Our today's hero does not need any special introduction. After all, this is the famous satirist M. Zhvanetsky, whose biography, personal life and work still arouse genuine interest among hundreds of thousands of people. We will be very happy to share with you information about his person. You will find out where Mikhail Zhvanetsky was born and studied. The satirist's wives and children will also be named. You can start reading.
Childhood, family and education
M. M. Zhvanetsky was born on March 6, 1934 in one of the most beautiful Ukrainian cities - Odessa. Then the family moved to Vinnytsia region. Zhvanetsky has Jewish roots. Our hero's father and mother were doctors.
When Misha was 7 years old, the war began. His father was sent to Tashkent. There Emmanuel Moiseevich was appointed head physician at the hospital. My wife and son also came to this city. In Tashkent, Misha studied until the 3rd grade. Then the Zhvanetsky family returned to their native Odessa. Our hero has studied at a high school for boys and at the Institute of Marine Engineers. He began composing monologues and miniatures while still a student. What did Misha Zhvanetsky write about then? About women, nature, everyday problems, etc.
In his youth, the future satirist worked in the Odessa port
Zhvanetsky did not immediately become an actor and writer. After school, he graduated from the Odessa Institute of Marine Engineers with a degree in “Mechanical Engineer of Port Lifting and Transport Equipment.” And for 8 whole years he worked in his specialty: first in the Odessa port, and then at the factory.
While still at the institute, he began performing in amateur performances and in the student theater of miniatures “Parnas-2”. In 1954, he met actor Viktor Ilchenko, and then Roman Kartsev. Together with them, he played miniatures of his compositions on stage and led concerts.
Zhvanetsky wrote about the past: “Past life is like an old car - you can be touched, but you can’t drive it. We left."
Creative activity
In 1960, he met A. Raikin. The head of the Leningrad Theater of Miniatures got acquainted with the works of the Odessa satirist. Some of them were included in the group's repertoire. In 1964, Mikhail came to Leningrad, where he got a job at the A. Raikin Theater. After 6 years he returned to Odessa. Together with V. Ilchenko and R. Kartsev he created his own miniature theater. The creative team toured the entire USSR.
Zhvanetsky's further career was connected with the Rosconcert organization (as a production director), the Young Guard publishing house (early 1980s) and the Moscow Theater of Miniatures (as an artistic director).
M. M. Zhvanetsky is the author of many monologues, which he wrote specifically for R. Kartsev, S. Yursky, Arkady Raikin and other pop artists. Our hero also published several books and collections, including “Odessa Dachas”, “A Year in Two”, “Hot Summer”.
Biography and personal life of Mikhail Zhvanetsky
The biography and personal life of Mikhail Zhvanetsky is an example of how life can throw a person in a variety of directions, so - a mechanical engineer instantly became the most recognizable satirist of the USSR, and later exchanged a quiet family hearth for fame and communication with women, whose names will be carefully hide.
Contrary to the popular belief that Zhvanetsky was born and raised in Odessa and the unspoken title of “the most popular Odessa resident,” Zhvanetsky spent a considerable part of his life hundreds of kilometers from the “Pearl by the Sea”, in the central part of Ukraine, while the satirist was still born in Odessa, but the war that broke out in 1941 forced the Zhvanetsky family to emigrate. He returned to his historical homeland, a satirist, at the age of 10. In Odessa, he graduated from school No. 118, then received a specialty as a mechanical engineer for handling and transport equipment of ports.
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The profession he received was quite close to young Misha, but social activities attracted him much more; he was an activist of the course, a Komsomol organizer, and participated in amateur performances.
In 1964, at the invitation of Arkady Raikin, he became the head of the literary department of the Leningrad Theater of Miniatures. Later, Raikin criticized Zhvanetsky, noting that the satirist lacks banal perseverance to do this work, Zhvanetsky’s explosive and unpredictable character could significantly harm the theater’s activities, he approved scripts that were on the verge of censorship, he himself wrote rather defiant monologues, but his ability to get out, finding words and conveying the diversity of colloquial speech in the text, smoothing out all the rough edges, brought him success.
In 1969, Raikin, together with Zhvanetsky, launched the “Traffic Light” program, where the author’s monologues were performed for the first time. At the same time, he painted miniatures for Roman Kartsev and Viktor Ilchenko. Many of the monologues they performed became truly national hits, but not everyone knew that the author of these miniatures and monologues was Zhvanetsky.
