Actress Freundlich was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, I degree

Alexander Beglov, Governor of St. Petersburg, presented Alice Freundlich, People's Artist of the USSR, with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, first class. This was announced on July 11 by the press service of the city government.

"On behalf of the Leningrad-Petersburgers, I want to say that we love you, we are proud of you. Your kindness, intelligence, and hospitality are the epitome of the Leningrad character," the press service quoted Beglov as saying on the Telegram channel.

According to the governor, it is an honor for him to fulfill the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and present the actress with a state award of this level. Beglov also wished Freundlich good luck and new creative successes on stage.

It is specified that the actress became one of the few full holders of this order. The award ceremony was attended by other leading actors of the troupe of the Bolshoi Drama Theater (BDT) named after G.A. Tovstonogov, as well as Freundlich's relatives.

The ceremony took place on the Fontanka embankment within the walls of the BDT. According to Freundlich, her whole life is dedicated to the theater, which she served faithfully and was happy to do so.

"It turned out that this is also a merit to the Fatherland. Thank you all for being here — this is my main service to the Fatherland. My daughter, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren are here. This is, perhaps, a serious merit. And everything else is a joy," the actress concluded.

Last December, Putin awarded Freundlich the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, first class. It is noted that the award was awarded for a great contribution to the development of Russian culture and art, as well as many years of fruitful activity.