The recognized master of comic episodes Gerdt Zinovy played in many films, was a favorite of women. His real name was Zalman Afroimovich Khrapinovich, in the circle of friends - Zyama.
early years
Zinovy Efimovich was born on September 21, 1916. The family lived in Sebezh (Pskov Region), they had four children. Parents were Jewish by nationality. Zinovy's father was a clerk, salesman, and after the revolution he worked in the district consumer union. Mother could sing well.
Gerdt knew Yiddish, studied at a Jewish school. As a schoolboy, he became interested in poetry, at the age of 13 he composed poems about collectivization, which were published in the newspaper.
In 1932, Zinovy began to live in Moscow, like his brother. The young man entered the school of the electric plant to master the profession of a locksmith. He also performed at the Theater of Working Youth. In that period, Gerdt made friends with Isaiah Kuznetsov, who later became a writer, screenwriter.
After graduating from college, Zinovy worked as an electrician, continued to play on stage. In 1939, he ended up at Arbuzovskaya Studio, where he worked before the war.
Then Gerdt fought, volunteering for the front. He was a sapper, later became a company commander. Zinovy was seriously wounded in the leg, underwent several operations, but remained lame.
Theater
When Gerdt was in the hospital, a puppet theater performed in front of the fighters. After the war, Zinovy met with the head of the theater Obraztsov Sergey, who took him to the troupe. The actor worked at the Puppet Theater for 40 years.
The performances were successful, the team toured a lot abroad, having visited 23 countries, including the USA, Japan. The public was presented with an "Extraordinary Concert". Zinovy had the role of Entertainer, which he performed in the language of the country where the performance took place. To do this, he studied with translators.
Gerdt also worked in Sovremennik, the Drama Theater. Ermolaeva. Puppet Theater he had to leave because of disagreements with the leader.
Cinema, television
In cinema, Zinovy was a dubbing actor, starring in episodes. In the film "The Golden Calf", "The Magician" he was also invited to episodic roles, but both directors saw that the actor was capable of more. Gerd got the main roles, the Golden Calf was especially successful. After the release of the film, the actor had many suggestions from the directors.
In Gerdt’s filmography, such famous films as: “City of Masters”, “Stoves, Shops”, “Raffle”, “12 Chairs”, “Straw Hat”, “Interdevochka”, “Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed”, etc. Zinovy Efimovich received the title of People’s Honored Artist.
Gerdt successfully worked on TV, for four years he led the program "Kinopanorama". He left this job due to an uncomfortable schedule. In the 90s, Zinovy Efimovich was the host of the Tea Club, a participant in the show "Field of Miracles."