In the early 70s, Zhvanetsky came to the realization that he was behind the scenes; monologues that were taken away for quotes did not bring him either fame or money. According to Raikin’s recollections, Zhvanetsky was literally infuriated by the fact that his monologues were being appropriated by other people; hearing on public transport another phrase of his own composition, he wanted to shout at the top of his lungs that the author of these words was in front of you, but modesty or anything else did not allow him to do this do. As a result, Zhvanetsky decided to part with the theater and start a solo career
He began his personal creative journey with performances at the Odessa Philharmonic and the Moscow Hermitage Theater. In fact, these institutions became the “alma mater” of the satirist. In them he received his first life and creative lessons, gained popularity, which allowed him to become a production director at Rosconcert.
In the 80s, Zhvanetsky’s growing popularity pushed him to take new steps in his work; he created the Moscow Theater of Miniatures, where today he works as artistic director
The advent of the 21st century—the age of information technology and television—forces the satirist to somewhat change his role. He goes on television with his monologues and quite successfully tries himself as a TV presenter. The program “Duty in the Country” (Russia-1), hosted by Zhvanetsky, had good ratings.
In 2020, Zhvanetsky’s monologue “girl and grandfather” caused an extremely controversial reaction in expert circles, shaking his position in the ranking of popular artists; many did not like the satirist’s position on modern television. However, his own position is what has always distinguished Zhvanetsky from many artists. The Ukrainian authorities also noted this, adding Zhvanetsky to the white list of artists who support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and oppose Russian interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine. At the same time, the satirist himself has never publicly spoken out on this issue and generally tries to stay away from politics, ridiculing in his monologues only the vices of modern society, but not the state and power.
Not much is known about the personal life of the famous Odessa resident. His first wife's name was Larisa. Their marriage went unnoticed amid the growing popularity of the artist. The country did not notice the divorce of the spouses. Later, according to some sources, the artist changed several common-law wives, information about which is extremely limited on the Internet. According to some reports, he has five children, but only three children are reliably known - two sons and a daughter
First marriage
Immediately after graduation, Misha Zhvanetsky married a pretty girl, Larisa Kulik. A young married couple was forced to live in the same room with their mother-in-law.
The woman reacted sensitively to every whisper and creaking of the bed. Something constantly bothered and outraged her. However, Misha could not even say a word against her. After all, at that time I was practically a beggar. The talented writer disappeared for days at a time in the local port. Soon his life changed. He began to follow Raikin around the cities, offering to familiarize himself with his repertoire. And then one day the master purchased several miniatures from him. Mikhail Mikhailovich drank his first fee (500 rubles) and skipped. After this, Zhvanetsky’s wife filed for divorce.
He loved Larisa very much and always indulged her in everything. For example, he might not come to a rehearsal if his wife asks about it. After the divorce, Misha left his native Odessa for Leningrad. And Zhvanetsky’s ex-wife went to the capital of France - Paris. There Larisa took up the affairs of a small gallery, which she inherited from a rich uncle.
Beautiful Hope
In 1970, our hero returned to Odessa. Zhvanetsky began collaborating with the local KVN team. There he met his new chosen one. Nadezhda Gaiduk captivated him with her natural beauty and high intelligence. She was a graduate of the theater and art school, and worked as a costume designer at the club. Misha literally followed her on her heels, showered her with compliments, and wrote down her jokes in a notebook.
A year later, the beauty left for Moscow. But they continued to communicate by correspondence. Mikhail and Nadezhda began a serious relationship when the satirist returned to Leningrad. The couple lived in two cities - Moscow and St. Petersburg. This suited them quite well. The lovers were in no hurry to go to the registry office. In the 10th year of their relationship, M. Zhvanetsky and N. Gaiduk had a daughter, who was named Elizaveta. However, they did not have a happy family life. Nadezhda learned that Mikhail had a mistress in Leningrad. This became a turning point in their relationship. Nadya registered her daughter with her last name.
Creation
While studying at the institute, Mikhail took an active part in amateur performances. At the same time, he was a Komsomol organizer.
Later, Zhvanetsky founded the student theater of miniatures “Parnas-2”. He performed monologues on stage and also wrote miniatures for other artists, including Roman Kartsev and Viktor Ilchenko.
In Odessa, the theater quickly gained great popularity, where many local residents and guests of the city went.
Zhvanetsky's monologues touched on various social problems, touching on the most pressing issues. And although a certain sadness prevailed in them, the author wrote and performed them in such a way that the audience could not help but laugh.
