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- He worked part-time as a waiter at night, and then became a television star: Alexander Oleshko is 50 years old
He worked part-time as a waiter at night, and then became a television star: Alexander Oleshko is 50 years old
Alexander Oleshko went from a provincial boy who was left without a father at an early age and was looking for himself in Moscow to one of the most recognizable artists in Russia. At the beginning of his career, he worked as a waiter to survive in the capital, and today he is known as an actor, TV presenter and master of reincarnation. How his fate developed, what roles made him popular and what he is doing today — in the material of Izvestia.
Alexander Oleshko: childhood and moving to Moscow
Alexander Oleshko was born on July 23, 1976 in Chisinau. His parents were engineers, but they always loved creativity. His mother sang, and his father, who soon left the family, played the saxophone. Oleshko himself has repeatedly noted that from an early age he loved the stage and aspired to perform in front of an audience.
Back in kindergarten, little Sasha announced "I'm going to be an artist!" and introduced himself exclusively as "People's Artist of the USSR." During his school years, he actively participated in amateur performances, read poetry and tried himself as a presenter.
One of the most powerful and vivid childhood impressions for him was the circus. The actor recalled that when he first appeared at a circus performance, he was captivated by the riot of colors and the festive atmosphere. But then he still did not realize that it was the circus that would determine his fate in many ways.
— I owe my dream to the circus — to become an artist. It was a revolution of the soul. First a tent, and then a circus made of marble and crystal. That was the name of the Chisinau Circus. The orchestra suddenly lights up with different lights, and the conductor comes out in a shiny red jacket. Clowns, arena, performers, tricks," the actor said in an interview.
At the age of 14, Oleshko went to Moscow. In the capital, he entered the Rumyantsev (Pencil) State School of Circus and Variety Arts, one of the few educational institutions that accepted teenagers of this age. He attended classes during the day and worked as a waiter at night. Sometimes I had to save on food to buy the necessary things.
Despite the difficulties, Oleshko completed his studies with honors, receiving a red diploma. Later, wanting to master acting, he entered the Shchukin Higher Theater School, from which he graduated in 1999.
How Alexander Oleshko built a career in theater and cinema
The creative fate of Alexander Oleshko was developing successfully. After graduating from college, he received invitations to several leading Moscow theaters at once. He chose the Satire Theater, where Alexander Shirvindt invited him. His first theatrical works were the role of a tailor in the play "The Taming of the Shrew" and the role of Bobchinsky in "The Inspector General".
Later, the actor moved to the Sovremennik Theater, where he was invited by Galina Volchek herself. He served in this team for more than ten years, becoming a truly sought-after artist. He played in productions of "The Cherry Orchard", "Three Sisters", "Thunderstorm", "Difficult People" and others.
Since 2018, Oleshko joined the troupe of the Evgeny Vakhtangov State Academic Theater, where he continues to serve today. The artist's repertoire on this stage includes both comedies and complex historical productions. One of his key works was the play "Mademoiselle Nitouche", which has been running for more than two decades and invariably gathers full houses. For this role, Oleshko was awarded the Golden Gull Award.
Another significant award was the Crystal Turandot Award, which he received for the best male role in the play Pavel I. The musical productions "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Scarlet Flower" are also very popular, where the artist performs for young audiences accompanied by an orchestra. These performances take place at the Art Cafe, a chamber space designed by Maxim Obrezkov, the theater's chief artist.
However, despite his employment in the theater, the circus did not completely disappear from the artist's life. Oleshko taught an acting course for several years at the school of circus and variety arts, which he once graduated from himself. At the same time, his film career was developing. At first, these were small roles, then the directors began to entrust him with more notable works.
Starring roles and television projects by Alexander Oleshko
Oleshko started acting in films during his studies. His first appearance on the screen took place in 1993 in the film "About Love", where he played a cameo role. But widespread popularity came to him later — in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
An image from the movie "Secrets of Palace coups"
During this period, he appeared in the films "Envy of the Gods" as KGB sergeant Sergeev, the TV series "March of the Turkish", where he played Arkasha, an investigator trainee at the Yalta Prosecutor's Office, the multi-part film "Secrets of the Palace Coups" and "The Turkish Gambit".
A special place in his filmography is occupied by the series "Daddy's Daughters" on STS, where he played the oligarch Vasily Fedotov, nicknamed "Alligator". It was this image that made the actor widely recognizable and became one of his most popular television roles.
— Not a day goes by that adults don't come up to me and tell me: "You are our Uncle Alligator," we love you, says the actor.
The host of the show "Exactly" Alexander Oleshko on Channel One
A significant part of Oleshko's career was his participation in the parody show "Big Difference", where he proved himself to be a master of reincarnation. His work as a TV presenter became no less important. On Channel One, he hosted the popular programs Minute of Glory and Exactly, and also participated in other major entertainment projects.
Alexander Oleshko's work beyond the stage
In addition to acting and television work, Alexander Oleshko is actively engaged in dubbing and dubbing. His voice can be heard in various projects, including the animated films "The Adventures of Paddington", "The Incredible Blinky Bill", "Panda from Outer Space", "Elliot".
— I really like voicing cartoons. It seems to me that every time I voice cartoon characters, my childhood dream comes true," the actor shared in an interview.
He also participates in concert programs and creative evenings, acting as a presenter. In addition, he often performs literary readings and musical numbers. According to him, such projects allow him to discover new facets of talent.
"If you can hide behind an image in the theater, then on the stage an artist without a mask remains one-on-one with his audience, as if holding out his hand for a friendly handshake,— Oleshko noted.
The actor is also known for his social activities. He participates in charity, cooperates with various foundations, has received a number of honorary awards and was awarded the gratitude of the President of Russia "For his active participation in the preparation and conduct of socially significant events."
In 2021, he was awarded the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree, for his great contribution to the development of Russian culture and art. In 2025, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of Russia.
Interesting facts about Alexander Oleshko on his 50th birthday
Alexander Oleshko tries not to expose his personal life to the public. In his youth, he was married to actress Olga Belova, whom he met while studying at a theater school, but this marriage soon broke up. Later, the artist had a serious relationship with graphic designer Victoria Mineeva.
A few years ago, it became known that Oleshko had remarried, but he prefers not to disclose the details. In the program "Million Dollar Secret" on NTV, he confirmed this, noting that his wife prepares his favorite dishes — scrambled eggs, fruit salad and fried pumpkin. When asked when he got married, the actor replied briefly: "Quite a long time ago."
He has no children, which the actor explains by his high level of employment. At the same time, according to the artist, sometimes women approach him who claim to have given birth to his child. Oleshko himself treats such statements with humor, responding that he has "everything under control."
Off stage, the actor enjoys collecting — he collects circus posters and figurines of Santa Claus. Interest in this hobby arose in childhood. The first posters were presented to him when he was a schoolboy, at the Chisinau Circus.
One of the actor's most vivid childhood memories is also connected with the circus. In 1988, the legendary clown Oleg Popov came to Chisinau on tour. During the performance, he presented young Alexander with a balloon. After that, the boy met his idol backstage. Oleshko recalled that as a child he literally "played Oleg Popov," and meeting his idol made a strong impression on him.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
