko and Vladimir Vysotsky, became public knowledge. This incident occurred during a tour of the Moscow region. Back then, ordinary students were accommodated in an ordinary rural school. There weren’t enough places for everyone, and Vysotsky came to Likhitchenko with the words that he had nowhere to sleep, and they would have to spend the night in one sleeping place. Aza Vladimirovna, of course, was against it, but there was nothing to be done.

She wrapped herself in a raincoat, very fashionable at that time, and threatened Vysotsky that the slightest touch would threaten him with a loud cry from a young beauty. But sighing loudly until the middle of the night, Vysotsky decided to go to sleep in the hayloft. Such a refusal hurt him, and then he constantly tried to make sure that Aza Likhitchenko was always nearby. Thanks to this, her personal life was enriched with a marriage proposal from a modern genius.

But it also ended in refusal, since Aza Vladimirovna had a completely different man in her thoughts. Despite this, the then unknown genius carried her in his arms, lifted her to the fifth floor, and took her to photo sessions that were so rare at that time. Vladimir Vysotsky was short-lived in his courtship and within two months he married Iza Meshkova. But, according to Vysotsky’s mother, Aza Likhitchenko always lived in his heart. Her personal life was eventful, because all the men in the country were in love with her. But the journalist Alexander Georgievich Mendeleev, who became her first husband, was able to win the beauty.

Opponent of office romances

Only the best shone on television in Soviet times. They were not only professionals in their field, but also truly beautiful people. Igor Kirilov alone could turn the head of any girl. But this did not concern Aza Likhitchenko. She was completely immersed in her work. It was important for her that it was convenient and comfortable to work with her partner, and, as we know, it is difficult to remain friends after a romantic relationship. Therefore, all the co-hosts were a reliable working support for Likhitchenko, who would always pick up and give a clue.

The salary of the then star was 300 rubles plus an additional eight rubles for each program. The money, of course, is not bad, but in comparison with modern faces of news broadcasts, the announcers of that time were simply beggars. But Aza Vladimirovna does not feel envy towards them, the only thing is that, in her opinion, now she could present the news even more colorfully and brightly, because there is much more freedom.

Origin of the star

There are many versions regarding where Aza Likhitchenko was born. Her nationality is known - Aza is Russian, but many say that she is Ossetian. The reason for this legend was the exotic appearance and name of the central television announcer. In fact, she has never been to Ossetia. But I received simply a huge number of pleasant letters from its residents, which is why I fell in love with this country in absentia. You can also find information online that Likhitchenko is an orphan who lost her parents at an early age. She was raised in an orphanage. Aza Likhitchenko also refutes this information with a smile. She was raised by her parents, who lived a long and happy life.

Facts from life

Once Aza made a funny slip on air, saying “moonshine” combine, when she should have said self-propelled.
Many viewers, including Brezhnev’s wife, were sure that the presenter was performing in a wig, although in fact this was not the case. Gets along well with neighbors who come from Ossetia. He can’t deny himself a fragrant cigarette. In 2011 she was awarded the Order of Friendship. He likes to lead parades in honor of the Day of the Great October Socialist Revolution. Veteran of the Central Television program “Vremya” Aza Likhitchenko celebrates her 80th birthday. Do you know Aza Likhitchenko?
Not really

Interesting Facts

A funny slip on the air – instead of a self-propelled harvester, she said “moonshine”.
I never wore a wig, although the entire Brezhnev family was sure otherwise.
He is strong friends with his neighbors, who are originally from Ossetia.
Her husband doesn’t really like physical work, so when he needs to work, he pretends to be sick.
Likhitchenko is not against smoking a fragrant cigarette.
In 2011, Aza Vladimirovna was awarded the Order of Friendship.
He loves to lead parades in honor of November 7th.
At one time, I received marriage proposals from Vladimir Vysotsky himself.

Personal life of Aza Likhitchenko

An interesting fact from the personal life of Aza Likhitchenko - even during her student years, Vladimir Vysotsky liked her. He even proposed marriage to her! But at that time, Azalea gave preference to someone else, and after some time Vysotsky went down the aisle with Iza Meshkova.

Aza Likhitchenko's husband Alexander Mendeleev

But our heroine’s personal life was different. Her first husband was Alexander Mendeleev, who worked as a screenwriter and journalist. It was his script that formed the basis of the film “A Song Urgently Needed,” in which Vladimir Vysotsky was a member of the cast.

The actress does not talk about the reasons for her divorce from Mendeleev and subsequent relationships, preferring to keep her personal life away from camera flashes.

What else do you know about the personal life and children of Aza Likhitchenko?