Mikhail Zhvanetsky and Arkady Raikin
In 1963, a significant event occurred in the biography of Mikhail Zhvanetsky. He met the famous satirist Arkady Raikin, who came to Odessa on tour.
As a result, Raikin offered cooperation not only to Zhvanetsky, but also to Kartsev and Ilchenko.
Soon Arkady Isaakovich included many of Mikhail’s works in his repertoire, and in 1964 he invited him to Leningrad, confirming him as head of the literary department.
It was his collaboration with Raikin that brought Zhvanetsky all-Union popularity, thanks to which the Odessa resident’s miniatures quickly became quotable.
In 1969, Arkady Raikin presented a new program, “Traffic Light,” which was enthusiastically accepted by his compatriots. Moreover, absolutely the entire program consisted of works by Zhvanetsky.
In addition, Mikhail Mikhailovich wrote over 300 miniatures for the duet of Viktor Ilchenko and Roman Kartsev.
Over time, the writer decides to leave the theater to pursue solo activities. He begins to perform on stage with his works, having great success with the public.
In 1970, Zhvanetsky, together with Kartsev and Ilchenko, returned to his native Odessa, where he founded a theater of miniatures. Concerts of artists continue to be sold out.
At that time, the satirist wrote the famous monologue “Avas”, which made the audience fall with laughter. At the same time, this miniature, performed by Kartsev and Ilchenko, was repeatedly shown on Soviet TV.
Later, Zhvanetsky began collaborating with Rosconcert, where he worked as a production director. Then he moved to the literary publishing house “Young Guard”, receiving a position as a full-time employee.
In the 80s, Mikhail Zhvanetsky created the Moscow Theater of Miniatures, which he still heads to this day.
Over the years of his creative biography, the comedian wrote hundreds of monologues for himself and other artists. The most popular of them were such works as “In the Greek Hall”, “You Can’t Live Like This”, “How They Jokes in Odessa”, “In the Warehouse”, “Normal, Grigory! Great, Konstantin! and many others.
Dozens of books have come from the pen of Zhvanetsky, including “Meetings on the Street”, “Odessa Dachas”, “My Briefcase”, “Don’t Continue the Short” and others.
Since 2002, the comedian has been the main character of the “Country Duty” program. The program discusses various issues related to everyday, political and other problems.
As of today, Mikhail Mikhailovich lives and works in Moscow.
On TV through pull
Four years later, Mikhail went to Moscow to build a television career. He wasn't very well received. But Zhvanetsky managed to find a “loophole”. At that time, the head of the “Around Laughter” program was a very attractive woman named Tatyana. In a short time, Misha managed to win her heart. Zhvanetsky moved into her apartment. The new darling helped the native of Odessa “break through” to television.
Tatyana was ready to shout about her love at every corner. And Mikhail was afraid that someone would find out about their affair.
A fleeting romance
At the same time, our hero started an affair with a woman who worked as a nurse for his sick mother. Regina Ryvkina was the name of this lady. She was not young, but she loved to walk. One day Zhvanetsky came home heavily drunk. And the mother’s nurse decided to take advantage of the situation by seducing Misha.
Soon Regina informed the satirist about her pregnancy. A real scandal broke out, after which the woman quit and left for the USA. After some time, it became known that her son Andrei was born. Regina reminded herself by obliging Zhvanetsky to pay child support.
Venus
Mikhail’s next chosen one also fled to America. He met a pretty Tatar woman, Venus Umarova, in Moscow. The girl just graduated from a chemical university and got a job as a teacher. The relationship between the oriental beauty and the writer from Odessa developed rapidly. A couple of months after they met, they began to live under the same roof.
Zhvanetsky's common-law wife, Venus, constantly persuaded him to emigrate to the USA. But he did not share her desire to leave the USSR. Mikhail and Venus lived together for 10 years and raised their common son, Maxim. And it all ended with the beloved moving to America. She took the child with her.
Awards
Zhvanetsky Mikhail Manyevich is a People's Artist of the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Zhvanetsky is a laureate of the Presidential Prize of the Russian Federation in the field of literature and art, laureate of the Triumph Prize. The writer has the Order of Friendship of Peoples. The satirist is a member of the Union of Writers of the USSR and Russia, and is the president of the World Club of Odessa residents. Mikhail Zhvanetsky is an honorary citizen of Odessa.
Zhvanetsky in the Kremlin at the presentation of the honorary title “People’s Artist of the Russian Federation”
Fateful acquaintance
Zhvanetsky's current wife is Natalya Surova. She worked as a costume designer, although she was trained as a hydrologist. How did they meet? All details are presented below.
