July 4 marks the birthday anniversary of talented Soviet Armenian actor Mher Mkrtchyan, better known by his stage name Frunzik. The prominent actor would have turned 90 today.
“Great Armenian artist Martiros Saryan, while painting my portrait, asked me: “Where are you from, Mher?” I replied: “My father is from Mush, mother is from Van and I was born in Leninakan. So, where I am from?” The master thought for some time and said: “So, you are a genuine resident of Yerevan, guy.” (From “Mher Mkrtchyan. Eternal Monologue.”)
Every role he played in cinema or theater is unique and recognizes no time. “An actor should be able to play any role. An actor represents a man, and the human essence has such manifestations as crying, laughter and humor,” he said once. The actor followed this principle both in cinema and theater.
Born in Leninakan (now Gyumri), he first studied in a local art college and theatre studio. Later, Mkrtchyan also graduated from Yerevan Institute of Fine Arts and Theatre. Beginning 1953, he performed in the Sundukyan Drama Theatre of Yerevan. He also directed many successful productions, with Maxim Gorky's “The Lower Depths" among the best.
His cinema career began in 1955. The artist’s famous ...
