Erosi Manjgaladze

Erosi Manjgaladze (Georgian: ეროსი მანჯგალაძე; March 3, 1925 – January 26, 1982) was a Soviet and Georgian stage and film actor who played lead roles in some of the most popular Soviet films, such as The Wishing Tree, Melodies of Vera Quarter, Londre, Kvevri and A Necklace for My Beloved. Manjgaladze was also a popular sport commentator of football matches. For his contribution to the Soviet cinematography and performing arts Manjgaladze received the title of People's Artist of the Georgian SSR. Manjgaladze was born in Ganiri in Samtredia Municipality. In 1945, while studying at the Theatre and Film Academy, the theater director Georgy Tovstonogov invited Manjgaladze to Griboedov Theater to play the role of Pripitkin in Maxim Gorky's Barbarians. His talent was quickly recognized by the famous Rustaveli Theatre where he was invited to join its theatrical troupe of well known acting stars like Akaki Khorava, Ramaz Chkhikvadze, and Medea Chakhava. The production of Gabriel Sundukian's well-known play Pepo where Manjgaladze played the role of cunning trader Arutin Kirakozovich Zimzimov in the duet with actress Medea Chakhava (who played the role of Shushan) would become one of the most celebrated theatrical performances of the time and earn him the recognition of an exceptional actor. Manjgaladze's notable theatrical roles included King Oedipus, Khanuma (Count Vano Pantiashvili), and in the Caucasian Chalk Circle (Azdav). He also performed in famous theater houses of Marjanishvili and Tumanishvili theaters working with legendary directors such as Mikheil Tumanishvili.

Manjgaladze possessed one of the best-known voices in theater, a gripping tone of basso profondo which lend him to voice-over roles, voice acting in numerous films and career as the sports commentator of live football matches. His radio broadcasts of news reports from the frontlines during the WWII has earned him the nom de guerre of "Georgian leviathan." His majestic voice in combination with emotional and energetic real time commentary of football matches made him as an iconic sports commentator in the Soviet Union. According to the renowned Georgian actress Medea Chakhava: "He had a magical voice, a soft velvet tone with low pitch. He didn't talk but murmured gently. It felt as if music has poured from his vocal cords."

In film and theater Manjgaladze was known for his unique way of improvisation and impromptu inventing new lines during the live performances on the stage. His role as police chief Samchkuashvili in 1970 satirical comedy Kvevri became one of the most loved films in Georgia. His extraordinary performance as Bumbula in 1976 film The Wishing Tree received high praise among the film critics. He died from a sudden heart attack in his Tbilisi apartment, aged 56.