In 1990, in Arcadia, at the dacha owned by Mikhail’s mother, the opening of the Odessa Club took place. Many people were invited to this event. Zhvanetsky’s future common-law wife also ended up there. 24-year-old Natasha Surova worked part-time as a waitress. She served coffee to all the guests. The head of the Odessa Club immediately drew attention to her. As you guessed, we are talking about Mikhail Zhvanetsky. And there is nothing to be surprised about. After all, the girl looked very impressive: a bob haircut, high-heeled shoes, a small black dress and an elegant red coat.
At the end of the event, the satirical writer approached Natasha to get to know her. One of the guests joked: “Look, this is Zhvanetsky and his wife!” Their age difference is 32 years. The experienced man managed to interest the girl from the first minutes of communication.
Natalya did not even imagine the scale of his personal life. At that time there was no Internet access yet. And Mikhail’s inner circle tried not to give away unnecessary information. It must be said that his friends immediately accepted Surova and carefully protected the beauty from various gossip. They were probably just tired of Zhvanetsky’s endless love stories. They wanted the satirist to settle down and start a family.
She learned some details from Mikhail’s past from his envious people and ill-wishers. In this situation, Natasha acted like a wise woman - she did not start a showdown and did not ask the writer unnecessary questions.
Zhvanetsky turned out to be a gallant suitor. He presented his beloved with flowers and invited her to restaurants and cinemas. And when their relationship was six months old, Misha bought Natalya an expensive nutria fur coat.
Notes[ | ]
- Mikhail Manyevich Zhvanetsky
- Zhvanetsky - about the crisis, swearing and the Comedy Club RIANovosti
, March 6, 2009 - Mikhail Zhvanetsky. "Seattle". Collected Works, volume 5: “ Russians always have a homeland.
Unfortunately, you, Mikhail Manyevich, cannot understand this,” she said [... ] - State Institution "Moscow Theater of Miniatures" (manager: Zhvanetsky Mikhail Manyevich)
- List of laureates of the State Prizes of the Russian Federation in 2001 Archived on October 8, 2011.
- Personal life and biography: Mikhail Zhvanetsky
- Mikhail Mikhailovich Zhvanetsky - biography, information, personal life
- Military doctor 2nd rank Emanuil Moiseevich Zhvanetsky
- Emanuel Moiseevich Zhvanetsky on the website “Feat of the People”
- ↑ 1 2
Mikhail Zhvanetsky: “When I, Kartsev and Ilchenko left the Raikin Theater, most of all Arkady Isaakovich was worried about the loss of Vitya”
(unspecified)
. Facts and comments (March 13, 2012). - Roman Kartsev: “Ilchenko lived with his wife for 33 years, and with me for 30 years!” // KP.RU - Voronezh-Chernozem region
- Roman Kartsev.
I dreamed about Chaplin... - Litres, 2020. - ISBN 9785457020535. - Theater "Parnas-2". 1962: fateful meeting
- Elizaveta Dmitrievna Uvarova.
Russian stage, XX century: encyclopedia. - OLMA Media Group, 2004. - 250 p. — ISBN 9785224044627. - Valery Khait: about Zhvanetsky (unspecified)
. Seven Arts (December 12, 2014). - WHO IS “ON DUTY”? Archival copy dated August 30, 2008 on the Wayback Machine - New newspaper about the new ATV program, 04/25/2002
- Template:Cite From March 9 to March 25, replays were broadcast on the VGTRK channel SUTAS RF web
- WAR IN CHECHNYA: Izvestia publishes a call from the intelligentsia to stop the war (unspecified)
.
The Rise of Russian Media
. - Yuri Mann: “How well we can adapt to circumstances!” April 1 - 200 years of N.V. Gogol. Russia and Ukraine are fighting not only for gas, but also for the anniversary (unspecified)
. Novaya Gazeta (April 1, 2009). - In defense of Svetlana Bakhmina. Open letter from cultural figures to the President of Russia (unspecified)
.
Novaya Gazeta
(October 30, 2008). - Which cultural figure signed an open letter in support of Pussy Riot (unspecified)
. Online812 (June 27, 2012). - Zhvanetsky finished reading the scandalous monologue with TEFI to “Interlocutor” (unspecified)
. Interlocutor (July 1, 2015). - One hint and you're gone. Zhvanetsky was cut from the broadcast of the TEFI ceremony. Kiselev - Tefinosets (undefined)
. Novaya Gazeta (July 3, 2015). - Hello, new generation of journalists (undefined)
. Echo of Moscow (July 20, 2015). - The Ministry of Culture has published a “white list” of artists who are welcome in Ukraine (unspecified)
. Facts and comments (July 31, 2015). - Nastya Berezina.
