Well-known actor of Moldova passes away at 78

Actor, director, humorist and writer Gheorghe Urschi, People’s Artist, nicknamed “the king of humor”, has passed away at the age of 78. The announcement was made by his family on social media.

The humorist departed this life after spending a month in the intensive care unit of the Timofei Mosneaga Republican Clinical Hospital, where he underwent surgery.

“Gheorghe Urschi has passed away. After 5,422 days of fighting for life, the treacherous body has released his soul. Receive him, Lord, into Your peace and light. There he will be taken care of by his wife, Maria Urschi,” the post reads.

Gheorghe Urschi was born in Cotiujenii Mari, Soldanesti district, in 1948. In 1970 he graduated from the Boris Shchukin Theatre School from Moscow. He was an actor at the Republican Luceafarul Theatre for Children and Youth. He performed in numerous plays and directed dozens of productions.

Over more than four decades of activity, Gheorghe Urschi wrote books, authored plays, film scripts and produced numerous shows and concerts. He wrote the plays: “The Youngest Son” (1979), “We’ll Live and We’ll See” (1986), “The Will” (1992), “The Will-2” (2001), “Two Cranes, Two Violins” (2003), “Chirita Again!”, as well as more plays for children. He directed some of these plays  and also acted in them.

Gheorghe Urschi was also a member of the Theatre Union and the Writers’ Union of Moldova. He published several volumes of short stories: “The Girls’ Hill”, “The Island of Adolescence”, “The Boy with the Guitar”, “Cases and Troubles”, “I’m Jumping Off the Track”, “Selected Writings” (in three volumes). He translated from Russian literature: M. Gorky, A. Vampilov, V. Astafiev and others. He wrote lyrics for several songs and composed pieces of light music. He also wrote and directed three films: “Who Hires, Pays”, “Oh My, Don’t Pour So Much!” and “The Feint”.

The humorist also became well-known thanks to the television show, Miniature Theatre, as well as through concerts held in Moldovan villages together with Maria Urschi, Gheorghe Parlea and Doina and Ion Aldea-Teodorovici.

In 2008, Gheorghe Urschi was awarded the Order of the Republic; in 2012, he received the title of People’s Artist, and in 2019 he was granted the National Prize. In 2014, on his birthday, he became an honorary citizen of the Chisinau municipality.

In June 2011, the artist left the stage after suffering a stroke, followed by years of treatment and hospitalizations.