Kiev included Makarevich and Zemfira in the white list of cultural figures
(undefined)
. RBC (July 30, 2015). Retrieved May 3, 2020. - The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has published a list of artists who threaten national security. In Kiev they believe that these are Oleg Gazmanov, Sergei Bezrukov and others (unspecified)
. Kommersant (August 8, 2015). - “Mikhail Zhvanetsky. Anniversary concert." TV channel "Russia-1", broadcast from 04/06/2013
- Bozhko G.
Mikhail Zhvanetsky: “Evil is good that has come to power”
(undefined)
. Mirror of the week (November 4, 2005). - Odessa Steamship // AroundTV
- How “Odessa Steamship” was filmed // Vesti.ru, December 29, 2019
- "Odessa Steamship" sets sail on January 1 // Russia.tv
- The premiere television screening of the film based on Zhvanetsky “Odessa Steamship” took place // -Culture 01/2/2020
- ↑ 123
Around TV. Biography of Mikhail Zhvanetsky. // vokrug.tv - Official website of the World Club of Odessa residents. Club membership. // odessitclub.org Archived copy from April 27, 2014 on the Wayback Machine
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of February 28, 1994 No. 427 “On awarding the Order of Friendship of Peoples to M. M. Zhvanetsky”
- ↑ 12
RIA News". Inquiries. Biography of Mikhail Zhvanetsky. March 6, 2014 marks the 80th anniversary of the birth of the satirical writer Mikhail Zhvanetsky. // ria.ru (March 6, 2014) - ODESSA CITY COUNCIL
- Nagorodzheniya by Decree of the President of Ukraine dated June 8, 1999 No. 1146
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of September 24, 2001 No. 1145 “On awarding state awards of the Russian Federation”
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 30, 2002 No. 111 “On awarding the 2001 Presidential Prizes in the field of literature and art”
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of March 6, 2009 No. 242 “On awarding the Order of Merit to the Fatherland, IV degree, to M. M. Zhvanetsky.”
- Dmitry Medvedev awarded Mikhail Zhvanetsky with the Order // lenta.ru (March 6, 2009)
- Official website of the city of Odessa. Regulatory acts. City Council decisions. Resolution of Odessa Municipality for the sake of No. 4086-V dated 04/05/2009. “About the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the national day of the prominent satirist M. M. Zhvanetsky.” // odessa.ua
- Guide to Odessa. Streets of Odessa. Mikhail Zhvanetsky Boulevard. Toponymic information. // odessitclub.org
- Official website of the city of Odessa / News
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of March 21, 2012 No. 315 “On awarding the honorary title “People’s Artist of the Russian Federation””
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of February 27, 2020 No. 79 “On awarding state awards of the Russian Federation”
- Structure of the Russian Jewish Congress Archived copy of February 24, 2020 on the Wayback Machine // Official website of the RJC
A happy family
After several dates, Zhvanetsky invited his young lady to live together. And she agreed.
The couple was in no hurry to formalize their relationship. In 1995, Zhvanetsky’s common-law wife gave him an heir - his son Dmitry. The boy received his father's famous surname.
When Dima was growing up, he constantly asked why his parents weren’t married. After all, he did not want the people around him to consider him illegitimate. Mikhail Mikhailovich and Natalya constantly found some excuses. But in 2010, they finally went to the registry office. They simply got married without arranging any celebrations. The couple also agreed in advance that Natasha would keep her maiden name.
How is Zhvanetsky’s everyday life going today? He does some of the work at home, lying in bed with a folder of papers. At this time, wife Natalya goes about her business: cooking, cleaning other rooms, and so on. She knows not to disturb her husband at the moment when he is composing another monologue.
The Zhvanetskys have several exercise machines at home. This is Mikhail's hobby. But recently, Natalya also began to join in the training. Misha chooses healthy food - vegetables, steamed fish, lean meat. It is extremely rare that he asks his wife to bake buns or cookies.
Children of Mikhail Zhvanetsky
Do you want to know how the fate of the satirist’s heirs turned out? Now we will tell you about it.
Elizaveta, Zhvanetsky’s daughter from his marriage to Nadezhda Gaiduk, received an acting education. The son Andrei Ryvkin, whom his mistress Regina gave birth to, became a journalist and political commentator.
Maxim lives in the USA. His profession is unknown. And Olga grew up in Siberia. Her mother and stepfather were involved in her upbringing. The girl graduated from high school and received the profession of journalist.
As for the youngest son, he is the pride of Mikhail Mikhailovich. Dima graduated from a gymnasium located in the elite village of Zhukovka. And two years ago, a guy entered Moscow State University without any connections. Dmitry is studying to become a psychologist.
Of all the illegitimate children, our hero recognized only Maxim and Olga. But he doesn’t even want to communicate with Andrey and Lisa.
What M. Zhvanetsky says about women
Here are a few aphorisms from the famous satirical writer:
- A woman is not yesterday's soup. You won't be able to heat it up.
- Never marry a lady you can live with. Choose the one you can’t live without.
- Smart thoughts and women never come together.
- The scandal does not spoil the representatives of the fair sex, but refreshes them. A woman makes a scandal and lives. And you will say to the men: “May you die.” And they do it right away.
- Women are better than men. They are smarter, more dexterous and more beautiful. And they still manage to live longer.
- A woman is a creature that constantly needs love. If you don’t know how to love, then sit and be friends.
- In theatres, lectures and concert halls there is always a majority of women. Where are the men? Some are at football, some are in a mental hospital, and some are in a hospital bed with a heart attack.
Loosen the knot
One could write a large and intricate novel about the personal life of Mikhail Mikhailovich. He never understood monogamy:
“Loyalty and devotion are a tightly tied tie, and I really want to loosen this knot. I think that loyalty is an easy sign of lack of intelligence.”
The first time he married “a pretty girl Larisa,” whom he loved very much. Larisa did not like living with the constantly absent and still poor satirist, she filed for divorce. Then Zhvanetsky did not marry for a long time (“if you don’t know how to love, sit and be friends!”), but the famous Odessa love of life and southern temperament attracted different women to him, sometimes several at once. In his book “As before God,” Joseph Kobzon wrote:
“Zhvanetsky has a house in America, a family, and here is another family, and he lives in two camps.”
Now Mikhail Mikhailovich has five children all over the world: two sons and three daughters. His famous joke “One wrong move and you’re a father” didn’t come out of nowhere.
Interesting Facts
From June to October, Zhvanetsky and his wife spend time in their spacious house located in the city of Odessa.
In 1991 he received the title of People's Artist of the USSR. The satirist is also a holder of the Order of Friendship of Peoples. In 1999 he became People's Artist of Ukraine.
Mikhail Mikhailovich hates hunting. He simply does not understand how people can kill defenseless animals. A fat cat named Maurice lives in the Zhvanetskys’ house. He is lazy and clumsy, but so funny and affectionate.
Our hero is never silent if he doesn’t like something. Friends often invite Mikhail to their premiere performances. For them, he is the main and impartial critic.
In 1991, he starred in an episode of the detective film “Genius” as himself.
Zhvanetsky, together with his wife Natalya, is engaged in growing tomatoes, cucumbers and various greens on their plot. The satirist also wanted to have pigs and chickens, but his beloved wife opposed this.
Mikhail loves lavish feasts and large companies. Guests are always welcome at the Zhvanetskys’ house. For example, Evgeny Grishkovets, Sergey Soloviev, Andrey Makarevich, as well as Leonid Yarmolnik and his wife Oksana come to visit them.
Who is the boss in the duet?
Mikhail Zhvanetsky, together with Kartsev and Ilchenko, create about 300 miniatures. The duet is recognized by its replicas, and its popularity grows. Mikhail becomes a conversational artist - that’s what stand-up was called back then. Tape recordings are distributed throughout the country; in Leningrad, Raikin recognizes his work in them.
The small theater begins to tour. The image of a “man with a briefcase” has already been created, who pulls out a pile of handwritten texts from it and reads, addressing the audience. Later he will be immortalized in bronze, but for now – fame without money.
Since 1972, Zhvanetsky moved to the Moscow Theater of Miniatures (in the Hermitage Garden). He works there, then at Rosconcert as a director, later as an employee of the publishing house, and finally as artistic director of his own Moscow Theater of Miniatures.
Since 1979, the duo Kartsev - Ilchenko, who also moved to Moscow, created a kind of “theater within a theater.” This has already happened with the talented duet Mironov and Menaker. Apparently, the theater cannot maintain its pop direction. The following plays are staged: “When we were resting”, “Bravo, satire!”, “Bird’s Flight” based on Zhvanetsky’s scripts.
